Prepare The Chicken: If you are not using pre-cooked chicken, boil or bake chicken breasts until fully cooked (about 14-16 minutes for boiling, 20-25 minutes for baking at 375°F or 190°C). Allow to cool, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
Mix The Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, sour cream (if using), chopped celery, red onion, grapes, nuts, and parsley. Stir well to combine
Season: Add the lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the chicken mixture. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for the best taste experience.
Serve: Serve chilled on a bed of lettuce, as a sandwich filling, or with crackers as an appetizer.
