1poundChicken Breastsskinless, boneless, trimmed of any fat (about 2 medium pieces)
2cupsChicken Brothor enough to cover the chicken
2-3Thyme Sprigsor use dried thyme if fresh is not available
½teaspoonSaltplus extra if needed at the end - we used kosher salt
¼cupSliced Almondstoasted
¼cupMayonnaise
1teaspoonApple Cider Vinegar
1teaspoonHoney
½cupRed Seedless Grapessliced into rounds
PinchBlack Pepper
8SlicesWhite Breador use your favorite, bread, rolls, etc., if desired
Instructions
Poach the chicken breast
Place the chicken in a medium saucepan side by side without overlapping. Cover the chicken with chicken broth; add ½ teaspoon salt and thyme.
Start the chicken on medium-high heat and bring the broth to a simmer. Lower heat to medium-low and cover.
Simmer the chicken gently for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature on the thickest part, of the largest piece is at least 165°F.
Remove the chicken breast from the poaching liquid and allow it to cool. When it’s cool enough to handle cut it into thin slices.
Toast the sliced almonds
Place the almonds in a skillet over medium heat; cook them for 4-6 minutes until they turn a nice golden color. Shake the skillet and check them often. As soon as they’re done, remove the skillet from the heat.
Make the dressing and finish the salad
Add the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey and black pepper to a large bowl, stir to mix well.
Add the chicken, grapes, and toasted almonds to the mayonnaise dressing. Stir gently to combine and coat all of the ingredients with the dressing. Taste the chicken salad; add salt to taste, if needed.
Cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator before serving. Serve on a roll, sandwich bread, lettuce, crackers, etc.
Notes
Start this recipe by poaching the chicken breast. It will take the longest, plus the chicken needs to cool before assembling the salad. Prepare the almonds, make the dressing and slice the grapes while the chicken poaches and cools.
The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken. Use the time as a guide but check with instant read thermometer to make sure it’s fully cooked.