Big Quick Chicken Salad Recipe

Enjoy a vibrant Big Quick Chicken Salad with juicy rotisserie chicken, fresh veggies, and a herby dressing—perfect for quick meals and satisfying bites!

Are you ready to whip up a delicious meal in no time? My Big Quick Chicken Salad is the perfect solution for busy days when you want something hearty and tasty! With juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and a zesty dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit at your dinner table or packed for lunch! Let’s get started on making this scrumptious dish together! 🥗✨

What You’ll Need for Big Quick Chicken Salad

Getting ready to whip up my Big Quick Chicken Salad? Fantastic! Here’s a simple list of ingredients that will transform your dinner or lunch into something absolutely delicious! You probably have most of these in your kitchen already! Let’s dive into what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken

(Store-bought makes it super easy!)

  • 12 cups of chopped cos or romaine lettuce

(Feel free to mix it up with your favorite leafy greens!)

  • 1 cup of corn kernels

(Canned corn works great—just drain it!)

  • 1/2 red onion, finely sliced

(Adds a nice kick!)

  • 300g of cherry or grape tomatoes

(Or two regular tomatoes, chopped!)

  • 2 cucumbers, sliced

(Crunchy and refreshing!)

  • 2 avocados, cubed

(For that creamy goodness!)

  • 150g of cooked bacon, chopped (optional)

(Because bacon makes everything better, right?)

Dressing Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 tbsp cider vinegar
  • 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 minced garlic clove
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 2 tsp dried mixed herbs
  • 3/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper

Gather these bad boys, and you’re halfway to a big, hearty salad that’s sure to impress your family and friends! So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get to it! 🥗

Big Quick Chicken Salad Recipe

How to Prepare Your Chicken for the Salad

Alright, let’s talk about the star of our salad—the chicken! Since this is a Big Quick Chicken Salad, we want to keep things super easy. Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is my go-to trick! It saves time and tastes amazing! Here’s how you can prep it:

  1. Shred the Chicken

Remove the skin (if you want, but who can resist that crispy goodness?!). Then, using your hands or two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It’s like a mini workout!

  1. Timely Tips

If you prefer to cook your own chicken, no worries! Here are a few quick methods:
Poaching: Boil the chicken in water with some seasonings for about 20-30 minutes.
Baking/Roasting: Season a chicken breast and pop it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.
Slow Cook: Toss it in your slow cooker with some broth, and let it work its magic for a few hours!

  1. Leftover Chicken

Got leftover chicken? Perfect! It’s great to use here. Just shred it up, and you’re ready to rock!

Prepping your chicken this way is not only super quick, but it also makes the salad juicy and delicious. Trust me, your taste buds will be thanking you! Let’s get that chicken ready so we can toss together this amazing salad! 🍽️

Big Quick Chicken Salad Recipe

Delicious Dressing Ideas for Chicken Salad

Now, let’s talk about the dressing! A great dressing can make all the difference in your Big Quick Chicken Salad. I love a herby garlic dressing that’s super easy to whip up and adds a punch of flavor! Here’s a quick recipe to get those taste buds dancing!

Quick Herby Garlic Dressing Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 tbsp cider vinegar
  • 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, but adds a nice kick!)
  • 2 tsp dried mixed herbs (Italian seasoning works great!)
  • 3/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper

How to Make It:

  1. Mix It Up: Combine all the ingredients in a jar. Put the lid on tight, and give it a good shake!
  2. Let It Rest: Allow the dressing to sit for at least 10 minutes. This helps the flavors blend and gives it a yummy taste!

Dressing Tips:

  • Add a Little Sweetness: If your vinegar is too tart, sprinkle in some sugar to balance it out.
  • Fresh Herbs: If you want to get fancy, go for fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Just chop ’em up and toss them in!

Remember, the dressing is your chance to get creative! Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. It’s all about what makes your salad sing! Soon, you’ll be drizzling this delightful dressing over your salad and enjoying every bite! 🥗✨

Tips for Storing and Serving the Salad

Now that you’ve got your Big Quick Chicken Salad all prepped and dressed, let’s talk about how to keep it fresh and how to serve it! This part is just as important as the recipe itself—trust me!

Storing Tips:

  1. Keep It Cool: If you’re making the salad ahead of time, store the greens and the dressing separately. This keeps the lettuce crisp and prevents it from getting soggy. Nobody likes a wilted salad!
  2. Avocado Alert: If you’re adding avocado, cut it just before serving. To keep it from browning, drizzle some lemon juice on it. You can also store it with a piece of onion—fun fact: the acid in the onion helps keep it fresh!

Serving Suggestions:

  • Family Style: I love serving this salad in a big bowl for everyone to dig in. It’s so much fun to share!
  • Individual Portions: If you want to impress, plate the salad individually. It looks fancy, and everyone can enjoy their own beautiful bowl of goodness!
  • Add Some Crunch: Pair your salad with some freshly baked crusty bread or crispy pita chips. Those crunches will have everyone asking for seconds!

So go ahead and serve your delicious salad with pride! It’s a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Happy eating! 🥗✨

Big Quick Chicken Salad Recipe

Variations to Elevate Your Chicken Salad

Ready to take your Big Quick Chicken Salad to the next level? I love getting creative with my salads, and there are so many tasty variations you can try! Here are a few exciting ideas that can add a unique twist to your dish and keep things fresh!

Fun Variations:

  • Southwest Flair: Add some black beans, corn, and fresh cilantro. Top it with a zesty lime dressing for a kick that has a little fiesta flavor!
  • Mediterranean Magic: Mix in some feta cheese, kalamata olives, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice for a refreshing taste!
  • Crunchy Apple Delight: Dice up a crisp apple (like Granny Smith) and toss it in. The sweet-tart crunch pairs beautifully with the savory chicken!
  • Spicy Kick: For a little heat, add jalapeños or a swirl of hot sauce. It’s perfect if you love a bit of spice in your life!

Add-Ins and Toppings:

  • Nuts and Seeds: Sprinkle on some slivered almonds or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and protein.
  • Grains: Add cooked quinoa or farro to make the salad even more filling and nutritious!

Feel free to mix and match these ideas based on what you love! The best part about this salad is that it’s super versatile. So, let your creativity run wild and make it your own! Enjoy those delicious bites! 🥗✨

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