Perfectly Poached Chicken Salad with Sweet Grapes Toasted Almonds

Recipe Introduction

Fancy a bit of posh nosh that’s also proper easy? Ever wondered how to make a chicken salad recipe with grapes that’s both sophisticated and comforting? Well, pull up a chair!

Quick Hook

Honestly, who doesn’t love a good chicken salad? This isn't just any chicken and grape salad recipe . We're talking a sweet chicken salad recipe that's a right treat.

It's elevated picnic food at its finest.

Brief Overview

This chicken and grape salad has roots in dishes like coronation chicken. It's dead simple to make, takes around an hour from start to finish, and serves four hungry bellies.

Main Benefits

This salad is packed with protein. It's perfect for a light lunch or a picnic in the sun. What makes this recipe special is the balance of creamy, sweet, and crunchy textures.

It's like a party in your mouth, innit?

Right, let's get down to brass tacks and see what bits and bobs we need.

Cracking Ingredients for the Best Chicken Salad with Grapes

Here’s what you'll need to whip up this gourmet chicken salad recipe . Don't worry, you probably have half of this in your cupboard already!

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth, low sodium
• 1/2 onion, quartered
• 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1/2 cup (120ml) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup (150g) red grapes, halved
• 1/2 cup (75g) green grapes, halved
• 1/2 cup (50g) sliced almonds, toasted
• 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup (15g) chopped celery
• Optional: lettuce leaves for serving

Honestly, finding decent grapes can be a bit of a faff sometimes. Don't be afraid to sub them for dried cranberries if you're in a pinch.

Putting it All Together: Making Napa Chicken Salad

Time to get cooking! I'll walk you through each step.

First, we poach the chicken. Pop the chicken breasts, broth, onion, celery, bay leaf, and peppercorns in a large pot.

Simmer gently. It's easier than making a proper cuppa. Once cooked, shred it up nicely. This easy chicken salad recipe with grapes is starting to take shape.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

Right then, ready to make the best chicken salad with grapes ever? Seriously, this isn't your average boring chicken and grape salad .

This is special . We’re talking gourmet vibes without the gourmet fuss. Here's what you need for my killer chicken salad recipe with grapes .

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

• Chicken Breasts: 1.5 lbs (680g) . Look for plump, pink chicken breasts. Avoid anything pale or slimy. Fresh is always best, you know? We are aiming for a gourmet chicken salad recipe and using the best ingredients is a must.
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups (950ml) . Low sodium is your friend. We don't want a salt bomb. You want to gently simmer the chicken so it takes all that flavour.
• Red Grapes: 1 cup (150g) halved. Get the firmest, juiciest grapes you can find. No sad, wrinkly grapes allowed!.
• Green Grapes: 1/2 cup (75g) halved. Again, quality matters. These add a great bit of color and balance.

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Town!

Oh my gosh, the seasoning! This is where the magic happens. The right combination makes all the difference.

• Mayonnaise and Greek Yogurt: the combo adds tang and creaminess. I used to only use Mayo, but Honestly, I tried with half of the greek yogurt and it was a light chicken salad recipe , so good.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens everything up. Like sunshine in a bowl.
• Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to counterpoint the lemon.
• Dijon Mustard: A bit of zing.

If you are feeling adventurous, add a touch of curry powder! Then, you got a sweet chicken salad recipe

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

No need for fancy gadgets here.

• Large saucepan: For poaching the chicken. A pot will work.
• Cutting board: Essential for chopping.
• Mixing bowl: A good sized one.
• Whisk: To mix the dressing. Fork works too.

Right, that's everything. Let's get cooking. Soon, you'll have the tastiest napa chicken salad you ever taste.

Cooking Up a Storm: The Poaching Method

Right then, let’s talk poaching. Sounds fancy, doesn’t it? But honestly, it’s dead easy. You're basically just simmering something gently in liquid.

Like a nice bath, but for food. It’s all about low and slow , so things stay nice and tender.

Think perfect eggs, juicy chicken, or even delicate fruit.

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, mise en place fancy French for "everything in its place". Chop your veggies, measure your liquids.

Having everything ready means you won't be scrambling about like a headless chicken later. For chicken, this means grabbing boneless, skinless breasts.

Make sure your chicken is fully defrosted too; no one wants a dodgy tummy.

step-by-step: Poaching Like a Pro

Here’s the skinny on poaching some chicken, for instance, so you can make the best chicken and grape salad .

1. In a large pan, bung in your chicken, some chicken broth, roughly chopped onion, celery, bay leaf, and peppercorns.
2. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Not a rolling boil a gentle simmer!
3. Turn the heat down low , cover the pan, and leave it to do its thing for 15- 20 minutes .
4. Make sure the internal temp reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
5. Let the chicken cool in the broth, this is vital!
6. Remove from the broth, let it cool enough to handle, then shred it.

That’s it! See? Easy peasy! Then you can make easy chicken salad recipe with grapes and some toasted almonds!

Pro Tips: Secrets from the Kitchen

Here’s a little secret: don’t overcook your chicken! It’ll be tough as old boots. Use a meat thermometer to be sure.

Another tip: save the poaching liquid! It's liquid gold. You can use it as a stock for soups or risotto.

Waste not, want not, as my nan used to say.

Honestly, the trick is just to chill out and let the poaching do its thing. You'll get the hang of it in no time, and your chicken salad recipe with grapes will be amazing! Next time we can talk about the best chicken salad with grapes recipe to really level up!

Recipe Notes for a Cracking Chicken Salad

Right then, let's talk shop about this absolutely banging chicken salad recipe with grapes . This isn't just chucking ingredients together, alright? It’s about getting the details right.

I'm talking the kind of stuff that elevates this from "okay" to "Oh my gosh, that’s amazing!". Honestly, it is the best chicken salad with grapes you'll ever make!

Plating Like a Pro (Serving Suggestions)

Let's get fancy, yeah? I always reckon a bit of presentation goes a long way. Forget piling it on a plate like you're feeding the ducks.

Think delicate. A spoonful on a crisp lettuce leaf? Bangin'. Served in a croissant? Posh, darling! A simple green salad on the side is pure class.

Oh, and a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio? Chef's kiss! Napa chicken salad vibes all the way.

Store It Like You Mean It (Storage Tips)

So, you've made this delicious chicken and grape salad . You've got leftovers (lucky you!). Don't be a mug and leave it out on the side.

Into the fridge it goes! In an airtight container, it'll keep for about 3 days . Freezing? I wouldn't recommend it, mate.

Mayonnaise doesn't take kindly to being frozen, and it will probably not result in a gourmet chicken salad recipe .

Reheating? Nah, best enjoyed cold.

Twists and Turns (Variations)

Fancy a change? Course you do! Swap out the almonds for walnuts in this chicken salad grapes almonds recipe . Add a spoonful of curry powder to the dressing for a sweet chicken salad recipe .

My mum swears by it! dairy-free? Use vegan mayonnaise and ditch the Greek yogurt. Sorted! These dietary adaptations will make our light chicken salad recipe even healthier.

And why not swap those for summer chicken salad recipe peaches when those are in season!

Knowledge is Power (Nutrition Basics)

Okay, let's get real. This isn't exactly health food heaven, but it's not all bad either. You're looking at roughly 450 calories per serving.

Plenty of protein, some fat, and a bit of carbs. The grapes add a touch of sweetness, and the almonds give you some healthy fats.

Just don't go eating the whole bowl in one go, yeah?

So there you have it, mate! All my top tips for making the ultimate easy chicken salad recipe with grapes .

Now get in the kitchen and give it a go! I bet you'll impress yourself. Honestly, you've got this!