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A plate of chicken salad with slices of apples and garnished with lettuce.

Chicken Salad

Ingredients
  

  • 3 medium chicken breasts or 6 chicken tenders should make about 2.5 cups of shredded chicken
  • 2 cups apples chopped (leave the peel on for improved taste and texture)
  • 4 to 6 tablespoons mayonnaise more mayonnaise balances out any extras you add
  • 1/3 cup chopped nuts walnuts, almonds, and pecans work well
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Dried cranberries about 2 tablespoons will do the trick
  • Celery about 1 stalk, chopped into small pieces
  • Grapes 1/2 cup, sliced in half and seedless
  • Raisins 1/2 cup
  • Sunflower seeds 1/4 cup, shelled
  • Cucumber chopped into small pieces

Instructions
 

  • Poach the Chicken: Simply place the chicken breast tenders or whole breasts in a pot of water. Bring the pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, turn off the heat and use a tight lid to cover it. After about 20 to 25 minutes, the chicken should be cooked through.
  • Once the chicken cools off, use your hands to shred it into bite-sized pieces that combine well with the rest of your ingredients.
  • Combine Chicken & Apples: Mix the shredded chicken pieces and apples in a large bowl. Stir them together with mayonnaise. Start with just three tablespoons. If you want to add more, use one tablespoon at a time. Taste the concoction as you go, ensuring that the texture and taste are suitable to you. Some people just prefer more mayo than others, so go with your gut (and taste buds).
  • Once you are content with the amount of mayo on your salad, add the salt. Mix well before adding the nuts, and mix again. Then, you can add your favorite extras.
  • Add Extra Ingredients: Customize your chicken salad with any of the extra ingredients listed above. Remember that you might need to add more mayonnaise to adjust the texture of the dish.
  • Keep in mind that the bread you serve a chicken salad on can make the difference. Toasted bread with garlic can add to your experience, for instance. You might also add a dash of lemon juice or a spot of dill for some extra flare. Chicken salad can also be served on a salad or a bed of lettuce for a low-carb meal.