Introduction
Creamy Chicken and Carrot Spread is a smooth, savory, and slightly sweet spread that’s perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or as a dip for vegetables. It combines tender cooked chicken, sweet carrots, and creamy mayonnaise or cream cheese for a balanced flavor. This recipe is quick to prepare, nutritious, and ideal for snacks, lunches, or party appetizers.
Description
This spread has a mild, comforting taste and a velvety texture. The natural sweetness of the carrots complements the rich chicken and creamy base, creating a delightful and versatile mixture. It can be served chilled or at room temperature and stored easily for meal prep.
Ingredients
1 cup cooked chicken breast, finely shredded or chopped
1 medium carrot, grated finely
3 tablespoons mayonnaise or cream cheese (softened)
1 tablespoon plain yogurt or sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh herbs (such as parsley or dill), chopped, for garnish or extra flavor
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients:
Shred the cooked chicken finely and grate the carrot using a fine grater.
Combine Base:
In a medium bowl, mix the mayonnaise (or cream cheese) with yogurt or sour cream until smooth.
Add Flavors:
Stir in lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Mix Chicken and Carrots:
Add shredded chicken and grated carrot to the creamy mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly coated and smooth.
Chill (Optional):
Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Serve:
Spread on toast, sandwiches, or crackers, or use as a dip with vegetable sticks.
Tips
For a smoother texture, blend the spread in a food processor for a few seconds.
Use leftover roasted or boiled chicken for convenience.
Adjust consistency by adding a little more mayonnaise or yogurt if it’s too thick.
Always taste before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.
Variations
Spicy Version: Add a dash of chili flakes, hot sauce, or mustard.
Herbed Version: Mix in chopped fresh herbs such as basil, dill, or coriander.
Cheesy Twist: Add 2 tablespoons of grated cheddar or parmesan for extra richness.
Low-Fat Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter spread.
Correction
If the spread turns out too runny, add a bit more shredded chicken or a spoonful of cream cheese to thicken it. If it tastes too bland, adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice for balance.
Enjoy
Serve your creamy chicken and carrot spread fresh and chilled. It’s delicious on sandwiches, crackers, or as a healthy party appetizer. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.