Kitchen Confessions {My Favorite Chicken Salad}

Here in the south, chicken salad is a staple.  Folks eat it on a sandwich for lunch or dinner, ladies like it for brunches, and it's even yummy as a dip or spread with crackers for party appetizers.

A few weeks ago my parents were coming in town and I knew my brother's family would be hanging around our house, too.  There would be lots of people needing something to munch on for lunches or for a snack while watching football.   I whipped up my favorite chicken salad and we all ate on it all weekend long.

I actually got this recipe from a friend of mine.  She served it for lunch at a playdate one day and as soon as I took a bite I needed to know her recipe. I don't love a ton of mayonnaise in my chicken salad and this didn't have any taste of mayo.  She graciously shared her secret ingredient and the reason I loved it so much is because, get this, there is NO MAYO in it.  What???  I know!!!  I'm sure y'all are thinking the same thing I was.  How in the world can you make chicken salad with no mayonnaise, but trust me, you can and you will love it.  Instead of mayonnaise she used poppy seed dressing.

I know it sounds a little odd, but trust me on this.  I don't even like poppy seed dressing on a salad, but in this recipe it is perfect.  I have always preferred "sweet" chicken salad and after tasting this, it has been my go-to recipe ever since.

Poppy Seed Dressing Chicken Salad 
3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 cup sliced grapes
1 cup sliced almonds
1-2 cups poppy seed dressing (depending on the consistency you prefer for your chicken salad)

***Note: I have tried a few different brands of dressing and my favorite for this recipe is Newman's Own.

• Boil chicken breast and shred (I always cook mine in the crock-pot because it is easy and because I think it makes the chicken more tender and flavorful.) 

• In a large bowl combine shredded chicken, grapes and almonds.  Mix in dressing and your done.  It's that simple.  Serve on sandwiches, with crackers, or alone. Enjoy! 

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