Name: Best Chicken Salad Ever
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken (leftover shredded chicken, rotisserie chicken, or 2 cans of Costco canned chicken); 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 2 celery stalks (including leafy tops), chopped (about 1 cup); 2 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tbsp sour cream; 3/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 tsp salt; Pepper to taste

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Why You’ll Love Best Chicken Salad Ever Recipe

This chicken salad is incredibly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients you likely already have on hand. It’s creamy, crunchy, and packed with protein, making it both comforting and nutritious. Whether you’re using leftover chicken, a rotisserie bird, or even canned chicken, this recipe is quick to assemble and endlessly versatile. Great for meal prepping, picnics, or just a simple lunch at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 cups cooked chicken (leftover shredded chicken, rotisserie chicken, or 2 cans of Costco canned chicken)
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
2 celery stalks (including leafy tops), chopped (about 1 cup)
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp sour cream
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 tsp salt
Pepper to taste

Directions

Finely chop the red onion and celery.
In a medium bowl, shred or break up the cooked chicken into small, bite-sized pieces.
Add the red onion, celery, lemon juice, sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the chicken.
Stir everything together until well combined.
Chill the chicken salad in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Serve on sandwiches, with crackers, in lettuce wraps, or over a bed of greens.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 290 kcal per serving

Variations

Add fruit: Mix in diced apples, grapes, or dried cranberries for a sweet contrast.
Nutty twist: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds for crunch.
Herb it up: Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives add fresh flavor.
Spice it up: Stir in a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Greek-inspired: Swap sour cream and mayo for Greek yogurt, and add olives and cucumber.
Avocado version: Replace mayo with mashed avocado for a healthy fat alternative.
Eggy combo: Add chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein and richness.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Do not freeze, as the mayonnaise-based dressing may separate and change texture.
Chicken salad is best served cold; no reheating is necessary.

FAQs

How long does chicken salad last in the fridge?

Chicken salad will stay fresh for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?

Yes, in fact, it tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld. Make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge.

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely. Canned chicken works well and is a great time-saver. Be sure to drain it before mixing.

Is this chicken salad gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure any additional items (like crackers or bread) are gluten-free too.

Can I freeze chicken salad?

Freezing is not recommended because the mayo and sour cream can separate and become watery when thawed.

What can I serve with chicken salad?

Serve it with crackers, inside a sandwich, in lettuce wraps, on croissants, or over a fresh green salad.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo or sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute and adds extra protein while keeping the salad creamy.

Is this recipe low carb?

Yes, this chicken salad is low in carbs, especially when served without bread or with low-carb options.

How can I make this healthier?

Use light mayo or Greek yogurt, and add more veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers.

What kind of chicken is best for chicken salad?

Shredded rotisserie chicken is ideal for convenience and flavor, but any cooked, cooled chicken will work.

Conclusion

This classic chicken salad is a must-have recipe for busy days, meal prepping, or quick lunches. It’s creamy, crunchy, full of flavor, and can be customized in endless ways. Whether you’re using up leftovers or starting fresh, you’ll find yourself making this easy, delicious salad again and again.