Chicken 'N Broccoli Salad
A flavorful chicken and broccoli salad with a creamy mayonnaise dressing, garlic, herbs, and tender chicken, perfect for light lunches or dinner gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 4 boneless whole chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dry white wine ⓘ
- 1 bunch broccoli (1 1/2 to 2 lb.) ⓘ
- 1 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 2 small cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon lemon peel ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crumbled ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 red onion, quartered and thinly sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet over low heat.
- Add chicken breasts in a single layer; pour in white wine.
- Place a round of waxed paper over the chicken and cook, covered, until the chicken is springy to the touch, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Remove cooked chicken, cover loosely, and refrigerate to cool.
- Peel and trim broccoli stems; cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
- Separate broccoli tops into 1/2 inch florets.
- Blanch broccoli in boiling water just until bright green, about 30 to 40 seconds.
- Drain broccoli and rinse under cold running water until cool; drain well.
- Chop or shred the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, prepared mustard, lemon peel, dried thyme, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Add the cooled chicken, broccoli florets, broccoli stems, and sliced red onion to the dressing.
- Toss everything gently to combine and serve chilled.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken works well as a substitute for cooked chicken breasts. Ensure the broccoli is blanched just until vibrant green to maintain its crunch. This salad can be customized with additional ingredients like nuts or dried fruits for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken 'N Broccoli Salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at gatherings. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside rice or quinoa. You can also enjoy it as part of a picnic spread or potluck, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the salad's freshness, avoid mixing the dressing with the salad until you're ready to serve. If reheating, gently warm the chicken in a skillet and serve the salad cold for the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken 'N Broccoli Salad contains roughly 386 calories, with 18g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (220% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (169% of the Daily Value), and calcium (134% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1806mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli for this salad?
While fresh broccoli is recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen broccoli if necessary. Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the salad to prevent excess moisture. Remember that frozen broccoli may not have the same crunch as fresh after cooking.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make a vegan version of this Chicken 'N Broccoli Salad, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for protein. Replace the mayonnaise with a vegan alternative or a homemade dressing made from blended cashews or silken tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of wine for cooking, and ensure all other ingredients are plant-based.
What can I add for extra flavor?
For extra flavor, consider adding ingredients like toasted nuts such as almonds or walnuts, or dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for sweetness. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can also enhance the flavor profile. Experimenting with different seasonings or additional vegetables can make this dish even more exciting.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).