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My Gram’s Chicken Salad

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Now you guys have me feeling all bad for not posting this recipe yesterday, but there were a couple reasons I didn’t:

#1- It seems like one of those dishes that we all just have a favorite, so you probably already have a chicken salad recipe that you use.

#2- It’s just so simple.

#3- I’m going to be very strict about one of the ingredients which goes against what I say in nearly every other recipe!!

Chicken Salad a la Natalie’s Gram  
(I’m okay if you just call it chicken salad… permission granted!)

2.5-3 lbs. of chicken, cut-up (I use whatever is on sale, boneless skinless chicken breast or sometimes even a whole chicken)
1 cup Hellman’s mayonnaise
2 tbsp. milk
2 tbsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. salt
dash pepper

Place chicken in warm water in large pot, making sure that all chicken is covered. Cover and cook for 1 hour or until chicken is no longer pink.  Cool in broth.  Shred and cool in refrigerator for an hour or so.  Stir together remaining ingredients, pour over chicken and toss to coat.

Here is the one exception, I will allow… you can add about 2 cups of thinly sliced celery if you would like.  I don’t like the crunch in my creamy, cool chicken salad… but I’ll let you figure out if that’s your preference or not.

Here is what I won’t allow and where #3 comes into play… there is no substitution for the Hellman’s.  IF you decide to try Miracle Whip or a generic mayo, please don’t feel the need to comment that you tried it and didn’t like the taste, because it really isn’t the same thing!  There are very few things in life that I will always pay extra money for the name brand, and Hellman’s is one of those things. It’s worth it!  And this is absolutely not a sponsored post… Hellman’s has never heard of me and doesn’t know I’m writing this, just a public service announcement for the benefit of anyone eating your recipes!!

Also, I like big chunks of chicken in mine.  I don’t use a knife to chop it or cut it up.  Just my fingers to pull it into big ole chunks.

See, I told you it was a simple recipe… and it really does go perfectly with the pineapple nut bread that I shared yesterday! 

Linking up to:
Tip Junkie,

dodi

Friday 14th of December 2018

I made your Pineapple Nut Bread as soon as I came across your recipe! Usually I have always used relish in my chicken salad but WOWOWOWOWOW, after I made your recipe with the lemon juice my taste buds were singing! (I licked the spoon after I made it.) It is in the fridge chilling and the bread is cooling. I can hardly wait for tomorrow to make a sandwich!

Natalie

Monday 17th of December 2018

This is one of my favorite comments ever!! I'm so glad you loved the recipe so much and it's even more special since it's been in my family forever! I make it every year for Christmas!

Aliina Ross

Friday 15th of June 2012

oh my gosh that sounds good, thanks for sharing totally going to try.

Four Marrs and One Venus

Wednesday 30th of May 2012

OK- I could really kiss the crap out of you! Thank you so much for this SO SIMPLE Chicken salad recipe!! I am so trying it... with of course the only white stuff in my fridge... Hellman's baby!!!! I totally hear ya on that! :) Thanks so much chick!

Cathy (aka Catherine) and Bill (aka William)

Wednesday 30th of May 2012

Oh yes, and I totally agree about Hellman's... the other day we ran out and my hubby went out to buy a few groceries, including... Miracle Whip!!! Arrrggghhhh... totally different animal! Now off I go to buy some REAL mayonnaise before I boil up the chicken :)Cath

Cathy (aka Catherine) and Bill (aka William)

Wednesday 30th of May 2012

Excellent! Thank you so much Natalie! Amazingly there is always a little twist that makes each 'simple' recipe unique. I thank you for posting your gram's! (I have never added lemon juice, so there you go!)... now off to boil up a chicken :) TaCathy