Place the uncooked chicken pieces in a pot with water and bring to a boil.
Turn off the heat, covering the pot with a tightly fitting lid.
Leave the covered pot undisturbed for about twenty minutes.
Remove the chicken to a plate to cool and later shred with your fingers. This cooking technique keeps the chicken from drying out and avoids the rubbery texture that chicken can develop if it is overcooked.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the apples and stir.
Add three tablespoons of mayonnaise and stir into the chicken and apple mixture, tossing the bits to coat.
Add the remaining mayonnaise one tablespoon at a time, stirring after each addition.
Chicken salad is so individual. Some people like lots of mayo on theirs, while others like less. Go with what appeals to you.
After you have the mayonnaise exactly the way that you like it, add the teaspoon of salt and stir very well. Add in your pecans or walnuts and stir well.
Now you can add some of your delicious extra ingredients to customize your chicken salad.
Remember, there is no perfect chicken salad recipe. Everyone has their own preferences and their own individual twists on a recipe. Choose what sounds appealing to you, or whatever you happen to have on hand in your pantry.
Don’t be afraid to get creative! It’s really hard to mess up chicken salad. Whether you like cranberries, celery, grapes or sunflower seeds in your chicken salad, it’s going to be fabulous.
Just take your time and taste the salad after each addition, making adjustments as you go.