– **Title**: Million Dollar Chicken Salad
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– 1/2 cup diced celery
– 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
– 1/2 cup slivered almonds
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lettuce leaves (for serving)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Mix until well blended.
2. Add the chopped green onions, diced celery, crushed pineapple, slivered almonds, and dried cranberries to the chicken mixture.
3. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything until well combined.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve the salad over a bed of lettuce leaves or use it as a sandwich filling. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Shredded chicken is the star of this salad. Rotisserie chicken works great for a quick option. For a lighter version, you could swap in canned chicken or chickpeas for a plant-based twist.
Mayonnaise & Greek Yogurt: The mix of mayo and yogurt helps create a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try low-fat mayo or even avocado for a unique flavor. Regular yogurt can be used instead of Greek, but it won’t be as thick.
Cheddar Cheese: I prefer sharp cheddar for its strong flavor. If you’re a fan of different cheeses, feel free to use Monterey Jack, or even a vegan cheese if you want a dairy-free version.
Bacon: Crumbled bacon adds a nice crunch. For a healthier option, use turkey bacon or skip it altogether. Instead, try adding smoked paprika for that smoky flavor.
Almonds: Sliced almonds give a lovely crunch. If you’re nut-free, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are great alternatives.
Celery and Green Onions: These ingredients add freshness. If you don’t like celery, chopped bell peppers are a nice alternate choice. You can also swap green onions for chives for a milder onion flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Mix This Chicken Salad?
Mixing ingredients well is key to making sure every bite is flavorful. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by combining the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, and Greek yogurt. Use a fork to break up any lumps and ensure it’s smooth.
- Add the rest of the ingredients gradually. Stir gently to avoid breaking down the chicken too much.
- Season carefully. It’s easier to add more salt and pepper later than to fix an overly seasoned dish.
- Let the mixture chill in the fridge. This helps meld all those tasty flavors together, making a big difference in taste!
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 3-4 chicken breasts)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of preparation time and at least 1 hour to chill in the fridge. In no time, you’ll have a delicious, flavorful chicken salad ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, and Greek yogurt. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined. This will be the creamy base for your salad!
2. Add the Goodies:
Next, add in the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, sliced almonds, diced celery, and chopped green onions. Stir gently to ensure all these tasty ingredients are mixed evenly throughout the chicken salad.
3. Season It Up:
Now it’s time to add flavor! Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix again and taste the salad. If you want more flavor, feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking!
4. Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows all the flavors to blend beautifully together.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
After the salad has chilled, it’s ready to serve! You can enjoy your Million Dollar Chicken Salad on a bed of greens, in a delicious sandwich, or even in a wrap. Hope you love it!
Can I Substitute the Mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt?
Absolutely! You can use avocado or a dairy-free mayonnaise if you’re looking for a healthier or vegan option. If you prefer a different flavor, try using sour cream or a flavored yogurt instead. Just keep in mind that it may alter the taste slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How to Store Leftover Chicken Salad?
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to avoid freezing chicken salad as the texture can change once thawed. Just give it a good stir before serving again!
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a convenient and tasty option! Simply shred the meat from the chicken and use it in place of cooked chicken breasts. This can save you some prep time and add extra flavor!
What Else Can I Add to This Chicken Salad?
You can get creative! Diced grapes, chopped apples, or cranberries can add sweetness, while swapping in different nuts like walnuts or pecans can introduce new textures. Just remember to adjust seasonings accordingly if you add more ingredients!
