Tired of the same old lunch routine? It’s time to infuse some excitement into your midday meal with this extraordinary Curried Chicken Salad. Forget the mundane; this recipe delivers a symphony of sweet and spicy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. What makes it even better? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, especially when you leverage the convenience of a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Get ready to transform your sandwich, wrap, or lettuce cup into a culinary adventure!
Originally shared in August 2015, this beloved recipe has been given a fresh update with brand new photos and enhanced notes to guide you. It’s a testament to its enduring appeal and its ability to effortlessly elevate an ordinary chicken salad into something truly special. Here at our kitchen, it’s consistently one of our favorite ways to enjoy a flavorful, fuss-free meal.
Beyond the Ordinary: Why You Need This Sweet & Spicy Curried Chicken Salad
When it comes to chicken salad, most people have a go-to classic: chicken, celery, onion, and mayonnaise. While undeniably delicious, sometimes “the usual” can feel a bit… well, usual. If you’re searching for a chicken salad that breaks free from the predictable and delivers an explosion of unique flavors, look no further. Our Curried Chicken Salad is a game-changer, loaded with a captivating blend of sweet, spicy, and savory notes that will truly knock your socks off.
What sets this recipe apart is its ingenious use of unexpected ingredients that create a perfect harmony. Imagine the vibrant sweetness of ripe mango, the subtle warmth of curry powder, the bright tang of lime, and the unexpected sweetness of apricot preserves, all bound together in a creamy, satisfying texture. This isn’t just another chicken salad; it’s a culinary journey that transforms your lunch into an exciting experience. It’s an ideal choice for those who appreciate bold flavors and a refreshing twist on a timeless favorite.
Crafting the Perfect Balance: A Symphony of Sweet and Spicy
The secret to this chicken salad’s irresistible charm lies in its carefully curated balance of flavors. We’ve mastered the art of combining sweetness and spice, ensuring neither overpowers the other but instead works in unison to create a truly memorable dish. The initial inspiration for adding fruit preserves to recipes stems from a desire to introduce unexpected layers of flavor, much like our popular Spicy Sweet Potato Salad, which also features the delightful apricot preserves.
In this Curried Chicken Salad, the apricot preserves contribute a bright, fruity sweetness with a slight tang that beautifully complements the other ingredients. This natural sweetness is crucial for balancing the bold, earthy warmth of the curry powder. A judicious dash of cayenne pepper then introduces a gentle heat, elevating the flavor profile without making it overly spicy. The result is a nuanced taste that keeps you coming back for more – a true sweet and spicy sensation that invigorates your palate.
Essential Curried Chicken Salad Ingredients
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that binds all the flavors together.
- Apricot Preserves: Adds a unique, fruity sweetness and a subtle tang.
- Curry Powder: Provides the signature warm, aromatic, and spicy kick.
- Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime brightens the entire dish with its citrusy zest.
- Cayenne Powder: Just a dash to introduce a delicate level of heat.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the individual flavors.
- Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: The convenient and flavorful protein foundation.
- Celery: Finely chopped for a refreshing crunch and texture.
- Green Onions (Scallions): Offers a mild, savory onion flavor without being too pungent.
- Ripe Mango: Diced for tropical sweetness and a soft, juicy texture.
- Chopped Cashews: Sprinkled on top for a delightful nutty crunch and added richness.
Effortless Preparation: The Rotisserie Chicken Advantage
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is its incredible simplicity, largely thanks to the smart use of store-bought rotisserie chicken. In today’s busy world, saving time in the kitchen without sacrificing flavor is a huge win. A pre-cooked rotisserie chicken eliminates the need for any cooking steps, making this a perfect option for a quick weeknight dinner or a fast-prep lunch for the week ahead.
To prepare your chicken, simply remove the meat from the bones, shred it, and give it a rough chop to ensure manageable, bite-sized pieces. This forms the hearty base of your salad, ready to be combined with the vibrant fresh ingredients. We then introduce finely diced mango, which brings a tropical sweetness and soft texture, alongside the crispness of chopped celery and the mild, savory bite of sliced green onions (scallions).
The dressing is equally straightforward: a quick whisk of creamy mayonnaise, sweet apricot preserves, the aromatic curry powder, a splash of zesty lime juice, a touch of cayenne for warmth, and a pinch of kosher salt. Once thoroughly combined, this flavorful dressing is poured over the chicken and vegetable mixture. A gentle toss ensures every piece is beautifully coated, infusing the entire salad with its signature sweet and spicy essence. The final touch, a sprinkle of crunchy chopped cashews just before serving, adds an essential textural contrast and nutty flavor that truly completes the dish. It’s a truly effortless recipe that yields astonishingly delicious results.
Serving Suggestions & Customization Tips
This versatile Curried Chicken Salad can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways, making it a fantastic addition to any meal plan. For a light and refreshing option, serve it atop a bed of crisp lettuce leaves, creating a vibrant, low-carb meal. It also shines as a classic sandwich filling, whether nestled between slices of hearty multigrain bread, tucked into soft pita pockets, or spread generously onto a flaky, buttery croissant for an extra touch of indulgence. Consider scooping it into hollowed-out bell pepper halves for a colorful and nutritious presentation, or serving it alongside your favorite crackers for a delightful snack or appetizer.
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, the complex and harmonious flavors of this recipe are sure to impress. We’re confident that once you try it, this Curried Chicken Salad will earn a permanent spot in your culinary repertoire, becoming your new go-to chicken salad recipe!
Don’t hesitate to give this incredible recipe a try. If you do, we’d love to hear your thoughts and see your creations! Feel free to share your experience or ask any questions in the comments below. Enjoy every delightful bite!
A Few Cook’s Notes & Variations for Your Curried Chicken Salad
While rotisserie chicken is ideal for its convenience, there are several ways to adapt this recipe:
- **Chicken Preparation:** If pre-shredded rotisserie chicken isn’t available, simply purchase a whole cooked rotisserie chicken and shred the meat yourself. Alternatively, you can cook boneless, skinless chicken breasts by poaching them in simmering water or baking them until cooked through, then shredding or dicing them. Even canned chicken, well-drained, can work in a pinch for an ultra-fast version.
- **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of curry powder and cayenne to your preference. For a milder salad, reduce the cayenne or omit it entirely. For more heat, add a bit more!
- **Fruit Alternatives:** While mango is fantastic, feel free to experiment with other fruits like red grapes (halved), diced apples, or dried cranberries for different bursts of sweetness and texture.
- **Nutty Crunch:** If cashews aren’t your preference, toasted slivered almonds, chopped pecans, or even sunflower seeds can provide a similar delightful crunch.
- **Lighter Option:** For a lighter take, substitute half or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. This will offer a tangier flavor profile and a boost of protein.
- **Herbs:** A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or mint can add an extra layer of freshness and complement the curry notes beautifully.
More Delicious Salad Recipes to Explore
If you’ve enjoyed the vibrant flavors of this Curried Chicken Salad, you’re sure to love these other fantastic salad recipes from our collection:
Greek Couscous Salad: A light and refreshing salad bursting with Mediterranean flavors like feta, olives, and fresh herbs.
Mexican Street Corn Quinoa Salad: A flavorful and hearty salad inspired by elote, combining roasted corn, quinoa, and a zesty dressing.
Gram’s Easy Macaroni Salad: A comforting classic, perfect for picnics and gatherings, with a simple yet delicious creamy dressing.
Curried Chicken Salad
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
It’s time to jazz up that old chicken salad sandwich with this Curried Chicken Salad. It’s a mix of sweet and spicy flavors! So delicious and so easy to make with store-bought shredded rotisserie chicken.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp. apricot preserves
- 3/4 tsp. curry powder
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- Dash of cayenne powder
- Dash of kosher salt
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup cashews, chopped
Instructions
- Whisk the first six ingredients (mayonnaise through kosher salt) in a small bowl. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, finely chopped celery, sliced green onion, and diced mango.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Before serving, sprinkle generously with chopped cashews for added crunch and flavor.
- Serve this delightful Curried Chicken Salad on a bed of fresh lettuce, or as a filling for multigrain bread sandwiches or buttery croissants.
Nutrition Information
Before your first bite, snap a photo and share!
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see! Be sure to follow thebeachhousekitchen on Instagram and tag Mention @thebeachhousekitchen or tag #thebeachhousekitchen!
Recipe adapted from Cuisine at Home Magazine.