Description
Panera Bread Chicken Salad Recipe: This easy-to-make chicken salad features tender chicken breast, celery, red onions, grapes, and a creamy mayonnaise dressing with Dijon mustard and fresh herbs. Perfect for a sandwich or served on greens, it’s a delicious and nutritious option for lunch or dinner. Customize with nuts or additional vegetables for extra crunch and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup seedless grapes, halved (optional for sweetness)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or parsley/chives as an alternative)
- 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional for crunch)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before chopping or shredding it into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash and prepare the celery, red onion, and green onions. Dice the celery into small, even pieces, finely chop the red onion, and slice the green onions thinly.
- If using grapes, halve them.
- Mix the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, diced celery, red onion, green onions, and grapes.
- Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and herbs (dill, parsley, or chives).
- Stir well to combine all ingredients. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- If using nuts, fold them in at this stage.
Notes
For a lighter version of this Panera Bread Chicken Salad, you can substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. You can also experiment by adding different herbs, fruits, or nuts to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Chicken Salad
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g