Chicken salad is one of those timeless dishes that works for lunch, dinner, meal prep, picnics, and everything in between. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a delicious bowl of chicken salad in under 10 minutes.
Let’s make it!
🥣 Ingredients
Main Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
(rotisserie chicken works perfectly!)
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional for extra creaminess)
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
2 tablespoons red onion, minced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins
¼ cup grapes (halved)
¼ cup chopped apples
⅛ cup sliced almonds or pecans
1 boiled egg, chopped
Fresh herbs: dill, parsley, or chives
Sweet relish or a dash of honey for sweetness
Paprika for a little warmth
🥣 Instructions
Step 1 — Prep the Chicken
If using leftover or rotisserie chicken, shred or cube it.
(For super-fast prep, use pre-cooked chicken breast.)
Step 2 — Mix the Dressing
In a medium bowl, stir together:
mayo
sour cream or yogurt
mustard
lemon juice
salt & pepper
Mix until creamy and smooth.
Step 3 — Add the Chicken & Veggies
Fold in:
chicken
celery
red onion
Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4 — Taste & Adjust
Add more lemon, salt, pepper, or mayo depending on how creamy or tangy you like it.
🥗 How to Serve
Serve your homemade chicken salad with:
Bread for sandwiches
Tortillas or pita for wraps
Crackers
Croissants (extra delicious!)
Lettuce cups
Over mixed greens for a lighter meal
💡 Tips for the Best Chicken Salad
✔ Use rotisserie chicken
It’s flavorful, juicy, and cuts down prep time.
✔ Chill before serving
A short 20-minute chill makes flavors blend beautifully.
✔ Add crunch
Celery, nuts, apples, or cucumbers give great texture.
✔ Make it healthier
Swap half or all of the mayo with Greek yogurt.
✔ Want it savory?
Add garlic powder, paprika, dill, or chopped pickles.
🍽 Storage
Store in an airtight container
Refrigerate up to 3–4 days
Mix well before serving again
Not freezer-friendly.