• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
First...you have a beer
  • Home
  • It's Me
    • Privacy Policy
  • Recipes
  • Lagniappe
  • Contact Me
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • It's Me
    • Privacy Policy
  • Recipes
  • Lagniappe
  • Contact Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Salad

    Curry Chicken Salad

    Published: Aug 14, 2023 · By: Sweet Daddy D · with 4 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads

    695 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Sweet Daddy D’s Curry Chicken Salad with apples and cranberries in a lemon curry dressing is perfect for a simple family lunch or dinner but fancy enough for company. This light recipe uses lean chicken breasts with chopped apples and Craisins (dried cranberries) tossed in a refreshing savory lemon curry dressing. It's this special dressing that compliments and balances the sweetness of the golden delicious apples and dried cranberries. This is a quick, no-angst recipe that everyone will love.

    curry chicken salad with cranberries and apples on a bed of lettuce with avocado slices on a plate
    Sweet Daddy D's Curry Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Apples

    This post is not sponsored, but you will find affiliate links on this page. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The price you pay as a consumer does not change, but I may make a small commission based on your purchase.

    Jump to:
    • Chicken Salad on the Bayou??
    • Why Does this Recipe Work?
    • Here's What You Need
    • Here's What You Do
    • Hints and Tips (FAQ)
    • Recipe
    • Comments or Questions?

    Chicken Salad on the Bayou??

    This may not seem like a Creole or Cajun recipe, but it’s perfectly suited for anything from a large gathering to a quiet lunch on the screen porch, both things people of South Louisiana love to do. In fact, this dish was a favorite of fans of Leah Chase, the Queen of Creole Cuisine. Miss Leah’s famous Curried Chicken Salad was made using chicken tenders and fresh grapes, but it’s the curry dressing that set it apart. Curry Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Apples can be the centerpiece of a Cold Tray with pickled beets, marinated asparagus, cole slaw, potato salad, and so many other light and cold offerings. This sweet and savory chicken salad is absolutely delicious and will hit the spot with friends and family. 

    Why Does this Recipe Work?

    This recipe has a few things going on at one time. Tender, juicy chicken breasts make this a hearty dish, but the balance of the savory lemon curry dressing with the sweet, crispness of dried cranberries and fresh apples seals the deal.

    Craisins add just the right amount of sweetness, along with the apple, to counter the tart lemon and savory curry notes. Their texture pairs well with the crisp apple. If you're looking for something different, you can substitute fresh white or red seedless grapes (sliced in half lengthwise or whole) or raisins. You could even leave them out altogether. Want to be a bit fancier? Try adding candied pecans, sliced almonds, or cashews.

    Here's What You Need

    Here are some of the key ingredients for this recipe:

    fresh chicken breasts in a bowl and a bowl of spices
    a cup of dried cranberries, two apples and celery stalks
    individual ingredients for lemon curry dressing

    Note on Curry Powder: Curry Powder is a major factor in this recipe's flavor profile. I use a mild version like this one. A suitable substitute for the 4 Tablespoons of Curry Powder in this recipe would be 2 Tablespoons of Chili Powder, 2 Tablespoons of Tumeric, and 1 Tablespoon of Allspice. For more information on Curry Powder, check out the Hints and Tips (FAQ) section below.

    Note on Apples: I use Golden Delicious apples when developing this recipe. They are sweet, crisp, and juicy. Gala and Fuji Apples are good substitutes.

    Note on Craisins: I like using Craisins in this recipe because of the sweetness and texture, which I think pairs well with the crunchy texture of the apples.

    Equipment

    Here is some of the equipment I used in making this recipe:

    This post is not sponsored, but you will find affiliate links on this page. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The price you pay as a consumer does not change, but I may make a small commission based on your purchase.

    • Stockpot
    • Prep bowls (cambro)
    • Prep Bowls (glass)
    • Measuring Cups (metal)
    • Measuring Cups (glass)
    • Measuring Spoons
    • Cutting boards
    • Chef's Knives
    • Lemon Juicer
    • Kitchen Tongs
    • Microplane

    To accurately track Internal Temperature, I use a Thermopen by Thermoworks.

    Here's What You Do

    First, you have a beer. Even with a simple recipe, it turns out best if you prepare your ingredients and yourself before you start. It’s the perfect time for a beer while you read the recipe all the way through. Learn what you need and what you are going to do with each ingredient. Prep the cook then perform your mise en place.

    Mise En Place

    Prepare the ingredients and place them in small prep bowls before you assemble the recipe.

    Chicken

    • The raw chicken should be patted dry with a paper towel.
    • Check out the Note below about rinsing raw chicken.
    • I usually do not trim any excess fat from the breasts at this point so that flavor is incorporated.
    • Set the chicken aside.
    • Measure the chicken seasonings into a small prep bowl. 

    Note on rinsing chicken: The FDA does not recommend rinsing raw chicken because of the potential to contaminate the food preparation area. Rinsing does not eliminate potential bacteria, but it will be eliminated by cooking. If you can't resist rinsing raw chicken (which I usually can not resist) hold the chicken low in the sink and use a very low stream of water, being careful not to splash. A better method is to rinse the chicken in a large bowl of cold water. Make sure to clean your food preparation surfaces: I use white vinegar or diluted bleach water to clean all the surrounding food preparation surfaces when dealing with raw poultry. And wash your hands!!

    Remaining Ingredients

    • Zest the lemon and squeeze the lemon juice.
    • Measure the mayonnaise and cumin powder.
    • Peel and dice the apples, and discard the core.
    • Chop the celery into small pieces.
    • Measure the dried cranberries.
    prepared dried cranberries, apples and celery for chicken salad
    Dried cranberries, apples, and celery ready to add

    Cook the Chicken Breasts

    What happens in this step? This recipe is great when the chicken is fully cooked, but still tender and juicy.

    Place the chicken breasts onto a prep tray or large bowl and apply the seasoning mix.

    chicken breasts seasoned with spices and bay leaves in a glass bowl
    Chicken breasts seasoned with spices

    Fill a large stock pot with cold water and bring it to a boil. Add the seasoned chicken and bay leaves (also add any seasoning that has remained in the bowl). As the water regains a boil, lower the heat to a heavy simmer for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature of then the chicken is 170 degrees.

    Seasoned chicken breasts boiling in a Dutch oven
    Boil the seasoned chicken breasts

    Remove the chicken breasts to a bowl or prep tray and place them in the fridge for about 30 minutes to cool completely.

    cooked seasoned chicken breasts in a glass bowl
    Yummy seasoned chicken breasts

    Pro Tip: Make sure there’s enough water to cover the chicken by about 2 inches. This will make a simple, flavorful stock that can be used for other recipes, like cooking rice. If you'd like to reserve the cooking water, skim the impurities (it's actually some of the protein coming to the surface). This can be frozen in an airtight container until you're ready to use it.

    Prepare the dressing

    What happens in this step? Here we'll make the flavor vehicle for the chicken and other ingredients. A creamy, savory dressing with lots of lemon and curry.

    Mix all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or measuring cup. Add some kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste. Mix well and refrigerate the dressing until needed. 

    lemon curry dressing in a glass measuring cup
    Lemon Curry Dressing

    Construct the Salad

    What happens in this step? How you prepare the cooked chicken will impact the texture of the salad: bite-size pieces that are either chopped or shredded and chopped. The amount of dressing you mix into the chicken will impact the texture and creaminess of the overall dish.

    Prep the Cooked Chicken

    Trim any remaining excess fat from the chicken. Chop (or shred) the chicken into small, bite-size pieces, no larger than about ½ inch cubes. Place the prepared chicken in a large mixing bowl. 

    chopped chicken breasts in a glass bowl
    Chopped chicken breasts

    Combine the ingredients

    To the mixing bowl with the chicken, add the celery, apples, and dried cranberries. Mix well. 

    dried cranberries, chopped apples, and celery with chopped chicken breasts in a glass bowl
    Add the chopped fruit and veggie to the chicken breasts

    Add the dressing a little at a time, starting with about half. Blend everything together well. Add more dressing according to your taste.

    Mixed chicken breasts and fruit and veggie with lemon curry dressing in a glass bowl
    Mix in some lemon curry dressing

    Once the chicken salad is mixed, you should place it in the fridge for at least 15 minutes or longer while it gets cold and the flavors meld together. 

    Sign up for my email notifications of new recipes and posts right HERE.

    Hints and Tips (FAQ)

    What type of chicken is best?

    I think this recipe is best with white breast meat. Boneless skinless breasts are perfect, but you can also use breast tenderloin. If you love dark meat, you can use thighs or a mixture of thigh and breast meat. You can also use meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftover baked, grilled, or even fried chicken! Make sure to de-bone and de-skin cooked chicken.

    How long will leftovers last?

    Leftover chicken salad can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days if stored in an airtight container. Leftover dressing can likewise be kept in the fridge for 3 to 5 days, also if stored in an airtight container or jar. I do not recommend freezing leftover dressing or chicken salad.

    What is Curry Powder?

    Curry Powder is not one spice, but a blend of spices that originated in British India. It's different than the well-known "Curry" dishes of India. It generally has a yellowish-brown hue and provides a distinct and unique flavor that is subtle and earthy with a sweet savoriness. It's a major contributor to the flavor of any recipe and can take over if used in excess. The principal ingredients of curry powder are turmeric, coriander, cumin, bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, and Allspice. Black pepper and Red Chilli Peppers are common ingredients that add spice. A curry powder's flavor will stretch from mild to very hot, depending upon the individual ingredients used. The curry powders available in most supermarkets are on the mild side, but it would be fun to explore various blends to experience the variety of flavors available.

    a plate with chicken salad, tomatoes, beets, asparagus and avocado slices
    A perfectly delicious plate! Curry Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Apples

    Interested in some other Cold Salads from Sweet Daddy D?

    • creamy dressing being poured on shredded cabbage, apples, carrots and onions in a glass bowl
      Sweet and Savory Creamy Coleslaw
    • potato salad in a small white bowl
      Potato Salad with Marinated Purple Onions
    • southwest chicken salad with cilantro garnish and lime wedge
      Southwest Chicken Salad
    • A Sensation Salad in a wooden salad bowl.
      Sensation Salad

    If you make this recipe:

    • Tell us about it in the Comments section below
    • LEAVE A RATING ON THE RECIPE-worthy of 5-Stars?
    • Questions or Comments? that’s the place!
    • SIGN UP FOR OUR EMAIL UPDATES so you don't miss anything!
    • Post a picture and share it with your friends on our Social Media:

    695 shares

    Yeah You Right!

    Recipe

    chicken salad, beets, asparagus, avacado and tomatoes on a plate with green trim

    Curry Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Apples

    Simple, fresh chicken salad with dried cranberries and apples tossed in a lemon curry dressing. The savory dressing compliments the sweetness added by golden delicious apples and dried cranberries.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 55 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8 Servings
    Calories: 351kcal
    Author: Sweet Daddy D
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Here's What You Need

    For the Chicken

    • 4 large chicken breasts Boneless/Skinless
    • 2 tablespoons curry powder
    • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
    • 2 bay leaves
    • 1 teaspoons kosher salt
    • 1 teaspoons ground black pepper

    For the Salad

    • 2 stalks celery sliced
    • 1 cup dried cranberries
    • 2 golden delicious apples chopped

    For the Dressing

    • 2 cups mayonnaise
    • 2 tablespoons curry powder
    • zest of 1 lemon
    • Juice of ½ Lemon
    • ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon Ground Pepper

    Here's What You Do

    To Cook the Chicken

    • Season the chicken breasts and place in a large stock pot and; cover with cold water by about 2 inches.
    • Bring to a boil over high heat, lower heat to a heavy simmer for about 20-30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken is 170 degrees.
    • Remove the chicken breasts from the stockpot and place it in the fridge to cool completely, about 30 minutes.

    To Make the Dressing

    • Zest the lemon and squeeze the lemon juice
    • Mix the mayonnaise, lemon zest, curry, and lemon juices in a bowl and mix well. Add kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste.
    • Refrigerate while mixing the remaining ingredients.

    To Make the Salad

    • Peel and dice the apples and chop the celery into small pieces.
    • Chop the chicken breasts into small pieces, no larger than about ½ inch cubes. Alternately you can shred the chicken breasts.
    • Mix the chicken breasts, celery and apples in a bowl.
    • Add the dried cranberries and mix well.
    • Add the dressing and mix well, Start with about half the dressing and when mixed well, add more according to your taste.

    Recipe Notes

    Read my article Curry Chicken Salad for more detailed step-by-step instructions with process photos.
    Use boneless/skinless chicken breast or bone-in and skin-on. Just discard the skin after you de-bone it. You can also use breast tenderloin or thigh meat.
    You can also shred the chicken after cooking instead of cubing it.
    Leftover chicken salad can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days if stored in an airtight container. Leftover dressing can likewise be kept in the fridge for 3 to 5 days, also if stored in an airtight container or jar. I do not recommend freezing leftover chicken salad.

    Nutrition Estimate

    Calories: 351kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 1042mg | Potassium: 593mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 176IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 2mg

    This article was originally published in April 2018. I have revised and republished it here with improved structure, updated information, and revised images. I hope this will provide you with more useful information about this recipe.

    Sweet Daddy D AKA Dave Howson

    It's Me!


    Louisiana is a wonderful place where the rich cultural heritage enriches and entertains. I'm Dave Howson, aka Sweet Daddy D. I'm glad you found my website and I look forward to exploring the cultural mosaic of Louisiana with you…
    read the "It's Me" page to find out more about me and this website…

    Learn more about me →

    « Fried Green Tomatoes
    Shrimp in White Wine Sauce »
    695 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

      Have a Comment or a Question? Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Janis Kile

      March 02, 2024 at 4:15 pm

      5 stars
      I made this today for my husband and we both loved it. My grocery store didn’t have golden delicious apples so I used gala, I look forward to making this for my mah jong group. I saved the broth from cooking the chicken to use in soup.

      Reply
      • Sweet Daddy D

        March 03, 2024 at 10:50 pm

        Thanks, Janis! The broth can be used for lots of things...my favorite is Curry Rice.

        Reply
    2. Sue Coco

      April 11, 2018 at 8:31 pm

      I just made this for dinner and it was delicious. Great way to cook the chicken (which came out perfect) and great flavors in the dressing. Will definitely make it again.

      Reply
      • Sweet Daddy D

        April 11, 2018 at 9:32 pm

        Thanks, Sue. Glad you tried it and glad you liked it!

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    It's Me!

    Louisiana is a wonderful place where the rich cultural heritage enriches and entertains. I'm Sweet Daddy D and glad you found my website. I look forward to exploring the cultural mosaic of Louisiana with you... read the "It's Me" page to find out more about me and this website...

    Have My Recipes and Articles Delivered Right to Your Inbox

    Privacy Policy

    NOW AVAILABLE!

    Follow Me on Social Media!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    Most Popular Posts

    mirliton shrimp dressing on a blue green plate

    Mirliton and Shrimp Dressing

    green beans smothered with potatoes, ham and bacon in a white bowl

    Smothered Green Beans and Potatoes-Cajun Style

    close-up of crawfish monica

    Crawfish Monica

    stuffed artichoke casserole topped with lemon slices in a baking dish

    Stuffed Artichoke Casserole

    Copyright © 2024 • SDD Enterprises, LLC • All rights reserved.

    Search this Site

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Copyright © 2025 • SDD Enterprises, LLC • All rights reserved

    Join our Email list

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    About

    • It's Me!
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact

    Search this Site

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    695 shares
    695 shares

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.