How to Make Simple Chicken Spread: A Delicious and Versatile Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that works perfectly as a snack, appetizer, or even a sandwich filling, this Simple Chicken Spread recipe is just the ticket. With only a handful of ingredients, it’s easy to make, yet bursting with flavor and creamy goodness. Whether you’re planning a party, preparing snacks for a gathering, or just looking for a tasty spread for your sandwiches, this recipe will come in handy.

The best part? It’s packed with wholesome ingredients like cooked chicken, cream cheese, and veggies, making it not just delicious but also nutritious. In this article, we’ll take you through the steps of making this delectable chicken spread, along with some variations, tips for perfecting the recipe, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) to ensure that you get it right every time.

Ingredients for Simple Chicken Spread

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious chicken spread:

8.8 oz (250 grams) cream cheese: This provides a creamy, rich base for the spread.
17.6 oz (500 grams) cooked and shredded chicken: The star ingredient, providing texture and protein.
8.8 oz (250 grams) sweet corn (drained): Adds a subtle sweetness and crunch to balance out the richness of the cream cheese.

10.6 oz (300 grams) mayonnaise: Gives extra creaminess and tang to the spread.
8.8 oz (250 grams) green olives (pitted and sliced): Adds a briny, savory punch to the mix.
2 carrots (grated): These add a fresh, slightly sweet flavor and a nice texture to the spread.

Optional Ingredients:

Salt to taste: Adjust to your preference based on the saltiness of the olives and other ingredients.
Fresh cilantro or green onions (to taste): For garnish and added freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cooking and shredding your chicken. You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or boil some fresh chicken breasts. Once cooked, shred the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces.

Place 17.6 oz (500 grams) of shredded chicken in a large mixing bowl.

Tip: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can pulse the shredded chicken in a food processor a few times to break it down more.

Step 2: Add the Mayonnaise

To the bowl with the shredded chicken, add 10.6 oz (300 grams) of mayonnaise.
Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated, and the mixture starts to look creamy.

Tip: Use full-fat mayonnaise for the best flavor, but if you’re looking to make it lighter, you can opt for a reduced-fat or avocado-based mayonnaise.

Step 3: Incorporate the Cream Cheese

Next, add 8.8 oz (250 grams) of cream cheese to the mixture.
Stir until the cream cheese is fully combined and the spread becomes smooth and extra creamy.

Tip: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the mixture. This makes it easier to blend into the chicken and results in a smoother consistency.

Step 4: Add the Vegetables

Now, it’s time to add some texture and flavor by incorporating the vegetables. Add 8.8 oz (250 grams) of drained sweet corn, 2 grated carrots, and 8.8 oz (250 grams) of pitted and sliced green olives.
Stir everything together until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Tip: You can customize this part by adding other vegetables you enjoy, like diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or even chopped pickles for a tangy twist.

Step 5: Final Touches and Adjustments

Taste the spread and add salt to your liking. Since the olives and mayonnaise can be salty, be sure to adjust carefully.
If desired, add freshly chopped cilantro or green onions for a burst of freshness and a bit of color.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Your Simple Chicken Spread is now ready to serve! You can enjoy it with bread, toast, crackers, or even use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
Garnish with extra cilantro or green onions before serving for added visual appeal and flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

Serving Tips:

As a Dip or Spread: Serve this chicken spread with crackers, pita bread, or tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Sandwich Filling: Spread it on slices of soft bread or baguette for a delicious chicken salad sandwich. Add lettuce or tomatoes for extra crunch and freshness.
In Wraps: Use it as a filling for tortilla wraps along with some fresh greens, cucumbers, and avocados.
On Toasts: Serve it on toasted baguette slices or rye bread for a tasty and elegant hors d’oeuvre.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Store the chicken spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing: This spread is not recommended for freezing as the texture of the cream cheese and mayonnaise may change after thawing.

Variations of Simple Chicken Spread

1. Spicy Chicken Spread

Add a kick of heat by stirring in some hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or finely diced jalapeños to the mixture.
A little bit of chipotle powder or smoked paprika can also add a smoky, spicy flavor.

2. Herbed Chicken Spread

Add a variety of fresh herbs like dill, basil, parsley, or chives to the spread for an herby and aromatic twist.
You can also mix in some garlic powder or onion powder for extra savory depth.

3. Cheesy Chicken Spread

For cheese lovers, fold in some shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda into the mixture for a cheesy, melty version of the spread.
You can also sprinkle grated Parmesan on top before serving for an extra savory touch.

4. Avocado Chicken Spread

Mix in mashed avocado for a creamy, rich version of the spread that adds healthy fats and extra flavor.
This variation works well as a sandwich spread or dip for tortilla chips.

5. Lighter Version

For a lighter, healthier version, you can use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise. It adds creaminess while also providing extra protein and probiotics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe. It’s already cooked and easy to shred, saving you time. It also adds extra flavor since it’s usually seasoned.

2. Can I make this chicken spread ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavors develop even more if made a few hours or a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.

3. How long does chicken spread last in the fridge?

This chicken spread will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.

4. Can I freeze chicken spread?

It’s not recommended to freeze this spread because the mayonnaise and cream cheese can change texture when thawed, resulting in a less smooth and creamy spread.

5. Can I make this chicken spread without mayonnaise?

Yes! If you prefer to avoid mayonnaise, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt, sour cream, or mashed avocado for a lighter, healthier version.

6. What can I serve with chicken spread?

You can serve this chicken spread with a variety of options, including crackers, toast, sandwiches, wraps, pita chips, or even as a filling for stuffed vegetables like tomatoes or bell peppers.

7. Can I add other vegetables or ingredients?

Definitely! Feel free to get creative and add your favorite ingredients like diced cucumbers, bell peppers, celery, or even chopped nuts for extra crunch and texture.

Conclusion

This Simple Chicken Spread is not only easy to make but also a highly versatile dish that can be enjoyed in so many ways. Whether served as a spread, dip, or sandwich filling, it delivers a creamy, savory flavor that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. With minimal effort and basic ingredients, you’ll have a delicious dish that’s perfect for snacks, parties, or meal prep. Plus, with the added bonus of being able to customize the recipe to your taste, the possibilities are endless!