Creamy Hot Chicken Fettuccine Salad
Inspired by the flavorful hot chicken salad from Lardo's in McCall, ID, this Creamy Hot Chicken Fettuccine Salad transforms a classic dish into a delightful, hearty meal. Featuring tender chicken, al dente fettuccine, and a vibrant medley of sautéed vegetables, this dish is elevated with a luscious honey mustard dressing that delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this dish has become a family favorite in our home, guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. And with the option to enhance store-bought dressing with additional honey, it remains an accessible weeknight wonder.
N/A
Servings
350
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken breast halves
3-4 (cut into 1-inch chunks)
Cooking oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Fettuccine
16 ounces (cooked according to package directions)
Broccoli
2 heads (cut into florets)
Sweet onion
1 (cut into thin crescents (preferably Walla Walla Sweet or Yellow))
Fresh white mushrooms
1/2 lb (sliced)
Celery ribs
3 (thinly sliced)
Slivered almonds
to taste (for topping)
Honey mustard dressing
1-2 cups (homemade or store-bought, mixed with honey)
Honey
1/4-1/2 cup (to taste (to mix with dressing))
Instructions
1
Season the chicken chunks with salt, pepper, or Cajun spice for a kick.
2
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and sauté until cooked through and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest, retaining the juices.
3
Bring a pot of salted water to boil and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4
In a small bowl, mix the honey mustard dressing with the additional honey until well combined.
5
In the same skillet used for the chicken, add another tablespoon of cooking oil. Sauté the broccoli, onions, celery, and mushrooms over medium heat until tender, yet still slightly crisp, about 5-6 minutes.
6
Return the cooked chicken, along with any reserved juices, to the skillet and heat through, about 2-3 minutes.
7
To serve, place a portion of the fettuccine on each plate, topping it with the chicken and vegetable mixture.
8
Sprinkle slivered almonds over the dish for added crunch and garnish.
9
Serve the honey mustard dressing either drizzled on top or on the side for individual preference.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
37g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Hot Chicken Fettuccine Salad?
It is a hearty meal featuring tender chicken chunks, al dente fettuccine, and a medley of sauteed vegetables tossed in a sweet and tangy honey mustard dressing.
What inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by the flavorful hot chicken salad served at Lardo's in McCall, Idaho.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This versatile dish can be served either warm or at room temperature, making it a flexible option for family meals.
What are the primary protein sources in this recipe?
The main protein source is chicken breast halves, which provide 30g of protein per serving.
How many calories are in one serving of this salad?
There are approximately 350 calories per serving of this Creamy Hot Chicken Fettuccine Salad.
What type of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of fettuccine, cooked according to the package directions.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, you can add a kick to the dish by seasoning the chicken chunks with Cajun spice before cooking.
What vegetables are included in the mixture?
The vegetable medley includes broccoli florets, sweet onion crescents, sliced fresh white mushrooms, and thinly sliced celery.
How do I prepare the honey mustard dressing?
You can use homemade or store-bought honey mustard dressing and mix it with an additional 1/4 to 1/2 cup of honey for added sweetness.
What kind of onions should I use?
The recipe recommends using a sweet onion, specifically suggesting Walla Walla Sweet or Yellow onions.
How much chicken is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 to 4 chicken breast halves cut into 1-inch chunks.
What size should the chicken be cut into?
The chicken breast halves should be cut into 1-inch chunks for even cooking and easy eating.
How long do I need to cook the chicken?
Saute the chicken in a skillet for about 5 to 7 minutes until it is cooked through and no longer pink.
What is the purpose of the slivered almonds?
Slivered almonds are used as a topping to add a pleasant crunch and serve as a garnish.
Is this recipe suitable for picky eaters?
Yes, this dish has become a family favorite that is guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.
How long should I saute the vegetables?
The broccoli, onions, mushrooms, and celery should be sauteed for about 5 to 6 minutes until they are tender yet still slightly crisp.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This recipe contains 10g of fat per serving.
How many grams of protein are in this recipe?
Each serving provides 30g of protein.
How much broccoli is required?
The recipe calls for 2 heads of broccoli, cut into florets.
What kind of mushrooms are used?
You should use 1/2 lb of sliced fresh white mushrooms.
How should the celery be sliced?
The 3 celery ribs should be thinly sliced before being sauteed with the other vegetables.
Can I use store-bought dressing?
Yes, you can use store-bought honey mustard dressing and enhance it with extra honey to make it an accessible weeknight meal.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 37g of carbohydrates in each serving.
How do I finish the chicken and vegetable mixture?
After sauteing the vegetables, return the cooked chicken and its reserved juices to the skillet and heat through for 2 to 3 minutes.
Should I cook the pasta in salted water?
Yes, the instructions recommend bringing a pot of salted water to a boil to cook the fettuccine.
How much honey should I add to the dressing?
Depending on your taste preference, you should add between 1/4 to 1/2 cup of honey to the dressing.
What type of oil is used for sauteing?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of cooking oil, divided into two stages of sauteing.
How do I garnish the dish?
Garnish the finished dish by sprinkling slivered almonds over the top before serving.
Is this a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, because it uses simple ingredients and quick cooking methods, it is described as a weeknight wonder.
Should the dressing be mixed into the pasta?
The honey mustard dressing can either be drizzled over the top of the plated dish or served on the side according to individual preference.