Ensalada De Pollo (Mexican Hen Salad)

Ensalada de Pollo Mexicana (Mexican Hen Salad) is a type of easy recipes that tastes such as you spent far more time on it than you truly did. It comes collectively in a pinch with easy, on a regular basis components like shredded hen, frozen combined veggies, Mexican crema, mayo, lime juice, and a splash of jalapeño brine for a little bit kick.

Belief me, should you love chicken salad, it’s important to do that!

I will be sincere: I used to be skeptical the primary time I had this dish whereas touring in Mexico. Peas and carrots in hen salad did not fairly really feel proper. However I used to be hooked as soon as I bit into the normal Mexican torta—full of hen salad, avocado, pickled jalapenos, and veggies. Plus, frozen veggies imply much less chopping!

The opposite factor I like about this dish is that it really works for something, assume tostadas, sandwiches, salads, and even simply straight from the bowl. It is excellent for meal prep, fast lunches, or last-minute dinners whenever you need one thing scrumptious with out plenty of effort. In case you love contemporary, simple, and flavorful meals, this one’s a must-try!

Need extra chicken salad recipes? Do this Mediterranean Chicken Salad and Chinese Chicken Salad!

Key Substances

Listed below are a few of the important components you will want for this recipe! For the whole checklist of components, you may simply scroll all the way down to the recipe card under.

• Cooked, shredded hen: Rotisserie hen works nice right here, however any cooked hen will do, like this grilled chicken breast or Mexican pollo asadodo! Swap in canned hen and even tuna
• Mexican crema (or gentle bitter cream): Crema is richer and barely tangier than bitter cream, giving this salad a clean, velvety texture. Bitter cream is a wonderful swap if that is what you have got. It is paired with gentle mayo to make sure the dressing is not too tangy.
• Peas, carrots, and corn: The standard veggies added to hen salad in Mexico.  Defrost the veggies so the salad does not get watery. Some folks skip this step and throw within the frozen veggies if they are not serving it immediately since they are going to defrost within the fridge, however I want defrosted. 
• Lime juice: A contemporary pop of citrus brightens the entire dish. Freshly squeezed lime juice is greatest, however bottled works in a pinch. Lemon juice additionally works. 
• Jalapeño brine (plus diced pickled jalapeños, if utilizing): That is the key ingredient! The brine provides a delicate tangy warmth, and should you love spice, the diced pickled jalapeños take it up a notch.
• Boiled potatoes (optionally available): Some like so as to add potatoes for a heartier texture. In case you do, simply make a little bit further dressing to coat the whole lot correctly. Crimson or russet potatoes could be excellent right here since they maintain up their form.

Find out how to Make This Mexican Hen Salad Recipe

Making Ensalada de Pollo Mexicana is tremendous easy and comes collectively very quickly!

First, combine the creamy dressing by stirring the Mexican crema, mayo, lime juice, jalapeño brine, salt, and pepper in a big bowl. This creates a wealthy, tangy base that superbly coats the whole lot.

As soon as that is prepared, toss within the shredded hen and thawed veggies, then give all of it a very good stir till the whole lot is evenly mixed. In case you like a little bit warmth, go forward and add some chopped pickled jalapeños for an additional kick.

As soon as it is all combined, serve it nonetheless you want! It is scrumptious with tostadas, crackers, over a mattress of greens, and even stuffed right into a sandwich.

Professional tip: In case you add potatoes, don’t overcook them, as they may grow to be mushy. For greatest outcomes, cook dinner them solely till they’re fork-tender.

Find out how to Prepare dinner Hen for Hen Salad

The beauty of this recipe is which you can cook dinner the hen otherwise relying on what you have got time for and what tools you favor. Listed below are the very best strategies:

Poached

• Place hen in a pot and canopy with water or broth. Add a pinch of salt and aromatics like garlic or bay leaves for further taste.
• Convey to a delicate simmer (not a rolling boil) and cook dinner for about 15-20 minutes till the hen is totally cooked.
• Let it relaxation for a couple of minutes earlier than shredding. This technique retains the hen moist and simple to combine into the salad.

Pan-Seared

• Warmth a little bit oil in a skillet over medium warmth. Season the hen with salt and pepper (or any spices you want).
• Prepare dinner for 5-7 minutes per aspect, relying on thickness, till golden brown and totally cooked.
• Let it relaxation for a couple of minutes, then shred or chop. This technique provides barely caramelized taste, making the salad much more scrumptious.

Baked

• Preheat the oven to 400°F and place hen breasts on a lined baking sheet.
• Season flippantly and bake for 20-25 minutes or till the interior temperature reaches 165°F.
• Let the hen cool barely earlier than shredding. This technique works nice should you’re prepping for a number of meals.

Instantaneous Pot

• Place hen within the Instantaneous Pot with 1 cup of broth or water for moisture.
• Prepare dinner on excessive stress for 10 minutes (12 minutes if utilizing frozen hen), then let the stress launch naturally for five minutes earlier than shredding.
• The Instantaneous Pot makes extremely tender hen with minimal effort!

Sluggish Cooker

• Place hen in a gradual cooker with broth, salt, and seasonings.
• Prepare dinner on low for 6-7 hours or excessive for 3-4 hours till fork-tender.
• Shred instantly within the gradual cooker for juicy, flavorful hen that is excellent for salads.

What greens work greatest on this salad?

The basic combine contains peas, carrots, and corn, however you may customise it! Some variations additionally embody inexperienced beans, diced bell peppers, or celery for further crunch. If utilizing contemporary greens as an alternative of frozen, blanch them first to melt them barely.

Can I make this recipe forward of time?

Sure! In actual fact, it tastes even higher after sitting within the fridge for just a few hours because the flavors meld collectively. Simply retailer it in an hermetic container and stir earlier than serving. If making it greater than a day upfront, wait so as to add the lime juice till simply earlier than serving to maintain the flavors contemporary.

How do I forestall hen salad from getting too dry?

If the salad appears dry after chilling, merely stir in a little bit extra crema, mayo, or perhaps a splash of lime juice earlier than serving. In case you’re including potatoes, make further dressing to maintain the whole lot well-coated.

Customise Your Mexican Hen Salad

Listed below are some enjoyable methods to make this recipe your individual:

• Swap the protein: Not a fan of hen? Strive chopped turkey breast, canned tuna, and even Blackened Shrimp for a special twist.
• Bulk it up: Add some Blackened Corn or drained canned black beans to bulk up the salad and add further vitamins!
• Use dressing as an alternative: As an alternative of utilizing mayonnaise and Mexican crema, you may swap these with Creamy Avocado Dressing or Southwest Salad Dressing for a enjoyable twist!
• Make it spicy: For further warmth, add contemporary diced jalapeños, a touch of sizzling sauce, or a sprinkle of chili powder. Many occasions, the dressing can be made with blended chipotle peppers in adobo. 
• Lighten it up: Swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt, or use all yogurt for a tangier, protein-packed different.
• Herbs: Combine in chopped cilantro, inexperienced onions, or parsley.
• Add cheese: Crumble some queso fresco or cotija cheese into the salad combination for a touch of tangy taste.
• Dairy-free: Use dairy-free yogurt, mayonnaise, or bitter cream. Or use mashed avocado. 
• Crimson onion: Combine and toss some crimson onion into the salad. You may additionally add Pickled Red Onions for a much less intense taste.

Find out how to Serve Ensalada de Pollo Mexicana

This Mexican hen salad could be served in so some ways! Listed below are a few of our favorites:

• Tostadas: Unfold a beneficiant layer over crispy baked tostadas and high with avocado or guacamole, sizzling sauce, or a sprinkle of queso fresco.
• Sandwiches and wraps: Stuff right into a sandwich, croissant, or tortilla wrap for a fast and satisfying meal.
• Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps: Spoon into massive lettuce leaves like romaine or butter lettuce for a contemporary, low-carb possibility.
• Over greens: Serve over a mattress of combined greens or shredded lettuce for a light-weight, refreshing salad.
• With crackers or chips: Get pleasure from as a dip with crackers, baked tortilla chips, and even plantain chips for a crunchy chew.
• Stuffed in avocado or bell peppers: Fill avocado halves or hollowed-out bell peppers for a enjoyable, nutrient-packed serving thought.
• Make it a bowl: For a straightforward grain bowl, pair it with rice, beans, shredded lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and sliced avocado.