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Pecan Chicken Salad

A classic Southern-style chicken salad made with poached chicken, crunchy pecans, and celery in a creamy lemon-Dijon dressing. Perfect for picnics or light meals.

30 minEasyServes 4420 cal/serving

AmericanLunchStovetopHigh ProteinLow CarbGluten-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2/3 cup pecan halves, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Poach 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts in simmering water until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, about 15 minutes.

  2. 2

    Remove chicken from water, cool completely, and dice into small pieces.

  3. 3

    In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.

  4. 4

    Fold in cooked chicken, 2/3 cup chopped pecan halves, 2 diced celery stalks, and 1/4 cup finely diced red onion until well coated.

  5. 5

    Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.

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Questions

What internal temperature should Pecan Chicken Salad reach?

For Pecan Chicken Salad, the target internal temperature is 165 F (about 75 C), given in step 1. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

What can I use instead of Dijon mustard in Pecan Chicken Salad?

The entry for Pecan Chicken Salad calls for 1 tbsp Dijon mustard. In its place: Whole-grain or yellow mustard with a few drops of white wine vinegar. Yellow is milder, so use a little more.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in Pecan Chicken Salad?

Yes. Boneless thighs at the same weight are more forgiving and stay juicier. Give them two to four minutes longer; they are at their best around 175 F rather than 165 F. As written, the entry for Pecan Chicken Salad uses 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts.

Is Pecan Chicken Salad keto-friendly?

A serving of Pecan Chicken Salad carries 5 g of carbohydrate, 2 g of it fiber. Against a strict 20 g keto day that is 25 percent of the budget; against a moderate 100 g low-carb day it is 5 percent.

Does Pecan Chicken Salad contain tree nuts?

Yes: 2/3 cup pecan halves, chopped. The full allergen list for this entry is eggs and tree nuts. Where the nuts are a garnish or a texture, toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds stand in. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

How much protein is in Pecan Chicken Salad?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) has 31 g of protein in about 420 calories, alongside 5 g carbohydrate and 30 g fat, plus 2 g fiber and 450 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list. More like it: the high-protein lunch collection.

Serve it with

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