Mayonnaise is a popular condiment that is commonly paired with chicken for a variety of reasons. Some of the top reasons why mayonnaise is good on chicken include:
Flavor
Mayonnaise has a creamy, tangy flavor that complements the flavor of chicken well. The mayo helps to add moisture and fat to lean chicken cuts, making the chicken juicier and more tender. It also provides a cooling contrast to spicy chicken dishes. Additionally, mayonnaise helps to bind together the other flavors when used as a base for chicken salads or sandwiches.
Texture
Mayonnaise adds texture and richness to chicken. The creamy mayo coats the chicken and makes it more moist and tender. The added fat from the mayonnaise bastes the chicken as it cooks, sealing in moisture and flavor. Mayonnaise can also help breading adhere better to chicken for crispy fried chicken.
Versatility
Mayonnaise is versatile enough to pair with many different types of chicken preparations. It can be used:
- As a sandwich spread or dipping sauce for chicken sandwiches, tenders, or nuggets
- As a base for chicken salads made with diced or shredded chicken
- As a topping or sauce for grilled, baked, or fried chicken
- As an ingredient in casseroles, pasta salads, or wraps made with chicken
- As a marinade ingredient to help keep chicken juicy
Moisture
The high oil and egg content in mayonnaise helps keep chicken moist during cooking. The emulsion of oil and egg yolks lubricates the chicken. This can be especially helpful for lean chicken breasts which can easily dry out during cooking. The added moisture from mayo keeps the chicken juicier.
Richness
Mayonnaise adds rich flavor and calories to chicken. The high fat content from oil and eggs provides a rich mouthfeel. The richness balances out drier, blander chicken cuts like chicken breast. Just a dollop of mayo can make chicken much tastier and more satisfying.
Decadence
Chicken with mayo is the epitome of comfort food. The combination strikes the perfect balance between juicy, savory chicken and cool, creamy mayonnaise. The decadence of chicken paired with mayo makes it an indulgent treat. Using mayo elevates a simple chicken dish into something special.
Cohesion
In chicken salads, mayonnaise helps bind all the ingredients together. It emulsifies the pieces of chicken, chopped vegetables, and seasonings to create a cohesive salad. The mayo adds stickiness that helps the ingredients adhere and form a combined salad rather than separate components.
How is mayonnaise made?
Mayonnaise is an emulsion, which means it is a combination of two liquids that normally don’t mix – oil and water. It is traditionally made by slowly whisking oil into egg yolks. Here is the basic process for making mayonnaise:
- Crack 1-2 egg yolks into a mixing bowl
- Add 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar, and seasonings to the egg yolks
- Very slowly, while whisking constantly, drizzle in 1 cup oil in a thin stream to emulsify
- Continue whisking as the mixture thickens and emulsifies
- Taste and adjust seasoning as desired
The key is to add the oil very slowly at first to begin forming the emulsion. As the emulsion starts to thicken, the oil can be added a little faster. If added too quickly, the oil and egg yolks will separate rather than emulsifying into mayonnaise.
Nutrition facts of mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is high in fat and calories compared to other condiments. A single tablespoon of mayonnaise contains around 100 calories and 11 grams of fat. Here is the full nutrition breakdown for a tablespoon of regular mayonnaise:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100 |
| Fat | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Cholesterol | 5mg |
| Sodium | 90mg |
| Carbohydrates | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
The high fat content comes from the oil used to make the mayonnaise, traditionally a vegetable oil like soybean or canola oil. Despite the high calories and fat, mayonnaise can be enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet.
Difference between mayonnaise and aioli
Aioli and mayonnaise are similar egg and oil-based sauces, but they have a few key differences:
- Main ingredients – Mayonnaise is made with a neutral vegetable oil while aioli is traditionally made just with olive oil.
- Flavoring – Mayonnaise has a mild flavor from egg yolks and lemon juice. Aioli is flavored strongly with garlic.
- Texture – Mayonnaise is smooth and creamy. Aioli is thicker and more opaque.
- Region – Mayonnaise originated in France. Aioli comes from the Mediterranean and Spain.
- Uses – Mayonnaise is used as a condiment for sandwiches and chicken. Aioli is more often used as a dipping sauce.
In summary, traditional mayonnaise highlights the flavor of the eggs and oil, while aioli spotlights the pungent garlic flavor.
What are the varieties of mayonnaise?
While traditional mayonnaise is made with egg yolk, oil, and lemon juice or vinegar, there are now many varieties available. Some of the most common mayonnaise varieties include:
- Regular – Made with egg yolk and a mild neutral vegetable oil. This is the standard mayo.
- Low-fat – Lower in fat by using less oil, egg whites instead of yolks, and added starches.
- Vegan – Dairy and egg free, made with oil and thickening agents like modified food starch.
- Aioli – Flavored strongly with garlic.
- Chipotle – Includes pureed chipotle chile peppers for a smoky, spicy flavor.
- Sriracha – Made with the Asian hot sauce sriracha for heat.
- Pesto – Swirls in pesto sauce for an herby Italian flavor.
- Lemon-Dill – Flavored with lemon juice and dill.
- Bacon-Onion – Studded with crunchy bacon bits and onion.
There are endless flavor possibilities for mayonnaise varieties by blending in different herbs, spices, vegetables, or other condiments.
What oil is used to make mayonnaise?
The most common oils used to make mayonnaise are:
- Soybean oil – A neutral, lightweight oil that allows the egg flavor to shine.
- Canola oil – Another neutral-tasting oil that blends smoothly.
- Extra virgin olive oil – Used for aioli to provide a robust, fruity olive oil flavor.
- Grapeseed oil – A clean, light oil that lets other flavors come through.
- Sunflower oil – Made from sunflower seeds, this oil has a light taste.
- Avocado oil – Has a buttery, rich flavor from the avocados.
The oil used significantly impacts the flavor of the mayonnaise. Most mass-produced mayo uses soybean oil for cost and neutrality.
Conclusion
Mayonnaise is more than just a condiment – it’s a versatile secret ingredient that can transform the texture, moisture, and flavor of chicken. The rich creaminess of mayo perfectly complements the lean protein of chicken. It adds much-needed fat and lubrication to keep chicken of all types juicy and tender. Mayonnaise provides the ideal balance of flavors and textures when paired with chicken in sandwiches, salads, casseroles, and more. So don’t be afraid to slather on the mayo next time you enjoy chicken – it provides delicious benefits that take chicken to the next level.
Key Points
- Adds moisture, fat, and flavor to lean chicken
- Provides creamy texture and richness
- Binds ingredients like chicken salads
- Variety of flavors available
- High in fat so enjoy in moderation
- Emulsification of egg yolk and oil is key to making it
- Perfect complement to chicken in many dishes