Easy Homemade Chicken Salad Recipe – Quick, Creamy & Classic Comfort
There’s something incredibly comforting and nostalgic about a well-made chicken salad. It’s creamy, flavorful, and versatile—ideal for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or crackers. Whether you need a quick weekday lunch, a potluck dish, or a refreshing protein-packed meal, this easy homemade chicken salad recipe hits the mark every time.
In this long-form guide, we’ll show you how to create the best chicken salad using simple ingredients you probably already have. We’ll cover everything from the tools you need to variations, helpful tips, serving ideas, and even a detailed nutritional breakdown.
Let’s dive into the world of creamy, crunchy, and satisfying chicken salad.
🧑🍳 Recipe Preparation Equipment
Here’s a list of basic tools you’ll need for this easy recipe:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowls (medium & large)
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Forks or hand mixer (optional, for shredding)
- Can opener (if using canned chicken)
- Storage container (for leftovers)
Optional but helpful:
- Salad spinner (if adding greens)
- Kitchen scale (for precise portions)
🛒 Ingredients
This classic chicken salad uses a simple yet flavorful blend of ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie, boiled, grilled, or canned)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- 2 tablespoons sweet relish or chopped pickles
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder
- Hard-boiled egg, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (dill, parsley, tarragon)
- 1/3 cup sliced grapes or dried cranberries
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
👨🍳 How to Make Easy Homemade Chicken Salad
Creating this recipe is as simple as mixing a few ingredients together. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Use any cooked chicken you have on hand—leftovers, canned, rotisserie, or poached. Chop it finely or shred it using two forks. For added texture, use a mix of white and dark meat.
Pro Tip: Rotisserie chicken gives a deep flavor with zero prep.
Step 2: Chop the Veggies
Dice your celery and red onion finely for a crisp, fresh bite. If using grapes, nuts, or herbs, prep those now too. Keep ingredients bite-sized so the salad spreads well.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice (or vinegar), and any seasonings or herbs. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Dressing
Add the chicken, chopped celery, onion, and any additional ingredients to the bowl with the dressing. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the chicken salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend and intensify. Serve chilled.
🔄 Variations
Change it up with these tasty twists:
- Avocado Chicken Salad: Swap half the mayo for mashed avocado.
- Mediterranean: Add kalamata olives, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Spicy Version: Mix in hot sauce, diced jalapeños, or chili flakes.
- Sweet & Crunchy: Add apples, cranberries, and walnuts.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Use full-fat mayo, no fruit, and serve in lettuce wraps.
🍳 Cooking Note
- Chicken should be completely cooled before mixing with mayo to prevent curdling.
- Drain canned chicken well and break it up for even texture.
- Taste and adjust – Not all chickens are seasoned the same!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Classic Sandwich: Serve on toasted bread, croissants, or brioche buns.
- Lettuce Wraps: Use butter lettuce or romaine for a fresh, low-carb option.
- Cracker Dip: Perfect as a snack with Ritz or wheat crackers.
- Stuffed Tomatoes or Avocados: A fancy lunch idea.
- Chicken Salad Bowl: Serve over mixed greens with cucumber and tomato.
💡 Helpful Tips
- Use cold ingredients – Keeps the salad crisp and fresh.
- Chill before serving – At least 30 minutes for best taste.
- Double the batch – Great for meal prep; it keeps well in the fridge.
- Portion control – Use a measuring cup to track serving sizes for macros.
- Customize textures – Want it chunkier or creamier? Adjust mayo and chopping accordingly.
🌟 Tips for the Best Chicken Salad
- Choose quality chicken: Tender, flavorful chicken makes all the difference.
- Don’t overdo the mayo: Start small; you can always add more.
- Fresh crunch is key: Celery, onion, and nuts add texture.
- Season well: Salt, pepper, and a dash of lemon or vinegar brighten the dish.
- Let it rest: Flavors deepen when the salad chills.
⏱️ Prep Time:
15 minutes
⏱️ Chill Time:
30 minutes (optional but recommended)
⏱️ Total Time:
15–45 minutes
🥄 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. ½ cup)
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sodium: 350mg
(Based on a basic mayo version with chicken breast.)
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Just drain well and shred before mixing.
Q: How long does homemade chicken salad last?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q: Can I freeze chicken salad?
A: It’s not recommended since mayo can separate after thawing.
Q: What’s the best chicken to use?
A: Rotisserie, poached, or leftover grilled chicken all work great.
Q: Is chicken salad healthy?
A: Yes, especially if made with Greek yogurt or avocado instead of mayo.
✅ Conclusion
Making a delicious homemade chicken salad recipe is easier than you think. With just a few ingredients and a little mixing, you’ll have a creamy, satisfying dish that works for any meal. Whether you eat it between slices of bread, in a lettuce wrap, or straight from the bowl, this chicken salad is endlessly adaptable and always delicious.
Give this recipe a try, and you may never go back to store-bought again. It’s classic comfort food, made simple.
