Panera Bread Chicken Salad Recipe – Delightfully Easy & Irresistibly Delicious

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Panera Bread Chicken Salad Recipe

Oh, friends, let me tell you a little story. Picture this: a sunny afternoon, the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from the kitchen, and the first bite of a creamy, flavorful chicken salad sandwich. That’s my childhood summed up in a single moment. My grandma, bless her heart, used to make the most incredible chicken salad. It was her secret weapon for picnics, family gatherings, and even just a simple Tuesday lunch. And guess what? This recipe? It’s my homage to her, capturing that same magic, but with a delightful Panera twist!

If you’re anything like me, you crave that perfect balance of creamy, savory, and just a touch sweet in your chicken salad. And let’s be honest, sometimes life gets busy, and we need quick, satisfying meals that don’t skimp on flavor. That’s where this recipe shines! It’s incredibly easy to throw together, uses simple ingredients you probably already have, and tastes just like (dare I say, even better than?) the famous Panera Bread version. The juicy chicken, the crunchy celery, the sweet grapes – it’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Ready to make this at home?

Panera Bread Chicken Salad Recipe Ingredients

Full Ingredient List

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup celery, finely diced
• 1/4 cup red grapes, halved or quartered
• 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted (optional, but highly recommended!)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, fresh
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• Pinch of paprika, for garnish (optional)

Easy Ingredient Swaps & Simple Substitutions

Life happens, and sometimes you need to make a few tweaks. No problem at all! This recipe is super flexible:

• Vegan/Dairy-Free: Swap out the mayonnaise for a vegan mayo alternative. There are some fantastic ones out there made from avocado or cashews that work beautifully!
• Nut-Free: Simply omit the walnuts or pecans. You can add a little extra celery or even some sunflower seeds for crunch.
• Gluten-Free: Chicken salad itself is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free bread or crackers if needed.

Smart Shopping & Savvy Savings Tips

Want to be a kitchen whiz and save a few pennies? Here are my go-to tips:

• Cook Your Own Chicken: Roasting or poaching chicken breasts at home is much more budget-friendly than buying pre-cooked chicken. Plus, you can control the flavor and moisture!
• Buy in Bulk: Mayonnaise, mustard, and spices are pantry staples. Buying larger sizes (when on sale!) can save you money in the long run.
• Keep Celery Fresh: Wrap celery sticks tightly in aluminum foil and store them in the crisper drawer of your fridge. They’ll stay crisp for much longer!

The Essential Equipment for This Recipe

• Large Mixing Bowl: You’ll need a good-sized bowl to comfortably mix all the ingredients together.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key for the best flavor balance, so grab your measuring tools!
• Cutting Board and Knife: For dicing the celery and grapes. A sharp knife makes quick work of this!
• Spoon or Spatula: For mixing everything smoothly.

How to Make Panera Bread Chicken Salad Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create perfect Panera Bread Chicken Salad every time!

1. Prepare the Chicken: If you’re starting with raw chicken, cook it until fully done. Poaching or baking are great methods for keeping it moist. Once cooked, let it cool slightly and then shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. Safety Tip: Always ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
2. Combine Ingredients: In your large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, diced celery, halved grapes, and toasted walnuts (if using).
3. Add Flavor Boosters: Stir in the Dijon mustard and fresh lemon juice. These ingredients really brighten up the salad and give it that signature tangy flavor.
4. Season to Perfection: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Start with the recommended amounts and then taste and adjust to your liking. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
5. Mix Gently: Gently fold all the ingredients together until everything is just combined and evenly coated in the mayonnaise mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the chicken salad watery.
6. Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve on your favorite bread, crackers, or lettuce wraps.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Chill Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes

Expert Insights: Tips, Tricks, and Culinary Hacks for Success

Unlock the secrets to perfect Panera Bread Chicken Salad with these pro tips!

Want to take your chicken salad from good to absolutely *amazing*? Here are a few of my insider secrets:

• Toast Those Nuts! Toasting walnuts or pecans brings out their nutty flavor and adds an extra layer of crunch. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly!
• Don’t Overdo the Mayo: Start with 1/2 cup of mayonnaise and add more gradually if needed. You want the chicken salad to be creamy, not swimming in mayo. You can always add a touch more, but you can’t take it back!
• Fresh Lemon Juice is Key: Don’t skip the fresh lemon juice! It adds a brightness that balances the richness of the mayonnaise and other flavors. Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t compare.
• Did You Know? For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a pinch of dried dill or tarragon to your chicken salad. These herbs complement chicken beautifully!
• Make Ahead Magic: Chicken salad is fantastic for meal prep! It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Recipe Swaps & Variations for Panera Bread Chicken Salad Recipe

Let’s get creative! Here are some fun ways to customize your chicken salad:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mayonnaise mixture for a little heat.
• Herby Delight: Mix in some fresh herbs like chopped parsley, chives, or dill for a brighter, more herbaceous flavor.
• Fruit Frenzy: Experiment with different fruits! Try adding diced apples, mandarin oranges, or dried cranberries for a sweet and tangy twist.
• Crunch Factor: Besides celery and nuts, you can add water chestnuts, chopped bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of crispy fried onions for extra crunch.
• Keto-Friendly: Serve your chicken salad in lettuce wraps or alongside avocado slices for a delicious and keto-compliant meal.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Panera Bread Chicken Salad Recipe

Discover three fantastic ways to serve and enjoy your homemade Panera Bread Chicken Salad!

Chicken salad is incredibly versatile! Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

• Classic Sandwich: Serve it on your favorite bread – sourdough, croissants, or whole wheat all work wonderfully. Add lettuce and tomato for a classic sandwich experience.
• Crackers & Veggies: For a lighter meal or appetizer, serve chicken salad with crackers, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or carrot sticks.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, spoon chicken salad into crisp lettuce cups (like butter lettuce or romaine).
• Salad Plate: Make it a complete meal by serving chicken salad on a bed of mixed greens with a side of fresh fruit or a light vinaigrette.
• Holiday Brunch Star: Chicken salad is always a hit at brunches and potlucks! It’s easy to make ahead and transport.

Storing Your Panera Bread Chicken Salad Recipe

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep your chicken salad fresh and delicious:

• Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Freezing chicken salad is not recommended as mayonnaise can separate and become watery when thawed, affecting the texture.
• Reheating (Not Really!): Chicken salad is best enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge! No reheating needed.
• Food Safety First: Always refrigerate chicken salad promptly and don’t leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Spoilage Signs: Discard if you notice any changes in smell, color, or texture. When in doubt, throw it out!
• Leftover Hack: Turn leftover chicken salad into a quick and easy sandwich filling for lunch the next day! Or, mix it with a little extra mayo and seasonings to refresh it.

Printable Recipe Card

Panera Bread Chicken Salad Recipe

This Panera Bread Chicken Salad recipe is delightfully easy and irresistibly delicious, perfect for a quick lunch, picnic, or light dinner. Made with tender chicken, crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and a creamy dressing, it’s a family favorite that tastes just like the restaurant version, if not better! Enjoy it on sandwiches, crackers, or lettuce wraps for a versatile and satisfying meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Large Mixing Bowl For mixing ingredients
• 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons For accurate measurements
• 1 Cutting Board For chopping vegetables and fruits
• 1 Knife For dicing and chopping
• 1 Spoon or Spatula For mixing and serving

Ingredients

  

Chicken Salad

• 2 cups Cooked Chicken Breast shredded or diced
• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Celery finely diced
• 1/4 cup Red Grapes halved or quartered
• 2 tablespoons Chopped Walnuts or Pecans toasted (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
• 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice fresh
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper freshly ground
• Pinch Paprika for garnish (optional)

Instructions

 

• If you’re starting with raw chicken, cook it until fully done. Poaching or baking are great methods for keeping it moist. Once cooked, let it cool slightly and then shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. Safety Tip: Always ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• In your large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, diced celery, halved grapes, and toasted walnuts (if using).
• Stir in the Dijon mustard and fresh lemon juice. These ingredients really brighten up the salad and give it that signature tangy flavor.
• Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Start with the recommended amounts and then taste and adjust to your liking. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
• Gently fold all the ingredients together until everything is just combined and evenly coated in the mayonnaise mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the chicken salad watery.
• For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve on your favorite bread, crackers, or lettuce wraps.

Notes

For extra flavor, toast the walnuts or pecans before adding them to the salad. You can also add a pinch of dried dill or tarragon for an herby twist.

Keyword chicken salad, easy lunch, make ahead, panera bread chicken salad recipe, quick recipe, sandwich filling

Nutrition Breakdown: Calories, Protein, Fats & More

Per serving (estimated, based on standard ingredients):

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 400mg

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Recipe FAQ

Get a closer look at the creamy, chunky perfection of our Panera Bread Chicken Salad!

• Can I use canned chicken? Yes, you can use canned chicken in a pinch, but freshly cooked chicken will give you the best flavor and texture. Be sure to drain canned chicken well before using.
• What if I don’t like grapes? No problem! You can substitute another fruit like diced apple, dried cranberries, or even chopped mandarin oranges.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Chicken salad is perfect for making ahead. In fact, the flavors meld together even better after it sits in the fridge for a while.
• How long does chicken salad last in the fridge? Properly stored in an airtight container, chicken salad will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Can I add other vegetables? Yes! Feel free to experiment with adding other veggies like finely diced red onion, bell pepper, or pickles for extra flavor and crunch.
• Is this recipe really like Panera’s? While I can’t claim it’s an exact copycat, this recipe is designed to capture the delicious flavors and textures of Panera Bread’s popular chicken salad. Many of my readers rave about how close it is!

Happy Cooking & Share Your Results!

Ready for a satisfying and delicious meal? Our Panera Bread Chicken Salad is the perfect choice!

There you have it – my treasured Panera Bread Chicken Salad recipe, ready for you to whip up in your own kitchen! I truly hope this becomes a new favorite for you, just like it is for my family. It’s simple, satisfying, and bursting with flavor – everything a perfect meal should be.

Now, I’d absolutely love to hear from you! Did you try this recipe? What did you think? What variations did you try? Share your culinary creations with me on Instagram and Pinterest – use #FingerLickingRecipes so I can see your delicious masterpieces. And don’t forget to leave a comment below with your tips and feedback. Happy cooking, my friends!