Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
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Versatile: Serve it on croissants, lettuce wraps, or enjoy it on its own.
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Flavorful: The combination of sweet cranberries and savory chicken creates a harmonious taste.
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Great for Leftovers: A perfect way to use up leftover or rotisserie chicken.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance for meals throughout the week.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Cooked boneless skinless chicken breast (can use dark meat like chicken thigh if preferred)
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Dried cranberries, roughly chopped
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Pecans, chopped
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Celery, diced
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Green onion, chopped (or red onion)
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Mayonnaise
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Lemon juice
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Honey
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Salt
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Garlic powder
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Black pepper
Directions
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Chop the cooked chicken, pecans, cranberries, celery, and green onions into small bite-sized pieces.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, pecans, cranberries, celery, and green onions. Mix well.
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In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until well blended.
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Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly coated.
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Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 8
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 0 minutes
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Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
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Swap the Bread: Serve on croissants, fluffy rolls, or toasted bread for delicious sandwiches.
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Try a Wrap: Use tortillas or lettuce leaves for a different presentation.
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Different Nuts: Substitute pecans with almonds or cashews.
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Add Fruits: Incorporate fresh grapes or apples for added sweetness.
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Lighten It Up: Replace mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Storage/Reheating
Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating.
FAQs
What type of chicken works best for this salad?
Cooked boneless skinless chicken breast is ideal, but you can also use dark meat like chicken thighs or rotisserie chicken for added flavor.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute for mayonnaise if you're looking for a lighter option.
Are there alternative nuts I can use?
Absolutely! Try using almonds or cashews in place of pecans for a different nutty flavor.
Can I add fresh fruits to this salad?
Yes, adding fresh grapes or apples can provide additional sweetness and texture.
How can I serve this chicken salad?
Serve it on croissants, fluffy rolls, toasted bread, tortillas, or lettuce leaves.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! Prepare the salad and store it in the refrigerator for quick meals throughout the week.
Can I freeze this chicken salad?
It's not recommended to freeze this salad as the texture may change upon thawing.
How do I toast pecans for this recipe?
Place pecans in a pan over medium heat, stirring frequently for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Then, chop them before adding to the salad.
What can I use instead of green onions?
Red onions are a suitable alternative to green onions in this recipe.
Conclusion
This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a versatile and flavorful dish that's perfect for any meal. With its combination of tender chicken, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans, it's sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you're preparing it for a quick lunch, a family gathering, or meal prepping for the week, this salad offers both convenience and taste.
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