Restaurant Style Chicken Salad

There’s something special about a well-made Restaurant Style Chicken Salad. I remember the first time I had it at a little bistro downtown. The moment I took a bite, I was transported to a cozy summer day, with sunlight streaming through the windows and the laughter of friends filling the air. The creamy dressing mingled with tender pieces of chicken, crunchy celery, and a hint of sweetness from pickles. It was love at first taste! Since then, I’ve made it a staple in my kitchen. Whether it’s a quick lunch or a picnic treat, this chicken salad always hits the spot.

Ingredient List for Restaurant Style Chicken Salad

Creating the perfect Restaurant Style Chicken Salad starts with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, adding unique flavors and textures that come together in a delightful way. The key players are the tender chicken, crunchy celery, and creamy mayonnaise, which form a delicious base. Let’s dive into the details of what you’ll need to bring this dish to life!

• 2 cups cooked chicken (dark meat) – Tender chicken adds richness and a satisfying bite to the salad.
• 1/3 cup finely diced celery – This gives an irresistible crunch and freshness.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors beautifully.
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar – A touch of sweetness balances the savory notes.
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – A bit of spice to awaken the flavors.
• 1/3 cup sweet pickle relish – This adds delightful sweetness and tang.
• 1 cup mayonnaise – The creamy base that holds it all together.
• 8 slices Texas Toast or thick cut sandwich bread – Perfect for making delicious sandwiches or serving as toasts.

Recipe Steps for Restaurant Style Chicken Salad

Making this Restaurant Style Chicken Salad is a straightforward process that results in a dish packed with flavor. Follow along with these simple steps to create a delightful meal that you can enjoy anytime. Let’s get cooking!

1. Start by boiling your dark meat chicken in a pot of water. Cook it thoroughly until it’s completely tender and easy to shred. This step is crucial for ensuring your chicken is juicy and flavorful. Remember to keep an eye on it and check for doneness, as overcooking can dry it out.
2. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the water and allow it to cool. If you wish, save the broth in a sealed container for future use in soups or sauces. It’s a great way to add flavor to other dishes!
3. After the chicken has cooled, cut it into tiny, bite-sized pieces. The smaller the pieces, the better they’ll mix with the other ingredients. You want every bite to be a perfect blend of flavors!
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken with the finely diced celery, salt, sugar, freshly ground black pepper, and sweet pickle relish. Stir gently to combine everything evenly, being careful not to break apart the chicken too much.
5. Next, add the mayonnaise to the mixture. This is the magic ingredient that brings everything together. Mix thoroughly until the mayonnaise coats all the ingredients evenly, creating that creamy texture everyone loves.
6. At this point, taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if necessary. You might want to add a bit more salt or pepper based on your preference.
7. Now, it’s time to prepare your bread. Butter one side of each slice of Texas Toast or thick cut sandwich bread. This will give your sandwiches a lovely golden brown color when grilled.
8. Place the buttered slices on a heated skillet or grill. Toast them until they’re golden brown and crispy. This step adds a wonderful texture that complements the creamy filling.
9. Once your bread is perfectly toasted, take it off the heat and fill each slice with a generous amount of your chicken salad. You can go as heavy as you like; it’s all about your preference!
10. Finally, close the sandwiches, cut them in half if desired, and serve immediately. You can also garnish with fresh herbs or serve it with a side of fresh vegetables for a complete meal.

Expert Tips about Restaurant Style Chicken Salad

When it comes to crafting the perfect Restaurant Style Chicken Salad, a few expert tips can elevate your dish to the next level. Here’s what I’ve learned over the years:

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness.
• Freezing: While it’s not recommended to freeze the entire salad, you can freeze the cooked chicken beforehand. Just make sure to thaw it before mixing with other ingredients.
• Pairing: This chicken salad pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh greens or crispy potato chips for an easy lunch.
• Serving Suggestions: Try serving the salad in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option, or on a croissant for a more indulgent treat.
• Seasonal Variations: In summer, add some diced fruits like apples or grapes for a refreshing twist. In fall, some chopped walnuts can add a nice crunch.

Perfect Matches for Restaurant Style Chicken Salad

When serving your Restaurant Style Chicken Salad, consider these delicious options to round out your meal:

• Fresh Green Salad: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the chicken salad.
• Chips: A side of crispy potato chips adds a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy salad.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can contrast nicely, offering a sweet and tangy balance.
• Sandwich Platter: Serve with assorted sandwich options for a fun lunch spread. This allows guests to create their perfect meal.
• Picnic Ready: This dish is fantastic for outdoor gatherings. Serve it with a selection of delicious sides for a complete picnic experience.
• Wrap it Up: Use the chicken salad as a filling for wraps or pita pockets, making for easy, on-the-go lunches.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, the Restaurant Style Chicken Salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors that can be enjoyed in various ways. It’s perfect for meal prep, picnics, or just a simple lunch at home. I encourage you to try this recipe and see how it can become a staple in your kitchen. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be making it time and time again!

Restaurant Style Chicken Salad

Craving something creamy and crunchy? This Restaurant Style Chicken Salad is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken, crisp celery, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for sandwiches or a quick meal, you'll want to make this easy weeknight dinner again and again!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Salads

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups cooked chicken (dark meat)
• 1/3 cup finely diced celery
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup sweet pickle relish
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 8 slices Texas Toast or Thick Cut Sandwich Bread

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Cutting Board
• Large Pot
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Boil dark meat chicken until completely cooked. Remove from water and cool meat. You can save the chicken broth, seal and refrigerate no more than a week.
2. After chicken is cool, cut into tiny pieces. Place in a mixing bowl and add all other ingredients and mix well.
3. Butter one side of sandwich bread and grill.
4. Place salad in between grilled bread slices and serve.

Notes

• Tip 1: Consider adding slivered almonds for a crunchy texture.
• Tip 2: Mandarin oranges can bring a sweet twist to the flavor.
• Tip 3: Fresh green onions add a lovely bite to the dish.
• Tip 4: Fresh dill can elevate the taste with its aromatic flavor.

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Meet Jade Summer

Reliability is just as important as flavor. I am the one double checking measurements and testing temperatures. I cooked this recipe repeatedly, troubleshooting any tricky parts, so you can trust that it will turn out perfectly the very first time you try it.