Creamy Chicken Salad Recipe with Hard-Boiled Eggs
This creamy chicken salad recipe is perfect for a light lunch, a quick dinner, or a tasty party appetizer. It's packed with flavor and features the perfect balance of creamy texture and satisfying chunks of chicken and hard-boiled eggs. This recipe is easily customizable to your taste preferences!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1.5 lbs cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 4 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise, or to taste (vegan mayo works too!)
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional, but adds a nice bite!)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional additions: Chopped walnuts or pecans, grapes, curry powder, paprika, fresh herbs (dill, parsley, chives)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: If using a rotisserie chicken, shred the chicken meat. If you cooked your own chicken breast, let it cool completely before shredding or dicing.
- Hard-boil the Eggs: Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 10-12 minutes. Run under cold water to cool, then peel and chop.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, celery, red onion (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Mix Thoroughly: Gently stir all the ingredients until they are well combined and evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more mayonnaise for a creamier consistency, or more lemon juice for a tangier flavor.
- Chill (Optional): For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Serving Suggestions:
- Classic Sandwich Filling: Serve your chicken salad on crusty bread, croissants, or crackers.
- Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, use large lettuce leaves as wraps.
- Salad Topping: Add a scoop of chicken salad on top of your favorite greens for a protein-packed salad.
- Party Appetizer: Serve with crackers, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips for a delightful party snack.
Tips & Variations:
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Herby Delight: Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives add a burst of freshness.
- Fruity Twist: Incorporate chopped grapes or apples for a sweet and savory combination.
- Nutty Goodness: Toasted walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
- Make it Ahead: This chicken salad can be made a day ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prepping.
This creamy chicken salad recipe is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Experiment with different ingredients and find your perfect combination! Enjoy!
