Skillet Chicken Salad
A flavorful skillet chicken salad with tender chicken, fresh herbs, and creamy dressing, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal suited for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 3 whole boneless chicken breasts, skinned, halved and cut into 3 x 1/2-inch strips ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 c. sliced 1/4-inch celery ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped green onions ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped fresh parsley
- 1/3 c. dairy sour cream ⓘ
- 1/3 c. mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. mustard seed ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 10-inch skillet, melt butter until sizzling. Stir in chicken, salt, and pepper.
- Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until chicken is browned and fork-tender (10 to 15 minutes).
- Stir in remaining ingredients except lettuce leaves and cherry tomatoes.
- On platter or individual salad plates, place lettuce leaves.
- Place chicken salad on lettuce and arrange cherry tomatoes around the salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and herbs for a few hours before cooking. You can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier taste or opt for a low-fat mayonnaise to lighten the recipe. Adding diced apples or grapes can also bring a sweet contrast to the savory chicken salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this skillet chicken salad over a bed of crisp romaine or iceberg lettuce. Pair it with crusty whole-grain bread or toast for a satisfying meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving alongside a side of roasted vegetables or a light soup. This chicken salad also pairs beautifully with chicken recipes like Holiday Stuffed Turkey.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken salad in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent uneven heating. If you prefer a cold salad, enjoy it straight from the fridge or let it come to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Skillet Chicken Salad contains roughly 322 calories, with 17g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1689mg per serving (73% 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 a different type of meat instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with turkey or even cooked shrimp for a different flavor profile. Adjust cooking times accordingly, especially for shrimp, which cooks much faster.
What can I add to make this salad more filling?
To make the salad more filling, consider adding cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or even diced hard-boiled eggs. These additions will provide extra protein and make it a complete meal.
Is it possible to make the salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken salad a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator, and it will allow the flavors to meld. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for the best taste.
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).