Deli-Style Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Coat the Chicken: Lightly coat the diced chicken breasts and thighs with olive oil. Sprinkle granulated onion, cracked black pepper, and sea salt over the chicken pieces.
2. Bake: Place the seasoned chicken in a baking dish and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.

Step 2: Cool and Dice the Chicken

3. Cooling: Allow the chicken to cool for at least 10 minutes at room temperature. Then, refrigerate it for at least an hour to ensure it’s fully cooled.
4. Dicing: Once cooled, dice the chicken breasts and thighs into pieces approximately ¼ inch long and ½ inch wide. This size ensures a consistent texture and flavor distribution in the salad.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

5. Mix: In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, diced celery, and mayonnaise. Stir well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed and coated with mayonnaise.

Step 4: Refrigerate and Blend Flavors

6. Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours, or preferably overnight. Allowing the salad to sit overnight helps the flavors to meld and intensify, making for a more delicious dish.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serving

7. Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste the chicken salad and adjust the seasoning with additional sea salt and black pepper as needed.
8. Serve: Serve the deli-style chicken salad chilled, either on its own, on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or as a filling for wraps.

Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken Salad

• Chicken Preparation: Using a mix of chicken breasts and thighs provides a balance of lean meat and flavorful, tender dark meat.
• Seasoning: Granulated onion and black pepper add a subtle depth of flavor without overpowering the salad. Feel free to experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder or paprika.
• Mayonnaise: The amount of mayonnaise can be adjusted based on personal preference. For a lighter option, you can substitute some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
• Additions: Customize your chicken salad by adding ingredients such as chopped apples, grapes, nuts (like almonds or walnuts), or dried cranberries for a sweet and crunchy contrast.

Serving Suggestions

• Sandwiches: Use the chicken salad as a filling for sandwiches, pairing it with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and a slice of cheese.
• Salad Greens: Serve the chicken salad over a bed of mixed greens for a light and refreshing meal.
• Wraps: Roll the chicken salad in a tortilla or flatbread with some fresh veggies for a convenient and portable option.

This deli-style chicken salad is a versatile and delicious recipe that brings the flavors of a classic deli right into your home. Whether you’re preparing it for a family picnic, a quick lunch, or a potluck, this chicken salad is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the creamy, savory goodness of this homemade dish, and feel free to make it your own with your favorite ingredients and seasonings.