Chicken Salad and Sweet tea!

  Chicken Salad (with a twist)

I love chicken salad. My mother makes the best chicken salad ever. Going to see her last Saturday brought back wonderful memories of some of her greatest dishes. I have been craving this all week. Today I felt a little better so I decided to make some for us to enjoy over the weekend. I have tried making it many ways.  I have fond memories of the chicken salad they served at the Colonial Inn in Farmville. My Aunt Margaret was so thoughtful and delivered a nice gift of Colonial Inn Chicken salad and their mini biscuits once while I was recovering from surgery. This recipe is very similar to their recipe. I call this "party style" because this is something that would be great served at a luncheon or a shower.

It is so easy to make. Give it a try! Enjoy!

Chicken Salad Party Style

1 whole chicken (cut into pieces)

Mayonnaise ( I use Trader Joe's organic)

1/2 cup red grapes chopped

1 Red or Green Apple chopped

1/2 cup chopped pineapple (drained)

1/2 cup chopped roasted pecans

I prefer to roast my chicken rather than boiling it. It has so much more flavor. Place your chicken pieces in a large sheet pan. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and onion powder.

(You may also use any of your favorite spices like fresh garlic, lemon pepper, and rosemary).

 Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and cook in at 375 degree oven until done.

I cooked this batch about an hour. While the chicken is roasting you could start chopping your other ingredients.

Remove and cover with foil and allow to cool down. This prevents the chicken from drying out.

Cover and allow to cool.

Once the chicken cools down a bit you can remove the skin and bones. Chop into bite size pieces.

Add in other ingredients.

Add in enough mayo until all ingredients are moist. (Approx. 1/2 cup)

Salt and pepper to taste. 

Garnish with chopped grapes and lettuce leaves. Serve with ritz crackers or fresh bread slices.

I will ask my mother to share her recipe soon. Her recipe has chopped boiled eggs, celery, sweet pickle relish and Miracle whip. Please share your favorite version of chicken salad with us below in the comments section!

Chicken Salad and Sweet tea!