Discover the perfect blend of herbs and tender chicken in this fresh and flavorful herbed chicken salad. Ideal for a light lunch or a delicious dinner, this salad combines juicy chicken breasts with a creamy herbed mayonnaise and optional bursts of fresh plum tomatoes. Simple to prepare and absolutely delicious, this herbed chicken salad is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Follow these easy steps to create a delightful and healthy dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 ½ to 2 pounds total)
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional)
- ⅓ cup of seasoned mayo (adjust quantity as preferred)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (adjust according to your preference)
- 1 cup of chopped plum tomatoes, with seeds removed (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Chicken:
- Poaching Method: Place the chicken breasts in a large skillet or pot. Add the dry white wine (if using) and enough water to cover the chicken. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover, and poach the chicken for about 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Grilling/Baking Method: Alternatively, you can grill or bake the chicken breasts. For grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. For baking, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the chicken for about 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Cool and Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the heat and let them cool slightly. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the Herbed Mayonnaise: If not using store-bought herbed mayonnaise, you can make your own by mixing mayonnaise with your choice of finely chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, tarragon, and chives.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the herbed mayonnaise to the shredded chicken, starting with ⅓ cup and adding more as needed to reach your desired level of creaminess. If using, gently fold in the diced plum tomatoes.
- Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, let the herbed chicken salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve the salad on a bed of fresh greens, in a sandwich, or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a light and healthy meal.
Conclusion:
This fresh and flavorful herbed chicken salad is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for any meal. With its tender chicken, creamy herbed mayonnaise, and optional juicy plum tomatoes, it offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Easy to make and packed with herbs, this salad is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Enjoy this tasty and healthy chicken salad with your loved ones!