Million Dollar Chicken Salad

Introduction

If you’re searching for a dish that’s both effortlessly elegant and overflowing with flavor, look no further than Million Dollar Chicken Salad. This standout recipe combines tender chicken, creamy dressing, crunchy nuts, and bursts of fruit for a luxurious salad that’s truly worthy of its name. Its simple preparation and memorable taste make it perfect for special luncheons, light dinners, meal prepping, or impressing guests at your next picnic or potluck.

Why This Million Dollar Chicken Salad Shines

Million Dollar Chicken Salad stands out because of its harmonious blend of textures: juicy chicken, crisp celery, and nutty crunch come together in a creamy, slightly tangy dressing. A handful of sweet fruit and a sprinkle of fresh herbs tie it all together, giving each bite a “wow” factor. Plus, it travels beautifully and can be made in advance, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

How to Make Your Chicken Tender and Flavorful

The key to a truly memorable chicken salad is perfectly cooked chicken. For foolproof results, air frying delivers juicy, golden chicken every time. Simply season chicken breasts and cook them in a COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 for about 12 minutes, checking the internal temperature with a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking to ensure they reach 165°F.

To shred the chicken quickly and efficiently, a Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen makes easy work without the mess—leaving you with the perfect salad-ready texture in seconds.

The Million Dollar Dressing: Rich, Creamy, and Tangy

For the creamy base, mayonnaise and a little sour cream create the right balance between rich and light. A squeeze of lemon, a touch of Dijon, and a small spoonful of honey brighten the flavors and complement the fruit. Whisk up your dressing effortlessly in the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender, Black to ensure a silky, perfectly emulsified consistency.

Mix-Ins that Add the “Million Dollar” Touch

This salad’s signature comes from the blend of sweet grapes or dried cranberries, celery, chopped pecans or almonds, and fresh chives. Achieve uniform, attractive cuts for your celery and grapes with the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, saving time and ensuring every forkful is balanced and delicious.

Serving and Storing Your Chicken Salad in Style

Whether you’re prepping ahead for lunches or setting out a show-stopping platter, use a Bentgo Salad Container for on-the-go meals, or arrange your chicken salad on a large tray over greens with crackers or croissants for entertaining. For longer freshness and easy refrigerator organization, store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves about 6 people, each enjoying a hearty scoop of this luscious dish. One serving yields approximately 350–400 calories, largely depending on your choice of additions and how much dressing you use. It’s protein-packed and can be made lighter with reduced-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.

Million Dollar Chicken Salad (Recap)

Million Dollar Chicken Salad dazzles with its blend of juicy chicken, creamy dressing, crisp veggies, and the perfect burst of sweetness from fruit. Balanced by the nutty crunch and gentle tang, it’s as enjoyable for a simple lunch as it is as an elegant party dish.

Instructions

1. Preheat your COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 to 380°F. Lightly season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for 10–12 minutes or until the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (verify with your ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer).
2. Let the chicken rest, then shred with the Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for perfectly pulled pieces.
3. Use the Mueller Pro-Series Vegetable Chopper to dice celery, grapes, and chives quickly and evenly.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and honey. For ultra-smooth dressing, blend ingredients in the Ninja BL610 Countertop Blender.
5. Add shredded chicken, grapes, celery, nuts, and chives to the bowl. Toss until well-coated. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve on lettuce leaves, with crackers, or in croissants for a classic touch.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes (plus chilling time)