Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
This Classic Chicken Salad is creamy, flavorful, and loaded with tender chicken, crunchy celery, red onion, and a simple homemade dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, crackers, or lettuce cups, it's an easy recipe that's great for lunch, meal prep, picnics, and light dinners.
Whether you're using leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, this recipe comes together in minutes.
The Origins of Chicken Salad
Chicken salad dates back to the 1800s and quickly became popular as a way to transform leftover cooked chicken into a fresh and satisfying meal. Over the years, countless variations have emerged, but the classic combination of chicken, mayonnaise, celery, and seasonings remains a favorite.
Today, chicken salad is one of America's most popular lunch recipes.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Perfect for meal prep
Ready in 15 minutes
Great use for leftover chicken
High-protein lunch option
Easy to customize
Ingredients
For the Chicken Salad
4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Shred or dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a large bowl combine:
Mayonnaise
Sour cream
Dijon mustard
Lemon juice
Garlic powder
Salt
Black pepper
Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Add:
Chicken
Celery
Red onion
Parsley
Stir until evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Step 5: Serve
Serve on:
Croissants
Sandwich bread
Crackers
Lettuce wraps
Toasted bagels
What to Serve with Chicken Salad
Corn Salad
Watermelon Feta Salad
Pasta Salad
Fresh Fruit
Potato Chips
Pickles
Soup
Variations
Southern Chicken Salad
Add:
Sweet pickle relish
Chopped boiled eggs
Cranberry Chicken Salad
Add:
Dried cranberries
Pecans
Grape Chicken Salad
Add:
Halved red grapes
Sliced almonds
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Do not freeze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes. Rotisserie chicken is one of the easiest and most flavorful options.
What is the best chicken for chicken salad?
Cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken works best.
Can I make chicken salad ahead of time?
Absolutely. The flavors actually improve after chilling.
More Salad Recipes You'll Love
Cobb Salad
Tuna Salad
Egg Salad
Tex Mex Salad
Italian Pasta Salad
Watermelon Feta Salad
Corn Salad
Final Thoughts
This Classic Chicken Salad is creamy, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. Whether served on a sandwich, wrapped in lettuce, or enjoyed with crackers, it's a timeless recipe you'll come back to again and again.