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Classic Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds

A comforting and nostalgic chicken salad featuring tender chicken, crunchy grapes, and nutty almonds, perfect for picnics and light lunches.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch, Picnic, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken preparation
  • 3 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts About 3 lbs total.
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil For rubbing on the chicken.
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper Essential for amplifying flavors.
Dressing
  • ½ cup mayonnaise Best quality such as Hellmann's or Duke's.
  • ½ cup sour cream Adds tangy creaminess.
  • 2½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice From 1 lemon for brightness.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Adds mild bite.
  • 1 tablespoon sugar For a hint of sweetness.
  • to taste teaspoon Salt and pepper For seasoning.
Salad components
  • 3 stalks celery Finely diced for crunch.
  • 4 large scallions Thinly sliced (light and dark green parts).
  • 1½ cups grapes Halved, for sweetness.
  • 1 cup sliced almonds For nutty flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley For freshness.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill For herby flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
  2. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
Cooking
  1. Place the chicken on the baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until cooked through, checking the internal temperature.
  2. Once done, let the chicken rest until cool enough to handle.
Shredding and Mixing
  1. Remove skin and bones from the cooled chicken, then dice it into ½-inch pieces.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, sugar, and seasoning.
  3. Add in the diced chicken and remaining salad ingredients, mixing until well combined.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary before chilling.
Chilling
  1. Cover and refrigerate the salad for a few hours to allow flavors to meld.
  2. Taste again before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken for the best flavor. This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for a day or two.