Craving that perfectly balanced, creamy chicken salad like the kind you find at your favorite deli? You’re in luck! This recipe will show you how to make an easy, flavor-packed chicken salad using boneless chicken breast and thigh meat for the perfect blend of texture and taste. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual lunch, a picnic, or a light dinner, this homemade chicken salad is sure to impress!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 500 grams boneless chicken breast, cut into small pieces
- 300 grams boneless chicken thigh, cut into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried onion powder
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- Additional sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, toss the chicken breasts and thighs with olive oil, making sure they’re evenly coated. Season the chicken with onion powder, black pepper, and sea salt.
Step 2: Bake the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken pieces in a baking dish and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Bake the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Chill and Chop
After cooling, refrigerate the chicken for at least 1 hour to let the flavors settle. Once chilled, dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces (roughly ¼ inch long and ½ inch wide). The combination of breast and thigh meat ensures a juicy yet firm texture, making every bite satisfying.
Step 4: Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, mayonnaise, and chopped celery. Stir until the ingredients are well incorporated, ensuring every piece of chicken is coated in the creamy dressing.
Step 5: Chill Again
For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 1 to 2 hours, or ideally, leave it overnight. The longer it rests, the more the flavors meld together, giving you that delicious, deli-style taste.
Step 6: Season to Taste
Before serving, taste the chicken salad and adjust the seasoning by adding more sea salt or black pepper if needed. You can also add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
This chicken salad is incredibly versatile! You can serve it in various ways:
- As a sandwich filler on fresh sourdough bread, croissants, or rolls.
- On top of a bed of mixed greens for a light, healthy meal.
- Scooped onto crackers for a snack or party appetizer.
Why This Recipe Works:
This recipe balances the richness of the mayonnaise with the subtle crunch of celery and perfectly seasoned, tender chicken. The blend of chicken breast and thigh meat gives it a more complex texture than using just one cut of meat. Chilling the chicken before mixing allows the flavors to settle and improves the overall taste, ensuring that every bite feels fresh and flavorful.
Final Thoughts:
Making a deli-quality chicken salad at home is easier than you think. With just a few simple ingredients and a little prep time, you can whip up a delicious, creamy chicken salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Be sure to make extra because this dish is sure to disappear quickly!
Enjoy your homemade chicken salad, and feel free to get creative by adding in your favorite ingredients like grapes, dried cranberries, or even chopped nuts for an extra twist!