Welcome spring with this delightful twist on a classic chicken salad! Tender chunks of chicken, toasty pecans, and ruby-red diced strawberries are mixed in a creamy, honey-sweetened, poppy seed-studded dressing, all tucked between slices of your favorite sandwich bread. It's the perfect addition to your afternoon tea time or any springtime gathering!
Ingredients:
- ⅔ cup Greek yogurt
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup honey
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ pounds diced chicken, about 4 cups
- 1 cup chopped toasted pecans
- 2 cups diced strawberries
- 1 to 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
- Sandwich bread (white, whole wheat, or your preference)
- Butter or margarine, softened
Instructions:
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Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. This dressing can be made up to two days in advance.
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Cook the Chicken: You may cook the chicken using your favorite method. Poaching chicken breasts is a great option for this recipe. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (use a digital food thermometer to check). Allow the cooked chicken to cool, then dice it into bite-sized chunks.
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Toast the Pecans: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread chopped pecans on an ungreased baking sheet and toast for 5 to 7 minutes or until fragrant and light golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet.
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Assemble the Sandwiches: Take two slices of your favorite sandwich bread and spread butter or margarine on one side of each slice. Place a generous amount of the Strawberry Chicken Salad mixture on one slice and top it with the other slice to form a sandwich.
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Serve and Enjoy: Your Strawberry Poppy Seed Chicken Sandwiches are now ready to be served! Enjoy them with a cup of tea or lemonade for a delightful afternoon tea time.
Tips & Variations:
- Bread Choices: You can use mini croissants, whole wheat bread, multigrain bread, or any other type of bread you prefer for your sandwiches.
- Nut Substitutions: If you don't have pecans, you can use chopped walnuts or sliced almonds instead. They'll add a delightful crunch to your chicken salad.
- Adjusting Sweetness: The amount of honey in the dressing can be adjusted to your taste. If you prefer a more savory chicken salad, reduce the honey accordingly.
- Dietary Options: For a lighter version, you can use all Greek yogurt and no mayonnaise in the dressing. Also, if you prefer, you can use plain yogurt instead of Greek yogurt, but keep in mind it will make the dressing thinner.
- Serving Options: Apart from making sandwiches, you can also serve this Strawberry Chicken Salad on a bed of lettuce or scoop it up with crackers for a refreshing snack.
Get ready to fall in love with this scrumptious Strawberry Poppy Seed Chicken Sandwich! It's not only delicious but also a visually stunning dish that will surely become a favorite for your springtime gatherings and afternoon tea time. So embrace the season with this fruity and delightful chicken salad, and get ready to impress your guests with its unique and pretty twist on the classic! Happy tea time! 🍓🐔🥪