The Ultimate Chicken Salad Fit for a Queen or King

The Best Chicken Salad Recipe Fit for a Queen

By Fia MartinezSeptember 7, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a proper Best Chicken Salad ? Oh my gosh, you're in for a treat! This recipe is packed with flavour and has a creamy texture that'll make you say "Mmm!" Honestly, this could be the best you've ever tasted.

Brief Overview

This Classic Chicken Salad recipe is proper British picnic food. It's a doddle to make and ready in about an hour if you want a Chicken Salad Sandwich or quick lunch.

This recipe makes four generous portions.

Main Benefits

This Homemade Chicken Salad is a good source of protein. It's perfect for a quick lunch, potluck, or picnic. What makes this recipe special is its balance of creaminess, tanginess, and crunch.

You know? It's simply smashing!

Want to Know how to make the most Delicious Chicken Salad Ever?

Let's talk about chicken salad, because not all chicken salad is created equal! This Easy Chicken Salad Recipe will change your opinion of all other chicken salad.

I once had a Creamy Chicken Salad that was so bland, I almost cried!

My aim here is to give you with the finest Chicken Salad Lunch Recipe . So, if you are after the Best Chicken Salad Recipe , follow on to the ingredients!.

Why This Recipe Rocks

This recipe will show you how to make the Best Chicken Salad with Grapes I've been making this recipe for years, and it’s always a hit.

I once took it to a garden party, and it was gone in minutes. People were actually fighting over the last spoonful! The secret? Top-notch ingredients and a dash of love.

This Chicken Salad for Sandwiches is a winner, every time.

Ingredients & Equipment

Right, let's talk about what you'll need to make the best chicken salad ever. Don't worry, it's all pretty basic.

Nothing too fancy, I promise! It's really just about having good quality ingredients.

Main Ingredients

Chicken Breasts : 1.5 lbs (680g) . Go for the good stuff. Free range, if you can. It really does make a difference to the taste. Look for plump, pink chicken, not pale and sad-looking. This recipe uses poached chicken which makes the chicken super tender for the Chicken Salad Sandwich .
Water : 4 cups (950 ml) . Tap water is fine. We're just using it to poach the chicken.
Salt : 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Regular table salt will do the trick.
Black Peppercorns : 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) . Whole peppercorns are best. They add a nice depth of flavour.
Bay Leaf : 1 . Adds a subtle herby note.
Mayonnaise : 1/2 cup (115g) . I like full fat mayo. It gives the salad a lovely richness. But light mayo is fine if you're watching your waistline.
Greek Yogurt : 1/4 cup (60g) . Adds a lovely tang. And it lightens the salad up a bit.
Lemon Juice : 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Freshly squeezed is best.
Dijon Mustard : 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Adds a bit of a kick.
Honey or Maple Syrup : 1 teaspoon (5ml) (optional). Just a touch of sweetness to balance the flavours.
Salt : 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) (more to taste).
Black Pepper : 1/8 teaspoon (0.6ml) (more to taste).
Celery : 1/2 cup (50g) , chopped.
Red Onion : 1/4 cup (25g) , chopped. I find that putting the chopped red onion in cold water for 10 minutes makes it less overpowering.
Dried Cranberries : 1/4 cup (20g) . Or raisins. Whichever you prefer.
Toasted Slivered Almonds : 1/4 cup (25g) .
Fresh Parsley : 2 tablespoons (10g) , chopped. You could use chives instead if you like.

Seasoning Notes

We're going for a classic flavour profile here. A touch of sweetness, a bit of tang, and a good balance of savoury and salty.

For Chicken Salad Recipe it is important to achieve the balance.

Honestly, the key is to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Got it?

If you don't have Dijon mustard, English mustard will work in a pinch.

Equipment Needed

Large saucepan. For poaching the chicken.
Cutting board. For chopping veggies and the chicken.
Sharp knife. Absolutely essential. A blunt knife is a hazard!
Large mixing bowl. For mixing everything together.
Whisk. For making the dressing.

That's all you need to make this amazing classic chicken salad . If you don't have a whisk, a fork will do just fine.

Let's get to it. The best chicken salad recipe is about to unfold. Now, I am feeling very excited about trying this Easy Chicken Salad Recipe .

Cooking Method: The Secret to the Best Chicken Salad

Right, let's talk chicken! Specifically, how to cook it for the ultimate chicken salad recipe . Honestly, this is where most folks go wrong.

Dry, stringy chicken? No thanks! We want tender, juicy perfection for the Best Chicken Salad .

Prep Steps: Sorted!

First, mise en place is key! That just means "everything in its place". Get your chicken, water, and spices ready.

Chop your celery and red onion. Having everything prepped saves you heaps of time and stress. Also, and this is dead important, make sure your cutting board is stable and your knife is sharp.

We're aiming for culinary brilliance, not a trip to A&E.

step-by-step Process: Easy Peasy

Pop 1.5 lbs (680g) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into a large saucepan.
Cover with 4 cups (950 ml) of water. Add 1 teaspoon (5ml) of salt, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) of black peppercorns, and 1 bay leaf.
Bring it to a boil, then turn the heat right down to a simmer. Simmer gently for about 25 minutes , until the chicken is cooked.
The chicken is done when a thermometer reads 165° F/ 74° C .
Take the chicken out and let it cool completely. This is important!
Once cooled, chop the chicken into nice, bite sized pieces.

Now, you have perfectly cooked chicken for your Classic Chicken Salad , your base for a delightful Chicken Salad Lunch Recipe .

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Salad

Don't overcook the chicken! Overcooked chicken is the enemy of a good Chicken Salad Sandwich . Poaching it gently ensures it stays lovely and moist. Trust me on this one!

Want to save time? Poach the chicken the day before. It's make-ahead magic! Store it in the fridge and it's ready to go when you are.

One common mistake? Not letting the chicken cool completely! Warm chicken messes with the dressing. It's like putting ice cream in a hot cup of tea. Yuck!

So there you have it! Perfectly cooked chicken, ready for the Best Chicken Salad . Next up, we’ll whip up that amazing dressing!

Recipe Notes for the Champion Chicken Salad

Right, so you're about to tuck into making the Best Chicken Salad , eh? Here are some extra bits and bobs to make sure it's absolutely cracking.

Honestly, these tips can make all the difference. You know?

Plating Like a Pro and What to Serve It With

Listen up, presentation matters, even for Homemade Chicken Salad ! When serving this Classic Chicken Salad , you can't go wrong with a simple, elegant plating.

I love piling it high on a bed of crisp lettuce, maybe with a few extra cranberries scattered around. For a fancy lunch, try serving it in mini croissants.

And don't forget the sides! A simple green salad or some crunchy coleslaw are brilliant. Wash it all down with a refreshing elderflower cordial, or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc if you're feeling posh!

Storing the Goodness

Okay, so you've made a massive batch of this Creamy Chicken Salad . What to do? Easy peasy!

Refrigeration: This Easy Chicken Salad Recipe will happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days . Just make sure it's in an airtight container.

Nobody wants soggy salad! Freezing: I wouldn't recommend freezing it, to be honest. Mayonnaise doesn't freeze well and you'll end up with a weird, watery mess.

Trust me, I’ve been there. It's best to make it fresh! Reheating: No reheating needed! This is a cold salad.

Just grab it from the fridge and dig in!

Mix It Up! Variations on the Theme

Fancy jazzing things up a bit? Here are a few ideas for Chicken Salad Lunch Recipe :

Dietary Adaptations: Need a dairy-free version? Use vegan mayo and skip the Greek yogurt. Sorted!
Seasonal Swaps: In the summer, swap the cranberries for fresh grapes. This is Chicken Salad with Grapes , trust me, it’s a game changer! In autumn, try adding some chopped apple.

Quick Nutrition Lowdown

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. This Chicken Salad for Sandwiches is packed with protein from the chicken and yogurt.

It's got some healthy fats from the mayo and nuts. It is a solid choice for lunch! Remember, I am no nutritionist; these are just some basic observations.

Always seek professional help for your dietary needs.

So, there you have it! All you need to know to make the ultimate chicken salad. With these tips, you're well on your way to creating something really special.

Get in the kitchen and have fun. It's easier than you think, innit?

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to cook the chicken for the Best Chicken Salad? I always seem to overcook it!

Nobody wants a tough old bird in their chicken salad! Gently poaching the chicken is the key. Simmer it in water with aromatics like peppercorns and a bay leaf until just cooked through (165°F/74°C). This keeps it beautifully moist and tender, perfect for soaking up all that lovely dressing.

Remember, overcooked chicken is the enemy!

Can I make the Ultimate Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can! In fact, making this chicken salad ahead of time is a great idea. The flavors meld together beautifully as it sits in the fridge. I recommend making it at least 30 minutes before serving, but it's even better if you can make it a day in advance. Just give it a good stir before serving!

How long does the Best Chicken Salad last in the fridge, and how should I store it?

This Best Chicken Salad is best enjoyed within 3-4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Be sure to keep it in an airtight container. After that, the texture might start to suffer, and nobody wants soggy chicken salad! As always, use your best judgment and give it a sniff before digging in.

I'm not a fan of mayonnaise. Can I substitute anything in your Chicken Salad recipe?

Good on you for keeping it healthy! Of course! Greek yogurt is a cracking alternative to mayonnaise. It adds a lovely tang and cuts down on the fat. You could also try using a combination of Greek yogurt and avocado for an extra creamy, healthy twist.

Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to your liking, as Greek yogurt has a different flavor profile.

What are some fun variations I can try with this Ultimate Chicken Salad recipe?

Fancy livening things up a bit? You could add a teaspoon or two of curry powder for a fragrant curry chicken salad a real crowd pleaser. Sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese will give you a Mediterranean vibe.

And if you're feeling adventurous, try adding some chopped apple or grapes for a touch of sweetness and crunch. The possibilities are endless, really!

Is there anything I should be aware of nutritionally when making the Best Chicken Salad?

A good question! Keep in mind that mayonnaise can be quite high in fat and calories, so using light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt is a great way to lighten it up. Also, the dried cranberries add a fair amount of sugar, so you could reduce the amount or use fresh grapes instead.

As always, portion control is key to enjoying this Best Chicken Salad as part of a balanced diet.