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Best Chicken Salad with Apples and Pecans Recipe

Best Chicken Salad with Apples and Pecans

A creamy, crunchy chicken salad with crisp apples, toasted pecans, celery, and a bright Dijon-lemon dressing. Serve it chilled over greens, in lettuce cups, or as a generously filled sandwich.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken Salad
  • 3 cups Cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 medium Crisp apple, cored and diced
  • 1/2 cup Celery, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup Pecans, chopped
  • 1/4 cup Red onion, finely diced
  • 1/3 cup Dried cranberries, optional

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Cook the chicken until the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C). Poach gently for approximately 15–20 minutes or roast at 375°F (190°C) for about 20–25 minutes, then cool completely.
  2. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes. Cool before chopping.
  3. Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, kosher salt, and black pepper in a bowl until smooth.
  4. Combine the cooled chicken, diced apple, celery, red onion, toasted pecans, and optional dried cranberries in a large bowl.
  5. Fold the dressing into the chicken mixture until everything is evenly coated. Avoid overmixing so the apple and pecans retain their texture.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Spoon the chilled salad over greens, into lettuce cups, or onto croissants and sandwich bread.

Notes

Dice the apple shortly before mixing, or toss it with a little lemon juice to slow browning. The salad may be prepared with sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing, and it should be kept covered and refrigerated.