Friday, August 5, 2016

Stretching Your Leftover Chicken

by Missy Tippens

Last weekend, I made one of our favorites, pasta Alfredo with chicken. (Similar recipe here only I used fresh chicken this time) After I cooked the chicken, I pulled out the equivalent of about one chicken breast to save for another meal. My daughter and I decided we wanted to make chicken salad for lunch one day this week.

But then I pulled out that bowl and saw this tiny amount.



Hmmm. Well, we had already decided we wanted to add grapes to our chicken salad, so I decided to go for it and just add a LOT of grapes. :)



1 or 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded or cubed
1/3 cup mayo (approx)
Grapes (cut large ones in half)
1/4 cup nuts (pecans or walnuts), chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped (we didn't use that because my hubby cannot stand it!)
1-2 TBS finely chopped sweet onion (like a Vidalia--which I didn't have on hand at the moment so skipped this also)
salt and pepper to taste

First, I didn't have plain walnuts, so I used glazed walnuts--which are sweet. I thought that would be good with the grapes. [Note: It was a little too much sweet. Next time I'll use plain walnuts or good ol' pecans.] Also, I was in a hurry so didn't cut up the grapes. It worked just fine.

If you'll notice here in this photo, I almost had more grapes than chicken. :)


Mix all ingredients together. Then season to taste. We decided we wanted our chicken salad on croissants. We love it that way! And we ended up having enough for 3 generous sandwiches. So we managed to stretch that one chicken breast to feed both of us plus my husband for lunch the next day. :)

Enjoy!


Oh! Come check out this chance to win free books! I'm taking part of an inspirational romance giveaway which includes a Kindle Fire and 40+ books. Only 3 more days of the contest, so don't miss out. Click here to enter.

Click on the photo to enlarge and see the books being given away.



www.MissyTippens.com
https://www.facebook.com/missy.tippens.readers/
https://twitter.com/MissyTippens

8 comments:

  1. I love chicken salad with grapes and nuts! I definitely trying this recipe next week!

    And I'm amazed at how far that chicken stretched when you added the extras.

    Welcome back again, Missy. As much as we love Tina, it just wasn't the same around the Cafe without the Belle. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Jan! It's good to feel more settled and to get back. :)

      Delete
  2. I adore chicken salad! I picked up a recipe in May from somewhere online -- can't remember just where, although I thought it was here, or maybe it was from Ruthy -- that has become my Absolute Favourite, although this sounds like it could challenge it for the title. I'm going to try it soon. The other was chicken, halved red grapes, cashews, celery, red onion, Gala apples, lime juice and mayo. I don't think it's possible to create a bad chicken salad! LOL.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carol, that one sounds amazing!! And you're right about all chicken salad being good. :)

      Delete
  3. This looks delicious, Missy. I had something similar at a play group when my daughters were young (so about 25 years ago!).

    I also love to add Apple chunks and tarragon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I never thought of adding herbs/spices. Thanks, Mary! I'll have to try tarragon.

      Delete
  4. Yep, grapes and nuts have it when it comes to chicken salad, Missy. But putting said chicken salad on a croissant is even better. YUM! Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think everything tastes good on a croissant, Mindy. LOL I actually LOVE them for breakfast, cut in half, topped with sliced cheese (like cheddar or colby) and broiled until bubbly. YUM

      Delete