Cranberry Apple Chicken Salad

Recipe Introduction: Your New Go-To

Fancy a spot of lunch? Ever wondered how to jazz up that boring old chicken salad? Honestly, this is The Best Chicken Salad! (With cranberries and apples, of course!).

It's the perfect combo of sweet, savory, and crunchy. You'll feel like you're at a picnic in the park even if you're just at your desk!

A Little Bit About The Best Chicken Salad Recipe

This version of Chicken Salad isn't your average sandwich filler. It's inspired by classic American flavors, but with a little something extra.

It's dead easy to make in under an hour and yields about 4-6 servings. Perfect for a Chicken Salad Sandwich lunch or a light dinner.

Why You'll Absolutely Love This Easy Chicken Salad

This Cranberry Chicken Salad is packed with protein and has that satisfying crunch. The cranberries add sweetness, whilst the apples give it a refreshing twist.

The Greek yogurt in the dressing helps keep it light. This Chicken Salad Recipe is great for using up leftover chicken.

A tasty way to reduce food waste!

Ingredients: The Star Players of our Apple Chicken Salad Recipe

Here's what you'll need to make this Gourmet Chicken Salad sing:

• 1. 5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
• Dried cranberries, celery, apples, toasted pecans, and red onion to add a bit of crunch.
• Mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, and onion powder for the dressing.

It really makes Homemade Chicken Salad so much better! Onwards to the instructions, shall we?

Ingredients & Equipment for The Best Chicken Salad! (With Cranberries, Apples...)

Alright, let’s talk ingredients. We're making The Best Chicken Salad! Honestly, it's a game changer. We will use cranberries and apples, the result is delightful.

This isn’t your average Chicken Salad Recipe . It's got zing !

Main Ingredients for the Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless breasts. Get good quality, free range if you can. Trust me, it's worth it.
• Salt: 1 tsp (5g) kosher salt.
• Pepper: ½ tsp (2.5g) black pepper.
• Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) for cooking the chicken.
• Dried Cranberries: 1 cup (150g) . These add a lovely sweetness and chewiness.
• Celery: 1 cup (120g) chopped.
• Apple: 1 cup (120g) diced red apple. Gala or Honeycrisp are great.
• Pecans: ½ cup (60g) chopped, toasted.
• Red Onion: ¼ cup (25g) finely chopped.

The Dressing: The Secret to Gourmet Chicken Salad

• Mayonnaise: ½ cup (120ml) . Full fat gives the best flavour, but light works too.
• Greek Yogurt: ¼ cup (60ml) . Adds a tang.
• Dijon Mustard: 2 tbsp (30ml) .
• Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp (15ml) , freshly squeezed.
• Honey: 1 tbsp (15ml) .
• Onion Powder: ¼ tsp (1.25g) .
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Honestly, this dressing combo makes the whole Chicken Salad Sandwich sing. It’s like a flavour explosion! I learned this trick from my grandma.

Equipment You'll Need to Make this Apple Chicken Salad Recipe

• Large Skillet: For cooking the chicken. A saucepan works too.
• Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients.
• Whisk: For the dressing.
• Cutting Board & Knife: Obvs.
• Toaster Oven or Skillet: For toasting the pecans. Watch them like a hawk!

Don't stress if you don't have fancy kit. A frying pan, a bowl and a spoon works great! This is an Easy Chicken Salad , remember?

Cooking Method: Transforming Chicken into The Best Chicken Salad! (With Cranberries, Apples...)

Alright, let's talk about turning plain ol' chicken into something spectacular : The Ultimate Cranberry Apple Chicken Salad . Forget boring lunches! This is a gourmet chicken salad experience right here.

Honestly, this Chicken Salad Recipe is foolproof, and easy Chicken Salad recipe is all you need. This recipe is all about the cooking method.

You can even make it the best Chicken Salad Sandwich ever.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Magic

Before we even think about cooking, let’s get organised. This is your mise en place , darling. Chop your celery, dice your apples (I love a Gala for this Apple Chicken Salad Recipe ), and get those cranberries ready.

Toast your pecans. Honestly, these small things ensure a much more flavorful Homemade Chicken Salad . This Chicken Salad with Fruit will be ready in a breeze.

Time saving tip : Do all the chopping the night before if you fancy a lie-in! It will transform the Best Chicken Salad

From Raw to Ready: Chicken Cooking Simplified

1. Season your 1.5 lbs chicken breasts. Use 1 tsp salt and 0.5 tsp pepper.
2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet. Cook over medium heat.
3. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) . This is non-negotiable for food safety! I use a meat thermometer.
4. Let the chicken cool slightly. Dice it into bite sized pieces.
5. Toast 1/2 cup of pecans in the oven. Wait until lightly browned. Watch them closely they burn fast!

Pro Tips for Chicken Salad Nirvana

Don't ever overcook your chicken! That's the biggest mistake. Dry chicken ruins everything. I am sure you need The Best Chicken Salad Recipe ever! For maximum flavor, use full fat mayonnaise if you can.

The flavor is worth it. make-ahead tip : You can cook the chicken a day or two in advance. This makes Cranberry Chicken Salad preparation easier.

This can also be used to create a Chicken Salad Recipe with all your favorites.

Recipe Notes

Alright, let's chat more about The Best Chicken Salad! (With cranberries and apples, of course!). I've made this bad boy countless times.

Honestly, the first few attempts? Not my finest work. But hey, that's how we learn, right? Here are a few things I picked up along the way that will seriously elevate your Chicken Salad Recipe .

Plating Like a Pro (Serving Suggestions)

Presentation matters, even with Homemade Chicken Salad . For a fancy vibe, I love serving it in mini croissants. Think afternoon tea, but way less stuffy.

Or, for a lighter lunch, stuff it into lettuce cups. Boom! Instant healthy points. Pair it with a crisp glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc.

It cuts through the richness beautifully. I also love serving it as the filling for a Chicken Salad Sandwich . You know?

Storage Secrets

Refrigeration is key! This Easy Chicken Salad keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Honestly, it never lasts that long at my house. Freezing? Hmm, I wouldn't recommend it. Mayonnaise can get a bit weird after thawing.

But the next day, Chicken Salad with Fruit tastes even better. To reheat the Best Chicken Salad Recipe , you can't.

Simply serve it cold.

Tweaks and Twists (Variations)

Wanna mix things up? Try adding a pinch of curry powder for a Gourmet Chicken Salad vibe. Or, if you're feeling virtuous, swap out some of the mayo for avocado.

Trust me, it works! For a Cranberry Chicken Salad , you can use dried cranberries. For Apple Chicken Salad Recipe , Honeycrisp apples are divine.

Also you can also add diced red onion. If you're a vegetarian or vegan, substitute tofu.

Nutrition Nuggets

Okay, let's talk about the good stuff! This Chicken Salad Recipe is packed with protein. Chicken is great. The pecans add healthy fats.

And the apples? Well, they're basically an excuse to eat more Chicken Salad with Fruit . Remember that you can use light mayonnaise to lower the calories.

This Gourmet Chicken Salad is full of nutrients. The recipe provides many health benefits.

So there you have it. My Best Chicken Salad tips. Don't be afraid to experiment. And most importantly, have fun with it! You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make "The Best Chicken Salad! (With Cranberries, Apples...)" ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend it. The flavors meld together beautifully after a few hours in the fridge. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container and it will be good for up to 3 days. Think of it as a culinary version of aging fine wine - the longer it sits, the better it gets!

What's the best way to cook the chicken for this chicken salad recipe?

There are several ways you can cook the chicken, each bringing its own flavour notes. Poaching the chicken will give you a moist and tender result, perfect for a more delicate salad.

Pan-frying adds a bit of colour and slightly more robust flavour, while using leftover roast chicken is a fantastic way to cut down on prep time and avoid any waste!

I'm not a fan of cranberries. What else can I add to "The Best Chicken Salad! (With Cranberries, Apples...)"?

No worries, mate! You can easily swap out the cranberries for something else you enjoy. Diced grapes, raisins, or even chopped dried apricots would be delicious substitutes. Feel free to play around with the recipe and make it your own - that's the beauty of cooking!

How can I lighten up this "The Best Chicken Salad! (With Cranberries, Apples...)" recipe?

If you're watching your waistline, you can make a few simple swaps to lighten up this chicken salad. Use light mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the full fat mayonnaise.

You could also increase the amount of apple and celery to add more bulk with fewer calories, and make sure to use a leaner cut of chicken.

Can I freeze chicken salad?

Freezing chicken salad isn't ideal, as the mayonnaise can separate and become watery when thawed, changing the texture. If you must freeze it, consider omitting the mayonnaise and apples until after thawing; instead, mix the chicken and cranberries and then freeze.

You can then add fresh mayonnaise and apple when ready to serve to avoid any texture problems!