Top-down gallery view of a white matte ceramic bowl filled with uniformly cubed chicken salad on a pale oak farmhouse table, showing precise culinary knife work and technical texture management under natural window daylight.

TIME TO PREP & COOK: 15 Minutes Prep, 30–60 Minutes Chilling

EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Chef’s Knife, Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls, Whisk

SKILL LEVEL: Easy

Study No. 15: Rotisserie Chicken Salad


The Intent

A quick study in balancing sweet and savory flavors. This recipe replicates a classic deli-style chicken salad using a shredded rotisserie chicken base mixed with a creamy, tangy dressing.

INGREDIENTS

  • Chicken: 3 to 4 cups of shredded or diced cooked chicken (use a rotisserie chicken for ease)

  • Dried Cranberries: ½ cup dried cranberries

  • Celery: ½ cup diced celery

  • Onion: ¼ cup finely chopped white or red onion (optional)

  • Nuts: ¼ cup chopped pecans or sliced almonds (optional)

  • Mayonnaise: ½ cup mayonnaise

  • Sour Cream: ½ cup sour cream

  • Seasonings: 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp dried dill, 1 tsp dried parsley, ½ tsp garlic salt, black pepper to taste

THE PROCESS

  1. Prep the Chicken: Remove and discard the skin from the rotisserie chicken. Shred or dice the meat into small, uniform pieces using your knife. Place the chicken into a large stainless steel mixing bowl.

  2. Add Mix-ins: Toss the dried cranberries, diced celery, onion, and nuts directly into the bowl with the chicken.

  3. Mix the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, dill, parsley, garlic salt, and pepper until smooth.

  4. Combine: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Use a spoon or spatula to stir gently until all components are evenly coated.

  5. Chill: Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes before serving so the flavors blend together. Serve cold on a freshly baked croissant.

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TECHNICAL PROGRESSION

▪ Next Study: [Sourcing and technical evaluations for Study No. 16 are currently being compiled.]

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