Description
This recipe offers a fresh and smoky twist on the classic chicken salad, perfect for quick meals or meal prep. It combines poached chicken with a vibrant roasted red pepper aioli for a satisfying and flavorful dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 600 g (1.3 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 large red bell peppers
- 1 small clove garlic, finely minced
- 150 g (1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons) mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus extra to taste
- 2 stalks celery, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Roast Bell Peppers: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Halve and seed bell peppers, then drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast cut-side down for 20-25 minutes until blistered and tender. Let cool slightly.
- Poach and Shred Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a saucepan and simmer in water for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked (165°F / 74°C). Cool completely, then shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- Prepare Roasted Pepper Aioli: Peel and chop the cooled roasted peppers. In a medium bowl, combine the peppers, minced garlic, mayonnaise, smoked paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk or blend until smooth and creamy. Reserve a small amount of aioli for garnish.
- Combine Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced celery, and the roasted red pepper aioli. Mix until evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve chilled, garnished with the reserved aioli, chopped parsley, and a pinch of smoked paprika.
Notes
For the best flavor, allow the chicken salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Ensure the chicken cools completely after poaching before mixing, as it reabsorbs moisture as it rests.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Poaching
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg