Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Recipe

Honey Mustard Chicken Salad is the kind of crave-worthy dish that checks every box—fresh, creamy, sweet, and just a touch tangy. With juicy chunks of poached chicken tossed in a luscious honey-mustard dressing, each bite is a harmony of flavor and texture. This salad is a guaranteed lunchtime hit, potluck favorite, or satisfying weeknight dinner—and it couldn’t be easier to make!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Honey Mustard Chicken Salad is how the humble ingredients work together to create big, bold flavors. Each one plays a special role—adding juicy tenderness, creamy richness, or just the right bit of crunch!

• Chicken breasts: Poached gently for ultra-moist, tender chicken that soaks up all the delicious dressing.
• Better than Bouillon chicken base: Infuses the chicken with savory depth; water alone just doesn’t compare.
• Fine sea salt: Brings out all the flavors—don’t skip it!
• White pepper: Offers gentle heat without overpowering the other flavors.
• Granulated garlic: Adds a subtle savoriness that lifts the whole salad.
• Dijon mustard: The zesty foundation of the honey mustard dressing, packing a tangy punch.
• Honey: Gives the dressing irresistible sweetness and helps balance the mustard’s sharpness.
• White vinegar: Lends a hint of acidity for the perfect tang.
• Mayonnaise: Makes the dressing creamy and dreamy, holding everything together.
• Sliced almonds: Bring delicate crunch and nutty undertones—so satisfying!
• Sliced green onions: Lively color and gentle onion flavor add a little freshness in every bite.

Variations

The beauty of this Honey Mustard Chicken Salad is that it’s endlessly flexible. Whether you’re catering to dietary needs or simply making use of what’s in your pantry, you can make it your own in delicious ways!

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Swap poached chicken for shredded rotisserie—super fast and packed with flavor.
• Try Different Nuts: Crushed walnuts or pecans add their own unique crunch if almonds aren’t your thing.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Toss in chopped dill, parsley, or tarragon for a bright, herby twist.
• Make It Lighter: Substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayo for a tangy, protein-packed spin.
• Go Low-Carb: Skip the honey or use a sugar-free substitute for a lower-sugar version that still sings with flavor.

How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

Step 1: Poach the Chicken to Juicy Perfection

Start by bringing a big pot of water to a boil and stir in the Better than Bouillon chicken base. Slip in your chicken breasts—they’ll be cozy and submerged to soak up all that flavor. Cover, return to a boil, then remove from heat and let them gently cook through in the hot water for at least 20 minutes. This “hands-off” method keeps your chicken ultra-tender every single time!

Step 2: Chop and Season the Chicken

Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, chop it into bite-sized chunks. Spread the pieces out on a cutting board, then sprinkle the salt, pepper, and granulated garlic over top. This extra step ensures the chicken is seasoned on every side—so flavorful!

Step 3: Whisk Up the Honey Mustard Dressing

In a big mixing bowl, combine Dijon mustard, honey, white vinegar, and mayonnaise. Whisk until smooth and creamy—the dressing should taste tangy, a little sweet, and crave-worthy enough to eat by the spoonful!

Step 4: Toss and Combine

Add the seasoned chicken, sliced almonds, and green onions to the bowl with your honey mustard dressing. Gently toss until every bit of chicken is coated and the crunchy almonds and onions are evenly distributed. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if you’d like.

Step 5: Chill for Maximum Flavor

Cover and refrigerate your Honey Mustard Chicken Salad overnight if possible—this is the secret to next-level flavor. The next day, simply drain any excess liquid and stir in an extra spoonful of mayo if it looks a little dry. Your patience will be totally rewarded!

How to Serve Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

Garnishes

Brighten up your Honey Mustard Chicken Salad by topping it with extra sliced green onions, a scattering of fresh herbs (think parsley or dill), or even a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. For a little extra flair, a few toasted almonds on top look stunning and add irresistible crunch.

Side Dishes

This salad plays well with so many sides! Serve it scooped over crisp lettuce leaves, piled onto croissants or crusty bread, or next to a simple green salad. Add kettle chips, fresh fruit, or a summery pasta salad for a complete and delicious meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party-worthy twist, spoon Honey Mustard Chicken Salad into endive leaves or butter lettuce cups for festive finger food. Or, stuff it into halved avocados for a beautiful, fresh lunch. You could even roll it up in tortillas as picnic-ready wraps—talk about portable deliciousness!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Honey Mustard Chicken Salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors just keep getting better, making this salad a lifesaver for quick lunches or suppers during busy weeks.

Freezing

As tempting as it is, this salad is best enjoyed fresh, as mayonnaise-based dressings and nuts don’t freeze well—the texture and creaminess just won’t be the same once thawed. Instead, store leftovers in the fridge and plan to enjoy them within a few days.

Reheating

Honey Mustard Chicken Salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so no reheating needed! Simply give it a gentle stir before serving, and add an extra spoonful of mayo if it looks a little dry after time in the fridge.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a salad that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat, Honey Mustard Chicken Salad will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. It’s creamy, crunchy, bursting with flavor, and endlessly customizable. Give it a go—your tastebuds (and lucky friends and family) will be so glad you did!

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