deli style chicken salad

Deli-Style Chicken Salad

Deli-style chicken salad is a versatile and delicious dish that can be served as a sandwich filling, a salad topping, or even on its own. This recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken Salad:
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish or chopped pickles
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional)
• For Serving (optional):
  • Lettuce leaves
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Bread or rolls
  • Crackers

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, you can poach, bake, or grill chicken breasts. Let them cool before dicing or shredding.
2. Mix the Dressing:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Add the Chicken and Vegetables:
   • Add the diced or shredded chicken, celery, red onion, and pickle relish or chopped pickles to the bowl. Stir until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Season:
   • Taste the chicken salad and season with salt and pepper as needed. If desired, add chopped fresh parsley or dill for extra flavor.
5. Chill:
   • Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the chicken salad on a bed of lettuce, in sandwiches, or with crackers. Add sliced tomatoes, additional lettuce, or other preferred toppings.

Tips:

• Chicken Options: Rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or even canned chicken can be used for convenience.
• Add-Ins: Customize your chicken salad by adding grapes, dried cranberries, chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts), or diced apples for added texture and flavor.
• Healthier Version: For a lighter version, use all Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, or try a combination of half mayo and half Greek yogurt.
• Storage: Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Enjoy your deli-style chicken salad as a versatile and tasty option for lunch, dinner, or even a snack!