Ferris Wheel Chicken Salad Recipes

BASIC CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• Cut the roast chicken into small pieces and discard the skin and bones. Put the chicken, grapes, almonds, scallions and celery in a large bowl. In another bowl, mix the mayonnaise, yogurt, cream, dill, brown sugar and some salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Allow to chill for several hours or even overnight.
• Before serving, garnish with halved grapes and chopped dill. Serve on a bed of lettuce or in a sandwich.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Put the chicken in a roasting pan, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Roast until the juices run clear, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Let cool completely before using for chicken salad.

FREDS' CHICKEN SALAD WITH BALSAMIC DRESSING

Steps:

• Roast the chicken (if you're using a cooked, store-bought chicken, skip this step): Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place a rack in a roasting pan. Rub 1 tablespoon salt around the inside of the cavity, then stuff it with the thyme, lemon and garlic. Tie the legs closed with cooking twine. Rub olive oil over the entire bird, and sprinkle with 1/2 tablespoon salt and the black pepper. Place on the rack and roast for 72 to 80 minutes. After 72 minutes, begin testing for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the leg, close to the bone. The chicken is done when the thermometer reads 165 degrees. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
• When cool enough to handle, remove the skin from the chicken. Use your hands to remove all the meat (remember, it will be hotter internally) and shred into 2-inch strips. If you're not going to make the salad for a few hours, place the meat in the refrigerator, but be sure to remove it and let come to room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes before serving, to bring out the best flavor.
• Make the dressing: Place all the ingredients except the oil in a food processor and pulse for about 30 seconds, until everything is combined. With the machine on low, slowly drizzle in the oil until dressing is emulsified.
• Assemble the salad: Drizzle pears with lemon juice to prevent them from browning. In a large mixing bowl, combine pears, greens, beans, tomatoes, onion, avocado and half the chicken meat. Add some of the dressing and toss to make sure everything is lightly coated, adding more dressing if needed. Divide the mixture equally among 4 or 6 plates. Lay the rest of the chicken on top and serve immediately, passing the remaining dressing in case people want to add more.

CLASSIC CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray.
• Season chicken evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and onion powder. Place in the prepared baking dish and cover tightly with foil.
• Bake in the preheated oven until juices run clear and chicken shreds easily, about 1 hour 20 minutes; don't overcook. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
• Remove from the oven, uncover, and let sit until cool enough to handle, about 15 minutes. Reserve any accumulated chicken broth.
• Prepare dressing while chicken cools. Combine 1 cup mayonnaise, sour cream, relish, green onions, parsley, Dijon, lemon juice, dill, and remaining salt and pepper in a large bowl; mix until well combined.
• Break chicken into large pieces and place in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse 3 to 5 times to shred chicken to desired consistency.
• Transfer chicken to a bowl. Add celery and pour dressing over top; toss to coat. If more moisture is desired, add reserved broth or more mayonnaise.
• Cover and chill for at least 2 hours (or up to 2 days) before serving. Stir well before serving.

FAIREST WHEELS (CHICKEN PINWHEELS)

Steps:

• In medium bowl, combine chicken, lettuce, cheddar cheese, green onions and red pepper.
• Set aside.
• In small bowl, beat together cream cheese, sour cream, and red pepper jelly on low speed of electric mixer.
• Spread 1/3 cream cheese mixture over one side of tortilla.
• Sprinkle with 1/3 chicken mixture, leaving 1/2 inch border at top just covered with cream cheese mixture (so you can seal it closed.) Roll up tightly, jelly roll style.
• Wrap tortilla roll in plastic wrap.
• Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
• Refrigerate for 2 hours.
• Trim off the ends and cut each roll into 8 slices, serve cold.