Kittencal's Chicken Salad

This is wonderful either scooped on a bed of lettuce, stuffed in between a pita or slices of whole wheat bread --- plan ahead the mixture needs to chill for 4 hours before serving, don't even bother tasting before that time, the grapes or chopped apple must be added in just before serving --- *note* see bottom of recipe for poaching chicken breasts, I also sometimes like to add in 1/2 teaspoon curry powder, but that is only optional, recipe may be doubled :)

• Ready In: 2 hrs
• Serves: 3-4

Ingredients

• 3  large chicken breasts, cooked and finely chopped (or use 4 small breasts preferably poached)
• 1  stalk celery, finely diced
• 2  green onions, chopped
• 3⁄4-1  cup dried cranberries (you may chop in half or leave whole) or 3⁄4-1  cup raisins (you may chop in half or leave whole)
• 1⁄2 cup red seedless grapes, halved (measure 1/2 cup halved or use 1 small apple, chopped)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (or to taste)

• Dressing

• 3⁄4 cup  salad dressing (use Miracle Whip salad dressing)
• 2  tablespoons  coleslaw dressing (Kraft coleslaw dressing works well)
• 1  teaspoon seasoning salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon paprika (can use up to 3/4 teaspoon)
• 1⁄4-1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

1. In a medium bowl toss together chicken with celery, onions and cranberries.
2. In another bowl mix all dressing ingredients until well blended; add to the chicken mixture and toss to combine.
3. Cover and chill for a minumum of 4-24 hours.
4. Just before serving mix in grape halves then season with black pepper.
5. POACHING CHICKEN-------.
6. Place the chicken breasts in a saucepan.
7. Cover with water and 1/2 teaspoon salt (and 1 bay leaf optional) bring to a simmer.
8. Lightly simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes.
9. Remove from heat and let sit in the water for about 10 minutes.
10. Cool and chop.