Imagine a creamy, tantalizing spread that combines the rich, tender goodness of shredded chicken with the luxurious crunch of pecans and the bold kick of Dijon mustard. This Chicken Pecan Dijon Spread is not just another appetizer – it's a flavor explosion that will transform your ordinary snack time into a gourmet experience. Whether you're hosting a party, preparing a quick lunch, or looking for a delicious way to reinvent leftover chicken, this recipe is about to become your new culinary obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and cooled before shredding. Use rotisserie chicken or boiled chicken breast for convenience.
- In a medium mixing bowl, place the softened cream cheese at room temperature to ensure smooth blending.
- Add the shredded chicken to the cream cheese, breaking up any large chicken pieces into fine, uniform shreds.
- Incorporate the Dijon mustard into the mixture, stirring thoroughly to create a consistent and creamy texture.
- Roughly chop the pecans into small, crunchy pieces using a sharp knife or food processor.
- Fold the chopped pecans into the chicken and cream cheese mixture, distributing them evenly.
- Season the spread with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled as a spread on crackers, toast points, or as a sandwich filling.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always use room temperature cream cheese for the smoothest, most spreadable consistency.
- Chicken Selection: Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully, but freshly poached chicken breasts can elevate the flavor profile even more.
- Pecan Precision: For maximum flavor, lightly toast the pecans before chopping to enhance their nutty richness.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This spread tastes even better after sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Serving Suggestions: Beyond crackers and sandwiches, try this spread as a delicious filling for stuffed celery, a topping for cucumber rounds, or as a unique pizza base.
- Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead appetizer or quick protein-packed snack.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 160kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 12g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 43mg
