Zesty Ina Garten Curry Chicken Salad Recipe For Tasty Lunches

Curry chicken salad bursts with exotic flavors that transform an everyday lunch into a culinary masterpiece.

Aromatic spices mingle with succulent chicken, creating a symphony of taste that tingles your senses.

Creamy and crunchy elements dance together in perfect harmony, promising a delightful gastronomic journey.

Global ingredients whisper stories of distant kitchens and vibrant cultures with each mouthwatering bite.

Fresh herbs and carefully selected spices elevate this dish from mundane to magnificent.

Tender chunks of chicken embrace a luxurious dressing that speaks of comfort and excitement simultaneously.

The magic of this recipe lies in its ability to surprise and delight even the most discerning food lovers.

Grab your apron and get ready to unleash a flavor explosion that will become your new favorite meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 720 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Ina Garten Curry Chicken Salad

• Chicken Breasts: Choose plump, evenly colored breasts without dark spots or excess liquid.
• Cashews: Select whole, golden-colored nuts with a crisp, fresh aroma for maximum crunch.

• Mayonnaise, White Wine: Pick a creamy, full-fat mayonnaise and a light, crisp white wine for balanced tang.
• Chutney: Opt for a fruity, slightly spicy chutney to add vibrant depth to the dressing.
• Curry Powder: Select a fresh, aromatic blend with rich, warm undertones.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt for even seasoning.

• Raisins, Onions, Celery: Choose plump, glossy raisins, firm white onions, and crisp, bright green celery for maximum freshness and textural contrast.

Equipment for Ina Garten Curry Chicken Salad

• Baking Sheet: Large, flat pan for roasting chicken evenly.
• Food Processor: Essential for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for shredding and chopping ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Helps slice chicken and chop onions and celery precisely.
• Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for combining chicken and dressing.
• Measuring Spoons: Accurate tools for portioning salt and curry powder.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures correct liquid measurements for dressing.
• Spatula: Helps mix ingredients gently and scrape processor sides.
• Refrigerator: Chills salad and melds flavors together.

Cooking Directions for Ina Garten Curry Chicken Salad

• Roast and Prepare Chicken

Warm the oven to a cozy 350°F. Drizzle chicken with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake until golden and thoroughly cooked, about 35-40 minutes.

• Transform Chicken Texture

Let chicken cool completely. Shred meat into tender, bite-sized pieces, removing bones and skin.

• Whip Up Signature Dressing

Blend mayonnaise, white wine, chutney, and curry powder in a food processor until silky smooth. This magical sauce will elevate your chicken salad.

• Mix Flavor Companions

Toss shredded chicken with the creamy dressing. Fold in raisins, chopped onions, and diced celery, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

• Develop Rich Flavor Profile

Chill the salad for 2-3 hours, allowing ingredients to mingle and develop depth. Before serving, sprinkle with crunchy cashews for a delightful finish.

• Serve with Flair

Let the salad sit at room temperature for a few minutes. Enjoy as a satisfying lunch or light meal that’s sure to impress.

Tips and Ideas for Ina Garten Curry Chicken Salad

• Swap mayo for Greek yogurt to create a lighter, tangier version with added protein. This simple switch reduces calories while boosting nutritional value.
• Add extra heat by incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for adventurous taste buds. Experiment with different spice levels to match your personal preference.
• Prepare the entire chicken salad up to 3 days in advance, storing it in an airtight container. The flavors will continue to develop and intensify, making each bite more delicious than the last.
• Transform this chicken salad into stuffed avocados, wrap it in lettuce leaves, or serve atop crisp mixed greens for a versatile meal option. Mix up your presentation to keep lunch exciting and fresh.

Serving Suggestions for Ina Garten Curry Chicken Salad

• Elevate Your Chicken Salad Experience: Delicious Serving Suggestions
• Pack in Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the creamy chicken salad into crisp butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb, refreshing lunch that's light and portable.
• Create Sandwich Perfection: Spread the curry-infused mixture between toasted whole grain bread or croissants for a gourmet midday meal that'll impress anyone.
• Elegant Appetizer Platter: Arrange the chicken salad in small endive leaves or on delicate crackers for a sophisticated party bite that looks as good as it tastes.
• Serve Over Fresh Greens: Transform the chicken salad into a vibrant salad topper by placing it atop mixed greens, adding extra crunch and nutrition to your plate.

Storage Instructions for Ina Garten Curry Chicken Salad

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Cook chicken and make dressing up to 2 days before final assembly to save time and streamline meal preparation.
• Smart Refrigeration Technique: Store chicken salad in an airtight container, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring maximum flavor retention and food safety.
• Freezing Option: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty plastic bags, preserving the salad for up to 1 month, with best quality within the first two weeks.
• Serving Temperature Tip: Allow chilled salad to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving, which helps enhance the blend of spices and improve overall taste experience.

Legendary Curry Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s curry chicken salad blends classic flavors with creamy textures. Tangy mayonnaise, aromatic curry powder, and crunchy celery create a delightful meal you’ll savor with each refreshing bite.

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Ingredients

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• 3 whole (6 split) chicken breasts, bone-in, skin-on
• 1.5 cups mayonnaise (Hellman’s)
• 1 cup whole roasted, salted cashews
• 1 cup medium-diced celery (2 large stalks)
• 3 tbsps curry powder
• ⅓ cup dry white wine
• ¼ cup chutney (Major Grey’s)
• ¼ cup chopped scallions, white and green parts (2 scallions)
• ¼ cup raisins
• olive oil
• kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Roasting Chicken: Position oven rack at middle setting and heat to 350°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange chicken breasts, drizzle with olive oil, season generously with salt and black pepper. Roast for 35-40 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
2. Chicken Preparation: After cooling completely, carefully remove meat from bones, discard skin, and shred into bite-sized pieces.
3. Dressing Creation: Use food processor to blend mayonnaise, white wine, mango chutney, curry powder, and salt until smooth and uniform.
4. Mixing Components: Transfer shredded chicken to large mixing bowl, pour prepared dressing over meat, and fold gently to ensure complete coating.
5. Flavor Enhancement: Introduce chopped raisins, diced red onions, and finely chopped celery into chicken mixture. Stir thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
6. Flavor Infusion: Seal bowl and refrigerate for 2-3 hours, allowing flavors to meld and develop complexity.
7. Final Preparation: Immediately before serving, fold in roasted cashew nuts for textural contrast. Serve either chilled or at ambient temperature.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Roasting: Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise 165°F internal temperature for food safety and juicy results.
• Master Flavor Infusion: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for recommended 2-3 hours to allow spices and ingredients to blend harmoniously.
• Balance Texture Perfectly: Chop vegetables uniformly for consistent crunch and mix gently to prevent over-mashing the chicken.
• Customize Creatively: Swap cashews with almonds or add fresh herbs like cilantro for personalized flavor variations.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 720
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 62g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 45g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 100mg