Welcome to the last chicken salad recipe you will ever need. Forget dry, bland, or overly dressed salads. This recipe is the gold standard—perfectly creamy, packed with tender chicken, and balanced with a fresh, crisp crunch. It’s the kind of classic recipe that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly simple.
Whether you’re making sandwiches for a picnic, meal-prepping lunches for the week, or bringing a dish to a potluck, this guide will show you how to achieve flawless results every single time. We’ve perfected the ratios and techniques to create a truly unforgettable chicken salad.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
There’s a reason chicken salad is a timeless favorite. It’s incredibly versatile, easy to prepare, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Here’s why this specific recipe will become your go-to:
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The creamy, tangy dressing complements the savory chicken without overpowering it.
Amazing Texture: We combine tender shredded chicken with crisp celery and a hint of onion for a satisfying mix of textures in every bite.
Incredibly Simple: With just a few staple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip this up in minutes, especially if you use pre-cooked chicken.
Customizable: This is a fantastic base recipe. We’ll share tons of variations so you can make it exactly how you like it.
The Key Ingredients for Perfect Chicken Salad
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Using high-quality ingredients is the key to achieving the best possible flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
Fresh, simple ingredients are the key to a perfect chicken salad.
For the Chicken
Cooked Chicken: The star of the show. You can use poached or baked chicken breasts, but for a super quick and flavorful option, a rotisserie chicken is your best friend. Make sure it’s cooled and shredded or diced.
For the Creamy Dressing
Mayonnaise: Use a good-quality, full-fat mayonnaise for the best creamy texture and rich flavor.
Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens up the dressing and cuts through the richness of the mayo.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
For the Perfect Crunch and Flavor
Celery: Provides that essential fresh, crisp crunch. Dice it finely for the best texture.
Red Onion: Adds a mild, zesty bite. Finely minced red onion incorporates best, but green onion works well too.
Fresh Dill: This is our secret weapon! Fresh dill adds a bright, herbaceous note that elevates the entire salad.
Salt and Black Pepper: To season and bring all the flavors together.
How to Make the Best Chicken Salad Recipe
FL Recipes
Chicken Salad Recipe: The Ultimate Guide to Creamy, Classic Perfection
This is the last chicken salad recipe you will ever need. It's perfectly creamy, packed with tender chicken, and balanced with a fresh, crisp crunch for the ultimate classic salad.
If not using pre-cooked chicken, cook the chicken breasts (poaching is recommended for moistness). Let the chicken cool completely, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.
Add the cooled chicken, finely diced celery, minced red onion, and chopped fresh dill to the bowl with the dressing.
Gently fold all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated in the dressing. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving. Serve on sandwiches, in lettuce wraps, or with crackers.
Nutrition
Calories: 350kcalProtein: 21gFat: 28gFiber: 1g
Notes
For Rotisserie Chicken: Using a rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply remove the skin and bones and shred the meat. Make-Ahead: This salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance. The flavors get even better as it sits.
If you aren’t using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, you’ll need to cook your chicken first. Poaching is a fantastic method as it keeps the meat moist and tender. Simply place boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a saucepan, cover with water or chicken broth, and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until cooked through. Let it cool completely before shredding or dicing into bite-sized pieces. For a different flavor profile, you could also try our simple and juicy baked chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Mix-ins
While the chicken cools, prepare your other ingredients. Finely dice the celery and finely mince the red onion. This ensures you get a little bit of crunch and flavor in every bite without any single piece being overwhelming. Chop your fresh dill as well.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper and give it one final stir.
Step 4: Combine Everything and Chill
Add the shredded chicken, diced celery, minced red onion, and chopped fresh dill to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together with a spatula until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and chill the chicken salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
A fresh bowl of our classic chicken salad, perfect for any occasion.
Pro Tips for Success
Don’t Use Warm Chicken: Always let your chicken cool completely before mixing it with the mayonnaise-based dressing. Warm chicken can cause the mayo to separate and become oily.
Quality Over Quantity: Since there are so few ingredients, their quality really shines. Use a good mayonnaise and fresh herbs for the best results.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste the finished salad before serving. It might need an extra pinch of salt, a squeeze of lemon juice, or more pepper.
Let It Chill: Chilling the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes is non-negotiable! It makes a huge difference in the final taste.
Delicious Chicken Salad Variations
One of the best things about this classic chicken salad recipe is how easy it is to customize. Use our base recipe and try one of these popular variations!
Variation Name
How to Make It
Southern-Style with Grapes & Pecans
Add 1/2 cup of halved red grapes and 1/3 cup of toasted, chopped pecans. This adds a wonderful sweetness and nutty crunch.
Healthy & High-Protein
Substitute the mayonnaise with an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt. You may want to add a little extra lemon juice to balance the tang of the yogurt.
Spicy Southwest
Add 1/4 cup of corn, 1/4 cup of black beans, 1 finely minced jalapeño, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro. Substitute dill with cilantro.
Curry Chicken Salad
Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of curry powder and 1/4 cup of golden raisins to the dressing. A sprinkle of chopped cashews is also delicious.
The Best Chicken for Chicken Salad
You have several great options for the chicken, and each offers a slightly different result. For ultimate convenience, a store-bought rotisserie chicken is unbeatable. The meat is already seasoned and moist. If you prefer to cook it yourself, poaching boneless, skinless chicken breasts is the best way to ensure tender, juicy meat that’s easy to shred. You can also use leftover perfectly grilled chicken for a smokier flavor. No matter which you choose, our guide to making the best shredded chicken has you covered.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken salad is incredibly versatile. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve it:
Classic Sandwich: Serve it on toasted brioche, a flaky croissant, or hearty whole-wheat bread with a leaf of lettuce.
Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb and gluten-free option, scoop the salad into crisp butter or romaine lettuce cups.
With Crackers: Serve it as a dip with your favorite crackers or vegetable sticks for an easy appetizer.
Stuffed Avocado or Tomato: Hollow out an avocado or a large tomato and fill it with the chicken salad for a light and healthy lunch.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Proper storage is key to keeping your chicken salad fresh and safe to eat. This recipe is also perfect for making ahead of time.
Storing in the Refrigerator
Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, so it often tastes even better on the second day!
Can You Freeze Chicken Salad?
We do not recommend freezing chicken salad. Mayonnaise does not freeze well; it tends to separate and become watery and oily when thawed, which will ruin the texture of the salad. It’s best enjoyed fresh within a few days of making it.
When stored properly in an airtight container, homemade chicken salad will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. It’s a great option for meal prep.
It is not recommended to freeze chicken salad. The mayonnaise-based dressing will separate when thawed, resulting in a watery and oily texture that is not appetizing.
The best chicken is one that is moist and tender. A store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic, flavorful time-saver. Poached or baked boneless, skinless chicken breasts are also excellent choices.
Yes, absolutely! You can make a delicious and healthy chicken salad by substituting the mayonnaise with an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt. It will be tangier, so you may want to adjust other seasonings to taste.
There are many delicious additions! For sweetness and crunch, try adding halved grapes and toasted pecans. For a zesty kick, add a bit of curry powder or finely minced jalapeño. Hard-boiled eggs are also a classic addition.
We know this classic chicken salad recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and savory. If you make it and love it, we’d be thrilled if you shared a photo on Pinterest! Don’t forget to leave a comment below with your favorite variations or serving ideas.
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
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