3 Way Chicken Salad

Submitted by Jessicak61

"I got this from family circle, and would like to keep it because it seems so versatile. This is to be combined with other flavor options posted."

 

• Ready In: 32mins
• Ingredients: 6
• Yields: 1 bowl
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast halves
• 2 small bay leaves
• 6 peppercorns
• 2⁄3 cup light mayonnaise
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper

directions

1. Place chicken breasts smooth side down on a cutting board. Pull or cut tenders from breast halves and save for another use.
2. Place a sheet of waxed paper over chicken pieces and pound lightly to an even thickness.
3. Bring 8 cups water, bay leaves, and peppercorns to barely a simmer over medium heat in a large saute pan.
4. Add chicken and cook for 10-12 minutes, keeping temperature moderate so only a few bubbles appear around chicken.
5. Remove chicken when instant-read thermometer inserted in breast registers 160*.
6. Refrigerate until cold.

7. Cut chicken into 3/4 inch cubes, stir together with mayonnaise, salt, and pepper, and then with one of the flavor combinations:

8. Curried Chicken Salad:

9. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped golden raisins, 1/4 cup slivered almonds, 1 1/2 teaspoon curry powder and 1/2 teaspoon sugar.

10. Waldorf Salad:

11. Stir in 1 Gala apple (cored and cubed), 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, 2 teaspoons cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon sugar.

12. Classic Chicken Salad:

13. Add 2 ribs celery, trimmed and chopped, 3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, and 2 tablespoons mustard.