SOUTHERN CHICKEN AND RICE SALAD

Southern Chicken and Rice Salad image

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 15

1.5 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins ( (about 3 cups cooked and diced))
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil ((or additional 1 tablespoon of olive oil))
2 tablespoons rice vinegar ((or sub with white or cider vinegar))
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
3 cups cooked brown rice**
1 (8 ounce) can pineapple chunks (drained)
1 (15 ounce) can mandarin orange slices (drained)
1 cup halved red grapes
1 cup diced celery
1/4 cup mayonnaise***
1/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek-style yogurt
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1/2 cup slivered almonds
Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

Prepare the chicken at least 1 hour in advance (or overnight):
In a small bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, and orange juice. Season chicken with salt and pepper, and place chicken in a large zip-top bag. Pour marinade into the bag and gently toss to coat chicken. Marinate chicken in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).
Remove chicken from bag and discard marinade.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place chicken in the skillet and allow the chicken to cook on one side, undisturbed, for at least 4-5 minutes. Flip, and cook the chicken for about 5 more minutes, or until it is nicely browned on both sides and cooked through.
The chicken is cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 180 degrees F, or when juices run clear.
When the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and place it on a cutting board to rest.
Once chicken has cooled to the touch, diced into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the salad:
Place diced chicken in a large bowl. Add pineapple, oranges, celery, and grapes. Fold in cooked rice. Add mayonnaise and sour cream; season with salt and pepper, to taste. You can stir in additional mayonnaise, as needed, to reach desired consistency.
Stir in almonds just before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.