Best way to cook chicken for chicken salad?

Question

I just read another yahoo answer where most people recommended boiling the chicken. I assume I boil them whole and then cut into pieces when cool, but how do I know when they're done? ...this is from a novice cook, so thanks for your help!

Answer 1

if you have frozen chicken breasts, i usually boil them for about 25-30 minutes
but i have a way better tasting way to make cicken salad
slice teh breasts in half so they are thin. season them (salt, pepper, garlic...reall whatever YOU like) and pan fry them with a little bit of EVOO while they are cooking boil you eggs (2-3) chop up onions, red pepper, green pepper, and dill pickles (sweet pickles work too but i prefer dill) when the chicken is done the eggs will be too...chop everything up and mix it together with mayo, mustard and even a little italian or ranch (i prefer italian) dressing. it is sooooo good. The peppers give it a really good flavor and make it pretty.
put it on either fresh cresant rolls or those little hawaiian sweet rolls! it is delish

Answer 2

Sure, you can boil it if you want the blandest chicken salad ever. Look. Take a medium sized pan and preheat it on Medium for a minute. Put a bit of vegetable oil ( I use canola) in the pan, and sprinkle some garlic salt or seasoned salt into the oil. Place the chicken breast in the pan, and flip once after it's been in the pan for a couple minutes. DON'T cover it with a lid. This will make the meat "stringy". After about 10 minutes, flip again. After about 5 minutes, cut the heat back to between medium and LOW. Leave it there for a few more minutes, then cut into it. If the juice that comes out is clear, it's ready. If you're scared it's not done or you're just not sure, then place it in the microwave for one minute on high covered with a paper towel. Then, let it cool off in the pan it was cooked in.
After about 1/2 hour (+/-) cut into small pieces, add mayo, mustard, celery or celery seed, onions, a little sugar, a pinch of salt, some pepper and a dash of paprika.
Refrigerate to allow the flavors to set in.
Good luck!♥

Answer 3

i'm a former chef and together as some like chicken i purchase the entire legs quarter and cause them to in a inventory with onions, carrots celery and bay leaf, only somewhat salt and pepper, now that's a 2 fold cooking technique, you get the cooked hen meat for you salad and a inventory for freezing and you will use it later, approximately 40 5-60 minutes gazing the size, and enable the water and veg come to a boil until eventually now including the hen season it nicely via fact the exterior protects the beef, there will be some who recommend chicken and grilled or baked, it is fantastic, however the legs have greater flavour and are a nicer salad meat for Chix salad sandwiches, and that i admire actual mayo with mine

Answer 4

Do NOT boil!

The best way to cook them is to use whole breasts (with skin & bones) and roast them with a little salt and pepper. You remove the bones and skin once they have cooled down.

The result will be much more moist and flavorful!

Answer 5

I agree with the boiling method. I usually boil them for about 20 minutes then I cut one in half just to make sure there is no pink.

Answer 6

Basic Chicken Salad

INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups chopped, cooked chicken meat
1/2 cup blanched slivered almonds
1 stalk celery, chopped
DIRECTIONS
Place almonds in a frying pan. Toast over medium-high heat, shaking frequently. Watch carefully, as they burn easily.
In a medium bowl, mix together mayonnaise, lemon juice, and pepper. Toss with chicken, almonds, and celery.

(Hot Chicken Salad V)

INGREDIENTS
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
4 hard-cooked eggs, sliced
2 cups chopped celery
3/4 cup creamy salad dressing, e.g. Miracle Whip ™
2 tablespoons orange juice
3/4 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon onion salt
1 (4 ounce) jar diced pimento peppers, drained
1/2 cup blanched slivered almonds
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups crushed potato chips
DIRECTIONS
Boil chicken in lightly salted boiling water for 40 minutes. Drain, cool and cut into medium size pieces.
In a large bowl combine chicken, celery, eggs, salad dressing, orange juice, soup, seasoning, onion salt and pimentos. Mix well and spread mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with almonds, cheese and potato chips. Refrigerate overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Bake casserole in preheated oven for 45 minutes.


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NUTRITION INFORMATION
Servings Per Recipe: 6

Amount Per Serving

Calories: 635

Total Fat: 44.5g
Cholesterol: 236mg
Sodium: 1243mg
Total Carbs: 22.7g
Dietary Fiber: 2.9g
Protein: 36.2g
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Answer 7

I like the flavor of roasted chicken better, so I roast mine in the oven before using the meat for chicken salad.

Answer 8

boil the hell out of them-- when they fall apart when you stick it with a fork, then it is probably done. i love to add all sorts of seasonings to the water when i boil the meat-- like onions, celery, tomato paste and chicken bullion

allow to cool and then shred it up for your chicken salad

Answer 9

no don't boil it. grill it. it adds extra flavor and is faster and easier. ppl love mine and always ask what i do differently.