Pretty Good Chicken Salad

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

A flavorful and creamy chicken salad with teriyaki, water chestnuts, and fresh herbs, perfect for picnics, sandwiches, or light lunches, appealing to those who enjoy savory, Asian-inspired flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 5 or more chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped or pureed
  • 2-4 tablespoons Kikkoman Teriyaki marinade
  • 1 3/4 cups Dukes mayonnaise
  • 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 small can water chestnuts, drained and rinsed
  • Dash of liquid smoke

Instructions

  1. Grill the chicken breasts and chop them coarsely across the grain.
  2. Combine the chopped chicken with all other ingredients in a large bowl.
  3. Mix thoroughly using hands or a spoon.
  4. Adjust mayonnaise amount for desired creaminess.
  5. Chill the salad for a while before serving.
  6. Garnish with chives or fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in Kikkoman Teriyaki marinade for a couple of hours before grilling. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute half of the Dukes mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. For an added crunch, feel free to mix in some chopped celery or sliced almonds. If you're looking for a different flavor profile, try adding a tablespoon of curry powder for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken salad is perfect for a light lunch or picnic. Serve it on a bed of mixed greens, in a sandwich, or in a wrap for a delicious meal. For sides, consider pairing it with fresh fruit, chips, or a simple garden salad. It also pairs beautifully with Chipped Beef And Chicken Breasts for a hearty dinner option.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you need to reheat the chicken, it’s best to do so gently in the microwave, using low power to avoid drying it out. However, this salad is best served cold, so consider enjoying it straight from the fridge or on a sandwich.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pretty Good Chicken Salad contains roughly 408 calories, with 22g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron.

408 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 21.8g 44% DV
Total Fat 21.5g 28% DV
Carbs 31.7g 12% DV
Fiber 2g 7% DV
Sugar 4.5g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 414mg 18% DV
Potassium 309.2mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 53.3mg 18% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 22.2mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 1.2mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 37.1mg 3% DV
Iron 2mg 11% DV
Diet fit High-protein
Contains Egg

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 leftover cooked chicken for this salad?

Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked chicken makes this recipe even quicker and easier. Just ensure the chicken is chopped into bite-sized pieces before mixing it with the other ingredients. This is a great way to reduce food waste and enjoy a delicious meal in no time.

What can I add to make it more filling?

To make this chicken salad more filling, consider adding cooked quinoa or brown rice. These ingredients not only add bulk but also provide additional nutrients. You can also mix in some chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein or diced avocado for creaminess and healthy fats.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Yes! To make this chicken salad healthier, use reduced-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in place of Dukes mayonnaise. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or cucumbers for added fiber and nutrients. Using skinless chicken breasts will also cut down on fat while keeping the dish lean and nutritious.

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).

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