Ingredients
- 2 pounds Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (Use fresh chicken for best results. You can also use rotisserie chicken to save time, using about 4 cups shredded meat.)
- ¾ cup Mayonnaise (Use quality mayonnaise for richer flavor. For a lighter version, substitute half with Greek yogurt.)
- 1 cup Celery, finely diced (Dice small for better texture distribution. Fresh celery provides essential crunch.)
- ¼ cup Red onion, finely minced (Red onion adds color and mild flavor. Yellow onion works as a substitute but tastes stronger.)
- ½ cup Red bell pepper, finely diced (Choose a ripe, firm pepper. Yellow or orange peppers provide similar sweetness with different color.)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, finely chopped (Fresh herbs brighten the salad. Dill works beautifully as a substitute for different flavor.)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice, fresh (Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness. White vinegar works as an alternative.)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (Adds subtle tang and complexity. Use yellow mustard for milder flavor.)
- ½ teaspoon Salt (Adjust to taste based on your preference and the saltiness of your mayonnaise.)
- ¼ teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground (Fresh ground pepper provides superior flavor. Add more to taste for those who prefer bolder seasoning.)
- ¼ teaspoon Garlic powder (Optional but recommended for depth. Use fresh minced garlic if preferred, about ½ teaspoon.)
Instructions
- Place the two pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a large pot and cover with cold water, adding one teaspoon of salt to the water for this Jersey Mike’s chicken salad recipe.
- Bring the water to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low and simmer.
- Cook the chicken for fifteen to twenty minutes until completely cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the chicken from the pot using tongs and place it on a cutting board to cool until it’s safe to handle.
- Once cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks or your hands, creating uniform texture throughout your Jersey Mike’s chicken salad recipe.
- Transfer the shredded chicken to a large mixing bowl and let it cool to room temperature before proceeding.
- While the chicken cools, finely dice the celery into small, uniform pieces for consistent texture in this Jersey Mike’s chicken salad recipe.
- Finely mince the red onion to distribute its flavor evenly throughout the mixture.
- Dice the red bell pepper into small pieces, removing all seeds and white pith for the best presentation.
- Finely chop the fresh parsley and set aside as a garnish for your Jersey Mike’s chicken salad recipe.
- Add the mayonnaise to the cooled chicken in the mixing bowl, stirring gently to combine evenly.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the mixture and add one teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
- Add the diced celery, minced red onion, and diced red bell pepper to the bowl.
- Season the mixture with one-half teaspoon of salt, one-quarter teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, and one-quarter teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Gently fold all ingredients together using a rubber spatula until everything is evenly combined and the Jersey Mike’s chicken salad recipe reaches a uniform consistency.
- Taste the salad and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice based on your preferences.
- Transfer the finished Jersey Mike’s chicken salad recipe to a serving dish and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness.
Notes
Chef Tips: Cool the chicken completely before adding mayonnaise to prevent separation. Dice all vegetables uniformly into quarter-inch pieces. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and let the finished salad rest in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving to let flavors develop. Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Poaching
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.5 cup
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 420 milligrams
- Fat: 16 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 13.5 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 6 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 28 grams
- Cholesterol: 75 milligrams
