Description
This Marry Me Chicken Salad takes the viral flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and basil and transforms them into a creamy, chilled lunch favorite. Succulent shredded chicken is tossed in a rich dressing infused with tomato oil and fresh herbs for an elegant twist on a classic.
Ingredients
The Chicken & Poaching Liquid
- 3 lbs boneless chicken breasts
- 32 oz low-sodium chicken broth
The ‘Marry Me’ Dressing
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise + 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (chopped) + 2 tbsp oil
- 1/4 cup fresh parmesan, grated
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- Aromatics: 1 tbsp fresh basil, 1 tsp garlic powder, salt/pepper
Instructions
Poach: Cover chicken with broth in a skillet. Simmer for 20–25 mins until internal temp is 160°F. Reserve some broth.
Shred: Let chicken rest for 5 mins, then shred with two forks.
Mix: Combine chicken, mayo, sour cream, shallots, tomatoes, oil, basil, parmesan, and spices.
Emulsify: Add reserved broth 1 tbsp at a time until the salad reaches a silky, creamy consistency.
Chill: Refrigerate for 30 mins to allow flavors to develop before serving.
Notes
The Poaching Secret: Stirring a few tablespoons of broth back into the salad adds savory depth and professional silkiness.
Oil-Packed is Essential: The infused oil in the tomato jar is a key flavor component; do not use dry-packed tomatoes.
Fresh Basil Only: Dried basil lacks the bright, peppery sweetness required for this specific profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch / Salad
- Method: Poaching / Mixing
- Cuisine: Modern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 640
- Fat: 26
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 18
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 110
Keywords: marry me chicken salad recipe, sun dried tomato chicken salad, creamy basil chicken salad, poached chicken breast salad, healthy lunch ideas, viral chicken recipe, parmesan chicken salad