November 15, 2025

Classic Easy Chicken Salad – What does a chicken salad contain?

4.5/5 - (4 votes)

Chicken Salad Recipe

Chicken Salad Recipe has become a cult favorite for a reason—it’s creamy, tangy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re making a light lunch, a hearty snack, or bringing something to a party, this versatile dish hits all the right notes. And now, you don’t need to head to a restaurant to enjoy it—you can make this delicious, classic chicken salad at home! This guide will show you how to whip up a homemade version that’s easy to prepare, perfect for meal prepping, and totally customizable to your taste. Ready to dive in?

Ingredients:

To make this version of Chicken Salad Recipe, here’s what you’ll need. This recipe makes about 4-6 servings, but feel free to double it for larger batches.

Chicken

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: 2 large (about 1.5 pounds). You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience.

Vegetables and Add-ins

Celery: ½ cup, finely chopped (for crunch)
Green Onions or Red Onions: ¼ cup, finely chopped (for flavor)

Dressing

Mayonnaise: ¾ cup (Duke’s or Hellmann’s are recommended)
Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon (for a bit of tang)
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed (for brightness)
Salt & Pepper: To taste
Paprika: ½ teaspoon (optional, for a smoky touch)

Optional Add-ins for Flavor Variety

Grapes: ½ cup, halved (for sweetness and a Southern twist)
Pecans or Almonds: ¼ cup, toasted and chopped (for extra crunch)
Dill Pickle Relish: 1-2 tablespoons (for tangy flavor)
Hard-Boiled Eggs: 2, chopped (for added richness)

Preparation Steps: Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Salad Recipe

1. Prepare the Chicken

Cook the Chicken: If you’re using raw chicken breasts, poach them in simmering water or chicken broth for about 15-20 minutes, until fully cooked (165°F internal temperature). Let them cool, then chop or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Short on Time? You can substitute with pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Just remove the skin and bones, and shred the meat

2. Make the Dressing

Mix the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add a dash of paprika for a little extra flavor if desired. Check crispy chicken sandwhich
Taste and Adjust: Adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you prefer a tangier dressing, add a bit more mustard or lemon juice.

3. Combine the Ingredients

Add the Chicken and Veggies: Once the dressing is ready, add the shredded chicken, chopped celery, and onionsto the bowl. Gently stir until everything is well coated with the dressing.
Optional Add-ins: For extra flavor and texture, stir in halved grapes, toasted nuts, or hard-boiled eggs. This will give your chicken salad that signature Southern charm.

4. Serve and Enjoy

How to Serve: Chicken Salad Chick is perfect served on buttery croissants, sandwich bread, or atop a fresh bed of lettuce. You can also pair it with crackers or serve it inside a wrap for a lighter option.
Chill Before Serving: For best results, refrigerate the chicken salad for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Salad Recipe

1. Choose the Best Chicken

Using freshly cooked chicken is ideal, but rotisserie chicken works well in a pinch. Just make sure to shred it well for the perfect texture.

2. Customizing to Suit Your Taste

Love Crunch? Add more celery, nuts, or even some diced apples for an extra crunchy bite.
Prefer it Lighter? You can substitute some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to cut down on fat and calories.

3. Storage and Serving

Store Leftovers: Chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Avoid leaving it out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
Serving Ideas: Serve it with crackers as a snack, stuff it into tomatoes for a low-carb option, or use it to make chicken salad sandwiches.

Nutritional Facts of Chicken Salad Chick (Per Serving)

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown for a standard serving (about 1 cup) of chicken salad, based on this recipe:

Calories: 350

Fat: 28g

Saturated Fat: 4.5g

Carbohydrates: 3g

Fiber: 0.5g

Sugar: 2g

Protein: 22g

Sodium: 450mg

Cholesterol: 100mg

Note: Adding extras like grapes, nuts, or eggs will alter the nutrition profile slightly.

My Thoughts

Making Chicken Salad Chick at home is a breeze and incredibly satisfying. With its perfect balance of creamy dressing, tender chicken, and crunchy vegetables, it’s no wonder this dish is such a hit! The best part? You can completely customize it to suit your taste—whether you like it light and tangy or rich and creamy. This easy-to-follow recipe will quickly become a go-to for lunch, snacks, or even party gatherings. Give it a try and impress your family and friends with this delicious, homemade chicken salad!

Checkout our chicken recipes

FAQs

1. Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option and adds extra flavor. Just shred it well and follow the rest of the recipe.

2. What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Stir before serving to freshen it up.

3. How Can I Make This Healthier?
Substitute Greek yogurt for half (or all) of the mayo for a lighter version. You can also add more veggies like diced cucumber or carrots to boost the nutrition.

4. Can I Make It Dairy-Free?
Yes, simply use a dairy-free mayo or substitute with mashed avocado for creaminess.

5. What’s the Best Way to Serve Chicken Salad Chick?
Serve it on croissants, sandwich bread, or with crackers. You can also make it low-carb by serving it in lettuce wraps or stuffed tomatoes.