Copycat Panera Bread Recipe for Chicken Salad Made Easy
Panera bread recipe for chicken salad is a delightful culinary creation featuring tender chicken, crisp celery, and a creamy, tangy dressing. A comforting and flavorful dish.
Equipment
- mixing bowls (medium and large),
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or Spatula
- Pot or Pan (for cooking chicken, if using raw chicken)
- Plastic Wrap or Airtight Container (for storing)
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup red grapes, halved
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken: If using raw chicken, cook until fully done. Poaching or baking the chicken retains moisture and ensures tenderness. Once cooled, dice the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. Pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie, can also be used for convenience.
- Step 2: Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced chicken, finely diced celery, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Gently stir the ingredients together until they are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Step 3: Add Optional Ingredients: If desired, add the halved red grapes and chopped pecans or walnuts to the mixture. These additions contribute both flavor and textural complexity to the salad. Gently fold them into the chicken mixture.
- Step 4: Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Chilling the salad enhances its taste and makes it more refreshing. Serve on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crackers. Optional tip: For a tangier flavor, add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. If you prefer a sweeter taste, increase the amount of honey. Substituting Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise will lower the fat content.
Notes
Variations
The inherent adaptability allows for numerous creative variations:
- Ingredient Swaps: Substitute grapes, dried cranberries, or diced apples for celery. Pecans, walnuts, or slivered almonds can replace other nuts for a textural contrast. For a tangier flavor, pickles or capers make excellent additions.
- Regional Twists: Incorporate Southwestern flavors with diced avocado, cilantro, and a touch of lime juice. Mediterranean-inspired versions might include sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. A Southern twist can be achieved by adding a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Dietary Adjustments: For a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise. To create a dairy-free version, use a vegan mayonnaise alternative. For those avoiding gluten, serving on lettuce wraps or with gluten-free crackers offers a suitable alternative.
Serving Suggestions
The prepared salad offers versatility in serving styles. It excels as a classic sandwich filling, paired with croissants, sourdough, or whole-wheat bread. Alternatively, it makes an excellent topping for crackers, providing a quick and satisfying snack. For a lighter meal, serve it over a bed of crisp lettuce or alongside a fresh green salad. The balanced flavors make it a suitable addition to picnics, potlucks, and casual gatherings. It can also be presented as an elegant appetizer, served in small bowls or on individual spoons for a refined presentation.
Storage Tips
To preserve freshness, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Proper storage minimizes exposure to air and prevents the absorption of unwanted odors. When stored correctly, it remains fresh for up to 3-4 days. It is advisable to only prepare the amount that will be consumed within this timeframe to ensure optimal flavor and texture. Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the mayonnaise and vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Question 1: Can the salad be made ahead of time?
Yes, the salad can be prepared a day in advance. Chilling allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste. - Question 2: Is it possible to use canned chicken?
Canned chicken can be used as a convenient alternative, but fresh or rotisserie chicken provides a superior taste and texture. - Question 3: How can the salad be prevented from becoming watery?
Ensure that the chicken and celery are thoroughly drained before combining with the dressing. Adding ingredients with high water content, such as cucumbers, should be done just before serving to minimize moisture. - Question 4: Can the recipe be doubled or tripled for a larger gathering?
Yes, the recipe can be scaled up proportionally to accommodate a larger number of servings. Maintain the ingredient ratios to ensure consistent flavor.