Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Chicken Salad
This Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Chicken Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will be the star of your next gathering! Perfect for bridal showers, family reunions, or any large get-together, this hearty salad features tender shredded chicken, crisp celery, crunchy toasted almonds, and sweet grapes. The creamy dressing, enhanced with balsamic vinegar, adds a tangy brightness that ties everything together. Plan ahead by preparing it the day before; just remember to add the grapes just before serving for a fresh burst of flavor. With generous servings, leftovers are guaranteed to be a hit!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baked Whole Chickens
5 (Roasted and shredded)
Chopped Celery
2 quarts (Chopped)
Sliced Almonds
1 lb (Toasted)
Mayonnaise
2 quarts (N/A)
Balsamic Vinegar
8 tablespoons (N/A)
Red Seedless Grapes
2 quarts (Halved)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the whole chickens with salt and pepper, then roast them for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the legs pull away easily from the cavity and the juices run clear.
2
2. Once cooked, allow the chickens to cool to room temperature. Carefully remove the meat from the bones, chop it into bite-sized pieces, and refrigerate to chill.
3
3. In a heavy skillet, toast the sliced almonds over medium heat, stirring continuously until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be cautious to avoid burning them.
4
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled chicken, chopped celery, toasted almonds, mayonnaise, and balsamic vinegar. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
5
5. If preparing in advance, store the chicken salad in the refrigerator, omitting the grapes. Add the halved grapes just before serving to maintain their freshness and crunch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this chicken salad recipe?
The recipe is called the Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Chicken Salad.
What types of events is this salad best suited for?
It is perfect for bridal showers, family reunions, potlucks, and large casual gatherings.
How many whole chickens are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 5 baked whole chickens.
How should the chickens be prepared before roasting?
Season the whole chickens with salt and pepper before placing them in the oven.
What oven temperature is used for roasting the chickens?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long do the chickens need to roast?
They should roast for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
How can I tell when the chickens are fully cooked?
The chickens are done when the legs pull away easily from the cavity and the juices run clear.
What do I do with the chicken after it is cooked?
Allow the chickens to cool to room temperature, remove the meat from the bones, chop into bite-sized pieces, and refrigerate.
How much celery is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 quarts of chopped celery.
What kind of nuts are included in the salad?
The salad includes 1 lb of sliced almonds.
How should the almonds be prepared?
Toast the sliced almonds in a heavy skillet over medium heat until they are golden brown and fragrant.
What is the primary ingredient for the dressing base?
The dressing base consists of 2 quarts of mayonnaise.
What adds a tangy brightness to the dressing?
8 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar are added to the dressing for tanginess.
What type of grapes should be used?
The recipe specifies 2 quarts of red seedless grapes.
How should the grapes be prepared?
The grapes should be halved before being added to the salad.
Can I make this chicken salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a day before serving.
When is the best time to add the grapes?
Add the halved grapes just before serving to ensure they stay fresh and crunchy.
What ingredients are mixed together in the large bowl first?
Combine the chilled chicken, chopped celery, toasted almonds, mayonnaise, and balsamic vinegar.
Is there a specific caution for toasting the almonds?
Yes, you should stir continuously and be cautious to avoid burning them.
How should the chicken salad be stored if made ahead?
Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container, omitting the grapes until service.
What is the texture of the chicken meat used?
The chicken is roasted and shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces for a hearty texture.
Does this recipe include any tags for categorization?
Yes, tags include chicken salad, crowd-pleaser, party food, potluck recipe, and bridal shower.
Is this a comfort food recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food recipe.
How many ingredients in total are used in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients used in this recipe.
Why is the chicken chilled before mixing?
Chilling the chicken helps the salad maintain a refreshing temperature and prevents the mayonnaise from breaking down.
Can this recipe be considered a make-ahead salad?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a make-ahead salad.
What kind of vinegar is recommended?
Balsamic vinegar is recommended for its unique flavor profile.
How do you ensure even coating of the ingredients?
Mix well in a large mixing bowl to ensure all components are evenly coated with the mayonnaise and vinegar.
What should be done with leftovers?
The recipe description notes that leftovers are guaranteed to be a hit!
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The specific serving size is not provided, but it is designed to yield generous servings for a large crowd.