Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Paula Deen Chicken Salad Recipe

Creamy Paula Deen Chicken Salad Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Paula Deen’s chicken salad blends Southern comfort with creamy elegance. Crisp celery, tender chicken, and mayonnaise mingle in a classic recipe that beckons you to savor each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (3 lb / 1.36 kg) roasted chicken, skin removed, meat picked
  • 2 cups red grapes, halved, seedless
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup almonds, roasted and salted, chopped
  • 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsps red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tsps curry powder
  • ½ lemon, juiced
  • kosher salt, to taste
  • black pepper, to taste
  • optional: lettuce
  • optional: tomato, sliced
  • optional: whole wheat bread

Instructions

  1. Dressing Preparation: Whisk mayonnaise, lemon juice, curry powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl until a smooth, uniform consistency is achieved.
  2. Ingredient Integration: Gently fold diced cooked chicken, halved red grapes, chopped celery, minced red onion, and toasted almonds into the curry-infused dressing, ensuring even coating without crushing delicate ingredients.
  3. Flavor Refinement: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, creating a harmonious balance that highlights the unique flavor profile of the chicken salad.
  4. Serving Suggestions: Elevate the dish by assembling as a classic sandwich with whole wheat bread, crisp lettuce, and tomato slices, or serve chilled over a vibrant mixed green salad for a lighter presentation.
  5. Chilling and Serving: Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify, or serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and freshness.

Notes

  • Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate the chicken salad for 30-45 minutes to allow the curry dressing to infuse deeply into the ingredients, creating a more complex and harmonious taste profile.
  • Toast Almonds Carefully: Lightly toast almonds in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch, being careful not to burn them for the perfect textural contrast.
  • Customize Grape Selection: Choose sweet, firm red grapes for a burst of natural sweetness that complements the savory curry dressing and adds a refreshing element to the chicken salad.
  • Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste and season incrementally, adding salt and pepper in small amounts to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor without overwhelming the delicate ingredients.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg