Curried Chicken Salad Recipe – The Ultimate Make-Ahead Crowd Pleaser
A blend of sweet raisins, crunchy nuts, and curry-spiced chicken that shines chilled.
This creamy curried chicken salad recipe brings together the warmth of curry powder, the sweetness of golden raisins, and the crunch of almonds and celery for a dish that’s ideal for meal prep or entertaining. Serve it on buttery croissants for an extra-special touch, or enjoy it straight from the bowl for a satisfying, flavorful lunch.
Why This Recipe Works
Curried chicken salad is a classic for a reason: it combines familiar comforts with a touch of exotic flavor. The Pioneer Woman’s version dials up the creaminess with both mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, balanced by a hint of sugar and fresh herbs for brightness. The result is a salad that’s rich but not heavy, with plenty of texture from nuts, fruit, and vegetables.
This dish is also incredibly versatile—perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner. It can be made ahead, tastes even better after chilling, and is easily doubled for crowds.
Ingredient List
Every great recipe starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup |
| Plain Greek yogurt | 1/2 cup |
| Heavy cream | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh cilantro, chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Curry powder | 3 tablespoons |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Kosher salt & black pepper | To taste |
| Diced rotisserie chicken | 3 cups |
| Golden raisins | 3/4 cup |
| Slivered almonds | 1/2 cup |
| Scallions, thinly sliced | 4 |
| Celery, thinly sliced | 3 stalks |
| Large croissants, split | 6 |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, heavy cream, chopped cilantro, curry powder, and sugar. Season generously with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—this is your chance to balance the creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors.
- Combine the Salad: Add the diced rotisserie chicken, golden raisins, slivered almonds, sliced scallions, and celery to the bowl. Gently toss everything together, making sure every bite is coated with the creamy curry dressing.
- Chill for Best Flavor: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. This rest time allows the flavors to meld and the salad to become even more delicious.
- Serve in Style: When ready to eat, spoon the curried chicken salad onto split croissants for a handheld meal with a touch of luxury. Alternatively, serve it on a bed of greens, with crackers, or straight from the bowl.
Make-Ahead Tips
- This salad can be prepared 1–2 days in advance, making it perfect for entertaining or meal prep.
- Keep the almonds separate until just before serving if you prefer maximum crunch.
- The salad can be served cold or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
Recipe Variations
- Pasta Lover’s Version: Add cooked pasta (such as rotini or penne) to bulk up the salad for a crowd. This is a great idea for picnics or potlucks, and you can use some of the chicken cooking broth to cook the pasta for extra flavor.
- Sweetness: Swap golden raisins for dried cranberries, diced apples, or halved grapes for a different sweet note.
- Crunch: Try adding diced water chestnuts, chopped pecans, or sunflower seeds for extra texture.
- Herbs: If cilantro isn’t your favorite, use fresh parsley, basil, or dill for a different herbal profile.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Tips for Success
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, but feel free to poach or roast your own chicken if you prefer.
- If you’re serving a crowd, double the recipe—it’s easy to scale up and keeps well.
- Toast the slivered almonds for extra flavor and crunch.
- Adjust the curry powder to your taste—some brands are spicier than others.
- Don’t skip the resting time. The flavors develop as the salad chills.
Serving Suggestions
While this curried chicken salad is fantastic on croissants, it’s also delicious served in other ways:
- Stuff into pita pockets or wrap in large lettuce leaves for a lighter meal.
- Scoop onto a green salad for a hearty lunch.
- Serve as a dip with crackers or fresh vegetables.
What others are reading
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling for several hours or overnight, as the flavors meld together beautifully.
Q: What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?
A: Sour cream makes a great substitute for Greek yogurt if you don’t have any on hand. The texture and tang will be very similar.
Q: How long will the salad keep in the fridge?
A: Stored in an airtight container, curried chicken salad will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I make this salad without mayonnaise?
A: Yes, you can use all Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and sour cream for a lighter version. The texture will be slightly less creamy but still delicious.
Q: Is it possible to make this recipe nut-free?
A: Definitely. Simply omit the almonds or replace them with seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin) for crunch without nuts.
Conclusion
Curried chicken salad is a timeless, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With its creamy dressing, tender chicken, and sweet, crunchy mix-ins, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again—whether for an easy weeknight dinner, a fancy lunch, or a crowd-pleasing party food. Don’t be afraid to experiment with add-ins and substitutions to make it your own. Once you try this version, you’ll see why it’s a favorite!
Ready to give it a try? Gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your family or guests with this irresistible curried chicken salad.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a35912851/curried-chicken-salad-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a10215/curried-chicken-pasta-salad/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a9697/chicken-salad-the-way-i-like-it/
- http://littlemagnoliakitchen.blogspot.com/2016/08/pioneer-womans-curried-chicken-salad.html
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