Mouth-Watering D.C. Chicken Salad Recipe
Welcome to my DC chicken salad recipe article! I am excited to share this recipe with you that will surely add some zing to your next party or gathering.
As a home chef and avid party host, I have always tried out various recipes to impress my guests, but none have succeeded like my DC chicken salad recipe. Inspired by the famous Corner Bakery Cafe DC chicken salad, this recipe is a copycat version that is equally delicious and easy to make at home.
In this article, I will guide you through each step of the recipe with detailed instructions and tips for perfect results. From the scrumptious combination of dried currants, granny smith apples, and tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection, to the crunchy celery ribs and sharp red onions that give it that extra bite, this salad is sure to become a staple at your gatherings.
So grab your apron and let’s get started on this incredibly delicious dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for a salad recipe that is both comforting and light? Look no further than the DC Chicken Salad recipe. I might be biased, but this recipe is truly a gem – and here’s why you’ll love it too.
First of all, it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking to make a sandwich, top a bed of greens, or enjoy it as a standalone dish, this chicken salad is perfect in any form. The juicy chunks of roasted chicken blend seamlessly with the crisp apples, crunchy celery, and tangy currants. The fresh ginger root and star anise give an extra kick of flavor to take this dish up a notch.
Moreover, this recipe is easy to customize according to your taste and dietary preferences. If you like your chicken salad on the sweeter side, add some grapes or use red onion instead of white onion. Want to make it even healthier? Swap out mayonnaise for low-fat or Greek yogurt. You can play around with different ingredients and even create your own variation.
Lastly, DC Chicken Salad is a crowd-pleaser that will be sure to impress at any gathering. The Corner Bakery Cafe in Washington D.C created the original version of this recipe, so you know it’s tried and true. It’s perfect whether you’re hosting a girls’ night in or bringing lunch to work.
So what are you waiting for? With its delicious taste and versatility, the DC Chicken Salad is bound to become your new favorite recipe.
Ingredient List
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredient list of this DC Chicken Salad recipe. You will need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken Salad:
- 4 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped into cubes
- 1 small red onion or sweet onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery ribs, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup dried currants
- 1/4 cup Miracle Whip or mayonnaise
- 1 Granny Smith apple, cored and cut into small pieces
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup Miracle Whip or mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger root
- 1 star anise pod, crushed (optional)
For the Chicken:
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
This recipe can optionally be served with avocado salad, grilled chicken breast or homemade chicken stock. With these ingredients in hand, you’re ready to follow along with the recipe and create your own delicious DC Chicken Salad.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we know the ingredients for this delectable dish, it’s time to get started with the recipe.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by cooking four chicken breasts either on the stovetop or in the oven until they are golden brown and juicy. Once cooked, allow them to cool slightly before chopping into small, bite-sized cubes.
Step 2: Prep the Produce
Next, thinly slice one small red onion, and dice two celery ribs, making sure that they are roughly the same size as your chicken cubes.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of Miracle Whip, 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger root, 1 star anise pod finely grated (optional), and 1 tablespoon of dried currants until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Combine All Ingredients
Once you have all of your ingredients prepped and ready, combine them in a large mixing bowl, along with one finely chopped Granny Smith apple and half a cup of whole roasted, sliced almonds.
Step 5: Mix Together
Pour your dressing over your ingredients and mix everything together until everything is evenly coated.
And voila! You’ve made yourself a delicious DC chicken salad! This recipe makes for a fantastic sandwich filling, or on top of a bed of greens for a refreshing meal.
Substitutions and Variations
Looking for ways to put a unique spin on the D.C. Chicken Salad recipe? Look no further than these substitutions and variations.
– Swap out the roasted chicken breasts for grilled chicken breast to add an extra layer of flavor.
– Looking for a vegetarian option? Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a protein-packed meal.
– Add some crunch by throwing some chopped almonds or cashews into the mix instead of dried currants.
– Switch up the apple variety and try using a Jazz or Honeycrisp apple instead of Granny Smith for a sweeter taste.
– Not a fan of Miracle Whip? Opt for mayonnaise or Greek yogurt instead.
– Red onion too pungent? Swap it out with chopped shallots for a milder flavor.
– Want to make your salad even healthier? Add in some avocado slices or top with a side of grilled veggies.
– Turn your salad into a sandwich by placing it between two slices of classic rye bread or serving it on a croissant roll.
– Top your salad with grapes, sliced oranges, or other fruit choices to add sweetness and color to your dish.
The D.C. Chicken Salad recipe leaves plenty of room for personalization and creativity, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box and try out different ingredients.
Serving and Pairing
The DC Chicken Salad Recipe is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in several ways. One of the most popular ways to serve this delectable salad is in a sandwich. The creamy texture and tangy taste meld beautifully with different bread varieties, making it an ideal sandwich stuffing. Rye bread or a classic white bread complements the flavors of the salad perfectly. For an additional crunch, you can throw in some potato chips or add a lettuce leaf for freshness.
If sandwiches are not your thing, you can try pairing it with a greek salad on the side or an avocado salad, which will enhance the flavors of the chicken salad recipe. Grilled chicken breasts or homemade chicken nuggets would also make for an excellent pairing option if you’re serving up a buffet.
When hosting any event, presentation is key. The Corner Bakery Cafe serves their famous DC Chicken Salad on a bed of greens, garnished with grapes and dried currants. This presentation adds some color and variety to your table scape while making the dish look appetizing and even more delicious.
No matter how you choose to present it, DC Chicken Salad Recipe remains one of those meals that everyone will love at your party or get-together. Whether it’s served as a side salad or as a loaded sandwich, it’s sure to be a hit among your guests!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about this DC Chicken Salad Recipe is that it can easily be made ahead of time, making it perfect for a party or gathering where you don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen all night. To make ahead, you can prepare the chicken and dressing separately and then combine them just before serving. Alternatively, you can prepare the entire salad up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
When it comes to storing leftover salad, it’s important to keep it chilled to prevent bacteria growth. If stored properly, this chicken salad should last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply remove from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. You can also gently heat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Another great option for leftovers is to turn this chicken salad into a sandwich. Simply place a scoop of chicken salad between two slices of bread or on top of a bed of lettuce for a quick and satisfying lunch.
Lastly, if you want to take your leftovers on-the-go, I recommend packing each portion into individual sandwich bags along with some potato chips for a hassle-free lunch or snack. Just grab and go!
Tips for Perfect Results
Executing a recipe flawlessly requires not only the best ingredients but also the right techniques. To ensure that your DC chicken salad turns out perfectly, consider the following tips.
Firstly, I recommend using freshly cooked chicken breasts for optimal taste and texture. Although you can use pre-cooked chicken, it may not have the same level of tenderness and juiciness. When cooking your chicken, season it generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for additional flavor.
Secondly, when deboning and shredding your chicken, it’s important to create uniform pieces. This ensures that every bite of chicken in the salad is consistent in size and texture. A great technique for shredding is to use a food processor on pulse mode or to shred it by hand using two forks.
Thirdly, when adding celery to your salad, make sure to remove any stringy bits from the ribs before dicing them up finely. This will help prevent any unpleasant crunchiness when enjoying your salad later.
Fourthly, if you prefer a creamier consistency for your dressing and use Miracle Whip instead of mayonnaise in your recipe, add a tablespoon or two of milk or cream to thin the dressing out until it reaches your desired consistency.
Finally, refrigerate or chill your chicken salad for at least an hour before serving. This extra time allows all the flavors to meld together and creates a crisper and cooler dish that is perfect on hot summer days.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to nail down a delicious DC chicken salad recipe that’s worth serving at every party and picnic you host.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the DC Chicken Salad Recipe is a must-try dish for anyone looking for a delicious and refreshing meal. With its unique blend of ingredients, it offers a tantalizing taste that will leave you yearning for more.
This recipe is not only healthy but also versatile, allowing for substitutions and variations to suit your taste preferences. You can enjoy it as a salad or even as a sandwich filling with chips on the side.
With these simple steps, anyone can prepare this recipe at home with ease and confidence. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an outdoor picnic with friends and family.
So why not give this recipe a try today? I guarantee that you’ll love it just as much as we do here at the Corner Bakery Cafe in DC!
D.c. Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped into cubes or 1 small whole roasted chicken, deboned and shredded
- 1/3 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 1/2 granny smith apple, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried currant
- 1 1/2 ounces slivered almonds
- 1/4 cup Miracle Whip
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together and serve over baby greens or as a sandwich.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!