Chicken Salad For Company Food

THE BEST CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• Whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, 1 tablespoon salt and pepper to taste in a small bowl.
• Toss together the chicken, celery, shallot, dill and parsley in a large bowl.
• Add the dressing to the chicken and mix gently until combined. Refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to overnight to meld flavors. Garnish with chives.
• Put the parsley, thyme, onion, carrot, celery and chicken breasts in a medium saucepan. Cover with the broth and bring just to a boil. Reduce the heat to very low and cover. Poach the chicken until firm to the touch, about 20 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, uncover and cool the chicken in the liquid for 30 minutes.
• Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and reserve the liquid. Bone and skin the chicken and roughly chop the meat into about 1/2-inch pieces. Discard the bones and skin.
• Strain the broth and store, covered, in the refrigerator for 3 days or freeze for later use. Remove any fat from the surface of the broth before using.

CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• Mix the walnuts, cranberries, mustard, sugar, celery, scallions and some salt and pepper together in a large bowl. Let the flavors meld for 10 minutes.
• Add in the mayo and mix until incorporated. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add in the chicken. Let the mixture sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving, overnight preferred.
• Serve on lettuce leaves and drizzle with balsamic reduction.

COMPANY CHICKEN PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente (about 8 to 10 minutes); drain
• Run under cool water to chill and drain again
• In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, celery, apricots, raisins, cooked pasta, salt and white pepper, mixing well
• In another bowl, combine the mayonnaise, curry powder, cumin, coriander, rice vinegar and sugar; whisking ingredients together
• Toss this dressing with the chicken mixture
• Cover bowl and chill for at least 2 hours before serving
• Serve on chilled plates, sprinkling with the toasted cashews