Description
This Classic Chicken Salad is the perfect blend of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy dressing. It’s simple to make, incredibly versatile, and perfect for meal prep or serving at gatherings. Customize it with your favorite substitutions, and enjoy it as a sandwich, on a bed of greens, or with crackers!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces cooked chicken breast, finely chopped (Rotisserie chicken works great, or poach your own)
- ⅓ cup light mayonnaise (for a richer option, use regular mayo or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist)
- ½ cup celery, chopped (substitute with diced cucumbers or bell peppers)
- ⅓ cup red onion, diced (substitute with scallions or chives for a milder flavor)
- 2 tablespoons chicken broth (optional, adds moisture, skip if the salad is already creamy enough)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (substitute with whole-grain mustard for a different flavor)
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt (adjust to taste; plain salt with a pinch of garlic powder works too)
- Black pepper, to taste (freshly ground is best)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- If using rotisserie chicken, simply remove the skin and chop it into small, bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, poach your own chicken breast and chop once cooked.
- Mix the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped chicken, celery, and red onion.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chicken broth (if using), seasoned salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine:
- Pour the dressing mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Stir gently until everything is well coated and the salad is creamy.
- Serve:
- Serve your chicken salad on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or with crackers. You can also use it as a filling for wraps or as a topping for a fresh salad.
- Chill (Optional):
- For the best flavor, refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. It’s perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Substitutes: You can adjust the vegetables based on your preference. For a sweeter flavor, try adding diced apples or grapes. If you want a little more crunch, water chestnuts or diced bell peppers are excellent alternatives.
- Add-ins: Feel free to add chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts), dried cranberries, or a sprinkle of cheese to make this salad even more delicious.
- Poaching Chicken: To poach your own chicken, simply simmer chicken breasts in water or broth for about 15-20 minutes, or until fully cooked through. Let cool before chopping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (unless poaching chicken)10-20 minutes (if poaching chicken)
- Category: Main Course, Salad
- Method: Mixing, Poaching
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chicken Salad, Classic Chicken Salad, Easy Chicken Salad, Healthy Chicken Salad, Chicken Salad Recipe