Mediterranean Creamy Chicken and Carrot Spread
This spread is smooth, savory, and lightly sweet from the carrots. The creamy base ties everything together, making it a perfect filling for sandwiches, wraps, or as a dip with crackers and bread. It’s simple, nourishing, and versatile enough for everyday snacking or as part of a party platter.
Time: 20 minutes (10 minutes prep, 10 minutes mixing/cooking if needed)
Ingredients
Cooked Chicken: 1 ½ cups, shredded or diced chicken breast
Carrots: 1 cup, finely chopped or grated
Creamy Base: ½ cup mayonnaise + ½ cup cream cheese or ricotta (adjust to taste)
Onion: ½ small onion, finely chopped
Pickle Relish (optional): 1 tbsp, for tang
Grated Cheese (optional): ¼ cup (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mild cheese)
Salt and Pepper: to taste
Fresh Herbs: 2 tbsp chopped parsley or dill
Instructions
Prep the carrots:
If using raw carrots, grate them finely.
For a softer texture, lightly steam or sauté chopped carrots for 3–4 minutes, then cool before mixing.
Mix the base:
In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise with cream cheese or ricotta until smooth.
Add the chicken and carrots:
Stir in shredded chicken and grated carrots until well coated.
Flavor it up:
Mix in the chopped onion, optional pickle relish, and cheese if using. Season with salt and pepper.
Finish with herbs:
Fold in fresh parsley or dill for a bright Mediterranean touch.
Chill and serve:
Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes for best flavor and texture. Serve spread on bread, pita, wraps, or with crackers and veggie sticks.
Tips & Variations
Make it lighter: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a fresher, tangier taste.
Extra flavor: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of garlic powder.
Texture control: For a smoother spread, pulse everything in a food processor. For a chunkier version, mix by hand.
Cheese swap: Try feta or creamier goat cheese for a stronger Mediterranean note.
Serving ideas: Use as a sandwich filler, a dip for pita bread, or a topping for baked potatoes.
Meal prep: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this spread ahead of time?
Yes, in fact, chilling it enhances the flavors. Just keep it refrigerated and stir before serving.
Q: Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken.
Q: What if I don’t like mayonnaise?
You can skip it and use only cream cheese, ricotta, or even Greek yogurt for creaminess.
Q: Can I add more veggies?
Yes. Finely chopped celery, roasted red peppers, or cucumber (seeded) can work well.
Q: How do I serve it at a party?
Spread it on crostini, serve in mini pita pockets, or offer it as a dip with crackers and crudités.
Nutrition
(per serving, about ¼ cup)
Calories: ~140
Protein: ~10g
Carbohydrates: ~3g
Fat: ~9g
Fiber: ~1g
Sodium: ~190mg
(Values vary depending on whether you use mayo, ricotta, or yogurt.)
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Creamy Chicken and Carrot Spread is versatile, satisfying, and easy to make with ingredients you likely already have. It’s a smart way to use leftover chicken and add extra veggies to your meals. Whether you spread it on toast for breakfast, tuck it into pita for lunch, or serve it as a dip at gatherings, it’s a creamy and flavorful option that’s both comforting and fresh.