calvin's bocage chicken salad recipe
Calvin's Bocage Chicken Salad is a beloved Baton Rouge classic made with tender shredded chicken, crisp celery, red onion, and a creamy Dijon-mayo dressing. Optional add-ins like grapes, apples, or toasted pecans add sweetness and crunch. This Southern-style chicken salad is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or served over greens. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, it's a refreshing and versatile dish ideal for lunch, gatherings, or meal prep.
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Cutting board & knife
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
Ingredients
For the Chicken Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast
- ½ cup celery finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion finely chopped
- ¼ cup sweet pickles chopped (optional)
- ¼ cup grapes
- ¼ cup roasted pecans
For the Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: If you haven’t cooked the chicken yet, start by boiling or poaching the chicken breasts. Add a pinch of salt to the water for extra flavor. Cook the chicken for about 15-20 minutes until it’s fully cooked. Once done, shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Vegetables and Add-ins: Finely chop the celery, onion, and pickles. If you’re using fruits like grapes or apples, slice them thinly. For an added layer of flavor, toast the pecans or walnuts in a dry pan for a few minutes until fragrant. This step is optional but adds an extra crunch to the salad.
- Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the chopped celery, onion, sweet pickles, grapes or apples, and toasted nuts. The combination of textures is what makes this salad so delightful.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice (or vinegar), sugar, salt, and pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated. The dressing binds everything together, creating a creamy and flavorful coating that unites the ingredients.
- Serve: Serve chilled on greens, in a sandwich, or with crackers.