In the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding the time to prepare a delicious and nutritious dinner can be a challenge. However, with the right shortcut ingredients and a little creativity, you can whip up a satisfying meal in no time. One such meal that fits the bill is a potato salad made with rotisserie chicken and steam - in - bag potatoes. This hearty dish not only tastes great but also comes together in just about 25 minutes.
Let's start by talking about the key ingredients. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time - saver. You can pick one up from your local grocery store, and it's already cooked and full of flavor. The succulent chicken adds a protein - rich element to the salad, making it a well - rounded meal. Steam - in - bag potatoes are another excellent shortcut. These pre - portioned potatoes are easy to cook. All you have to do is pop the bag in the microwave for a few minutes, and you have perfectly cooked potatoes ready to use.
To begin the recipe, first, take your steam - in - bag potatoes and follow the cooking instructions on the package. Usually, it involves placing the bag in the microwave for about 5 - 7 minutes, depending on the wattage of your microwave. While the potatoes are cooking, you can start preparing the other components of the salad. Take the rotisserie chicken and shred it into bite - sized pieces. You can use two forks to easily pull the chicken apart. This shredded chicken will be the star of the salad, adding a savory and meaty flavor.
Next, you'll need to make the dressing for the potato salad. A classic mayonnaise - based dressing works wonders here. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, a squeeze of Dijon mustard for a tangy kick, a bit of lemon juice to brighten the flavors, and some minced garlic for an extra layer of taste. Season the dressing with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika for a touch of color and a hint of spice. Whisk all the ingredients together until well - combined.
Once the potatoes are cooked, carefully open the steam - in - bag (be cautious as the steam can be hot). Let the potatoes cool for a few minutes, then cut them into small cubes. Place the cubed potatoes in a large bowl. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken to the bowl with the potatoes. Pour the dressing over the chicken and potatoes and gently toss everything together. Make sure that each potato cube and piece of chicken is coated with the delicious dressing.
To add some freshness and crunch to the salad, you can include some additional ingredients. Chopped celery is a great choice. Its crisp texture and mild flavor complement the richness of the chicken and potatoes. You can also add some red onion for a bit of sharpness. The red onion adds a pop of color and a zesty flavor to the salad. Fresh parsley or chives can be sprinkled on top as a garnish, adding a burst of green and a fresh herbaceous flavor.
This potato salad with rotisserie chicken is not only quick to make but also very versatile. You can customize it according to your taste preferences. If you like a bit of heat, you can add some chopped jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. For a creamier texture, you can mix in some Greek yogurt with the mayonnaise. You can also serve this salad on its own as a main course or pair it with a side of crusty bread for a more substantial meal.
In conclusion, this potato salad recipe is a great option for those busy weeknights when you don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. The use of shortcut ingredients like rotisserie chicken and steam - in - bag potatoes allows you to create a delicious and filling dinner in just about 25 minutes. So, the next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal idea, give this potato salad with rotisserie chicken a try. Your taste buds and your schedule will thank you!
