American Kitchen Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

Step back in time with this classic American Chicken Salad recipe, inspired by Town Meats of Wakefield, Rhode Island (1863)! This creamy, tangy salad is bursting with flavor, featuring tender chicken, crisp celery, sweet apple, and juicy raisins. Perfect served atop a bed of lettuce, in a scooped-out tomato, or as a delightful sandwich filling. Make it ahead for even better flavor – the longer it chills, the more the flavors meld! Prepare to impress your family and friends with this easy, elegant recipe, a true taste of American culinary history.

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Calories 1092.2 kcal
Protein 174g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
American Kitchen Classic Chicken Salad

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for American Kitchen Classic Chicken Salad

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Cooked Chicken Breasts
  • Celery Ribs
  • Red Onion
  • Green Apple
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to Make American Kitchen Classic Chicken Salad

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken, 1/2 cup finely chopped celery, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/2 cup diced apple (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended), and 1/4 cup raisins to the bowl.
  3. Gently toss all ingredients until evenly combined. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference. Consider adding a pinch of tarragon for an authentic touch!
  4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to fully develop. Serve chilled on lettuce, in a tomato boat, on avocado, or use as a sandwich filling.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Chef's secret: layers of flavor make a dish truly memorable! Consider what a little extra something could bring – perhaps a touch of acidity like a good vinegar or citrus zest, a hint of smokiness from paprika, a bit of umami from mushrooms or soy sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for texture. Experiment and taste as you go!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

40 g

Sugar

185g

Fat

50g

Carbs

25g