Ina Garten Curried Chicken Salad Recipe

This Ina Garten curried chicken salad has that ideal mix of creamy, crunchy, and lightly spiced.

Toasting the curry powder for a few seconds before mixing it in deepens the warmth without making it too strong.

I use a mix of Greek yogurt and mayo—it keeps it lighter while still giving that classic richness.

A handful of toasted almonds adds the best crunch, and they hold up well even after sitting in the fridge.

Oh, and this is one of those recipes that’s even better the next day!

How to Make Ina Garten Curried Chicken Salad

Ingredients

• 4 Chicken Breasts
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup Mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp White Wine
• 3 tbsp Chutney
• 1 tbsp Curry Powder
• 1/2 cup Celery (chopped)
• 1/4 cup Scallions (sliced)
• 1/4 cup Raisins
• 1/4 cup Cashews

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Step 2:

Place the chicken on a baking sheet and roast for 35 to 40 minutes.

Check if the chicken is cooked through.

Step 3:

Once cooked, allow the chicken to cool.

Remove the meat from the bones, discard the skin, and dice it into large pieces.

Step 4:

In a food processor, blend mayonnaise, white wine, chutney, curry powder, and salt until well combined.

Step 5:

In a large bowl, mix chicken, celery, scallions, raisins, and cashews.

Pour the dressing over the mix, ensuring everything is coated.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh ingredients like celery and scallions really adds a crunch and fresh flavor to the dish!

Adjust the Spice Level

Feel free to adjust the curry powder if you wish for a milder or spicier flavor!

Make Ahead

You can make this salad a day in advance, and it will taste better the next day as flavors meld together.

Alternate Ingredients

Consider using grapes instead of raisins for a different sweetness, or almonds in place of cashews if you prefer them.

Balance the Dressing

If the dressing’s too thick, you can thin it out with a little more white wine or even water!

What to Serve with Ina Garten Curried Chicken Salad

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes go perfectly with Ina Garten’s curried chicken salad.

Their creamy texture blends nicely with the distinct flavors of the curry, offering a smooth contrast with every bite.

To make your meal even better, you could try adding a touch of garlic when preparing your mashed potatoes!

Crusty Bread

Crusty bread can be a wonderful partner to this chicken salad.

The crispy exterior adds a crunchy bite, balancing the creamy salad.

You can serve a fresh baguette or even sourdough on the side.

Add a little butter, and you’ve got yourself a simple yet elegant pairing!

Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables provide a unique twist to your meal.

Try grilling zucchini, peppers, and red onions until they have a lovely char.

The smoky flavor complements the salad nicely, adding a fresh and hearty component to your plate.

Couscous with Herbs

Though it’s a little unconventional, couscous with fresh herbs can be a fantastic addition.

Lightly toss it with parsley, mint, and a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing, herby side dish.

It’s a lighter choice that won’t overpower the salad’s flavors.

Feta and Watermelon Salad

For something refreshingly unexpected, try a simple salad of feta cheese and watermelon.

The sweetness of watermelon and the saltiness of feta make for unforgettable pairing.

A sprinkle of mint on top adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the curry perfectly.

Variations and Substitutions

You can switch the chicken type to whatever you have at home.

Rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey works well if you don’t have chicken breasts.

Use already cooked poultry to make the process faster and easier.

Dressing Options

Play around with the dressing!

Instead of white wine, you can try using vinegar.

A touch of chutney adds sweetness, and the curry powder gives it that wonderful flavor.

Add-Ins

Incorporate different textures with your favorite add-ins.

Try celery for a crisp bite, or raisins for a touch of sweetness.

Cashews can be substituted with almonds or omitted altogether if you prefer.

These changes help you personalize the dish to your taste.

Scallions add a nice punch, but red onions make a fine substitution.

Feel free to explore these options to create your perfect curried chicken salad.

How to Store Leftover Ina Garten Curried Chicken Salad

Refrigeration

When it comes to keeping your Ina Garten Curried Chicken Salad fresh, storing it correctly is key.

You’ll want to use an airtight container to preserve its flavors and texture.

Place the container at the back of your fridge, where it’s coldest, to extend its freshness.

Time Frame

You should consume the curried chicken salad within three days for the best taste and quality.

Storing it for longer may impact the flavor, so enjoy it while it’s at peak deliciousness!

Temperature Guidelines

It’s essential to keep the salad chilled to prevent bacterial growth and maintain its taste.

Ensure it doesn’t sit out at room temperature for more than two hours, especially on hot days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Chicken

You definitely want to avoid overcooking the chicken in the oven, which can make it dry and not so pleasant to eat.

Make sure to check the chicken often and remove it from the oven as soon as it’s just cooked through.

Remember, it should be juicy and tender!

Skipping the Quality Olive Oil

Another mistake is not using quality olive oil when preparing ingredients for this salad.

Good olive oil will enhance the salad’s flavors, giving it a richer taste.

Opt for something that has a nice flavor to round out the dish.

Ignoring Measurements with Curry Powder

Be cautious not to use too much curry powder.

A little goes a long way and too much can overpower the other flavors in the salad.

Start small and add to taste, keeping the balance just right.