Tropical Curried Chicken Delight
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Tropical Curried Chicken Delight, a refreshing and satisfying salad that shines in warm weather. The dish perfectly balances the spice of curry with sweet mango and grapes, creating a delightful medley that tantalizes the taste buds. The creamy base, enriched with mayonnaise and yogurt, complements the tender chicken and crunchy cashews, making each bite a textural pleasure. Fresh cilantro garnishes the plate with a burst of color and flavor, enhancing the dish's tropical feel. This salad is not only delicious but also versatile, ideal for a summer lunch, picnic, or light dinner. For best results, allow the salad to chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
4 cups (None)
chicken broth
1 3/4 cups (None)
boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 1/2 lbs (Cooked and chopped)
mayonnaise
1/2 cup (None)
plain yogurt
1/3 cup (None)
curry powder
5 teaspoons (Adjust to taste)
fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon (Squeezed from fresh lime)
honey
1 teaspoon (None)
ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon (None)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (None)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (None)
medium red onion
1 (Chopped (1 cup))
firm-ripe mango
3/4 lb (Peeled, pitted, and chopped)
red seedless grapes
1 cup (Halved)
salted roasted cashews
1/2 cup (Coarsely chopped)
Instructions
1
In a 2- to 3-quart saucepan, bring the water and chicken broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
2
Once simmering, add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are submerged. Allow them to cook uncovered for 6 minutes.
3
After 6 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat, cover it with a lid, and let the chicken rest in the hot liquid for about 15 minutes or until fully cooked.
4
Transfer the chicken to a plate and allow it to cool for 10 minutes. Once cooled, chop the chicken into 1/2-inch pieces.
5
While the chicken cools, prepare the dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise, yogurt, curry powder, lime juice, honey, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
6
Once the chicken has cooled, add it to the bowl along with the chopped red onion, mango, halved grapes, and cashews.
7
Gently fold the mixture together until all ingredients are well combined.
8
For optimal flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve chilled, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Curried Chicken Delight?
It is a refreshing and satisfying salad that combines tender poached chicken with sweet mango, grapes, and crunchy cashews in a creamy curry-spiced dressing.
What are the main ingredients for the dressing?
The dressing is made by whisking together mayonnaise, plain yogurt, curry powder, lime juice, honey, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper.
How do I cook the chicken for this recipe?
Bring water and chicken broth to a simmer, add chicken breasts and cook uncovered for 6 minutes, then remove from heat and let rest covered for 15 minutes.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken; simply chop it into 1/2-inch pieces and skip the poaching steps.
What kind of mango should I use?
The recipe calls for a firm-ripe mango that is peeled, pitted, and chopped to provide the best texture and sweetness.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
For optimal flavor, it is recommended to refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
What type of nuts are used in this salad?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of salted roasted cashews that are coarsely chopped for a savory crunch.
Can I substitute the cashews?
Yes, you can substitute cashews with other nuts like sliced almonds or chopped pecans if preferred.
Is this salad spicy?
The salad has a mild spice from the curry powder and ginger, which is balanced by the sweetness of the fruit and honey.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for plain yogurt to create an even thicker dressing.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve it chilled, garnished with fresh cilantro. It is perfect for a summer lunch, picnic, or light dinner.
How do I prepare the grapes?
The recipe uses 1 cup of red seedless grapes that should be halved before being added to the salad.
Can I use lime juice from a bottle?
While bottled juice works, fresh lime juice is recommended for the most vibrant tropical flavor.
What size should the chicken pieces be?
After the chicken has cooled, it should be chopped into approximately 1/2-inch pieces.
Is the honey necessary in the dressing?
The teaspoon of honey helps balance the acidity of the lime and the spice of the curry, but it can be omitted if you prefer a less sweet dressing.
What type of onion is best for this recipe?
A medium red onion is used for its mild flavor and bright color; you will need about 1 cup chopped.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftover chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Does this recipe contain gluten?
The primary ingredients are gluten-free, but always check the labels on your broth and curry powder to ensure no hidden gluten.
Can I add more curry powder?
Yes, the recipe suggests 5 teaspoons but notes you should adjust it to suit your personal taste preference.
Should the chicken be warm when added to the dressing?
No, the chicken should be cooled for about 10 minutes and chopped before being mixed with the creamy dressing.
What is the purpose of the chicken broth in the water?
Poaching the chicken in a mix of water and chicken broth infuses the meat with more flavor than water alone.
Can I use frozen mango?
Fresh mango is preferred for texture, but if using frozen, ensure it is completely thawed and drained of excess moisture.
Is this recipe suitable for a large crowd?
Yes, the recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for parties, making it a great option for gatherings.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise for a healthier option?
You can use a light mayonnaise or increase the proportion of yogurt, though it may change the richness of the dressing.
What if I don't like cilantro?
If you dislike cilantro, you can omit the garnish or use fresh parsley for a different herbaceous note.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on the 1.5 lbs of chicken and fruit, it typically serves 4 to 6 people as a main dish salad.
Can I add celery for extra crunch?
Yes, chopped celery is a common addition to chicken salads and would complement the other textures in this dish well.
Is the ground ginger fresh or dried?
The recipe specifies ground ginger, which is the dried, powdered form found in the spice aisle.
Can I make this as a wrap?
Absolutely, this salad works perfectly as a filling for flour tortillas, pita bread, or served in large lettuce leaves.