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Honey Grape Chicken Salad

Creamy honey grape chicken salad with pecans and celery in a bowl.

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A flavorful chicken salad featuring warm, shredded chicken dressed in a honey-kissed, creamy dressing, then folded with sweet grapes, crunchy celery, and toasted nuts. This recipe uses a key technique of dressing the warm meat first for maximum flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
  • 0.66 cup celery, finely diced
  • 0.33 cup red onion or shallot, finely minced
  • 0.5 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted
  • 0.75 cup high-quality mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the chicken. Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Poach by placing in a skillet with broth or water to cover halfway. Simmer covered for 12-15 minutes until cooked through. Alternatively, bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes, then shred while warm.
  2. Make the dressing. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Dress the warm chicken. Add the warm, shredded chicken to the bowl with the dressing. Fold gently until all chicken is coated.
  4. Add fresh ingredients. To the dressed chicken, add the halved grapes, diced celery, minced onion, and toasted nuts. Fold gently to combine.
  5. Chill and serve. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve on bread, over greens, or with crackers.

Notes

Shredding and dressing the chicken while warm is crucial for flavor absorption. Toast nuts in a dry skillet for 3-5 minutes to enhance their flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

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