Best Chicken Salad: A Classic Recipe Perfect for Any Meal

Chicken salad is more than just a dish—it’s a versatile, comforting, and delicious option for any occasion. Whether served as a sandwich filling, a topping for greens, or a standalone snack, this best chicken salad recipe is bound to become your favorite. Packed with tender chicken, creamy dressing, and crunchy mix-ins, it’s a blend of textures and flavors you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Salad Recipe

This recipe brings together perfectly cooked chicken, a creamy yet light dressing, and a variety of mix-ins that add crunch, tang, and a hint of sweetness. It’s easy to prepare, customizable to your taste, and even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours. Perfect for meal prep or impromptu gatherings, it’s a go-to recipe you’ll want to keep on hand.

Ingredients for the Best Chicken Salad

Base Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Chicken breasts	2–3 medium (about 1.5 lbs)
Chicken broth	3–4 cups
Seasoned salt	1 tsp

Dressing Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Mayonnaise	½ cup
Greek yogurt	¼ cup
Dijon mustard	1 tbsp
Lemon zest	1 tsp
Lemon juice	1 tbsp
Parsley (chopped)	2 tbsp
Dill (chopped)	1 tbsp

Mix-Ins (Optional but Recommended)

Ingredient	Quantity
Celery (diced)	½ cup
Red onion (chopped)	2 tbsp
Dill pickles (chopped)	¼ cup
Toasted almonds	¼ cup
Grapes (halved)	½ cup

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Poach the Chicken

• Place the chicken breasts in a medium pot and add enough chicken broth to cover them.
• Sprinkle in the seasoned salt.
• Bring the broth to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 10–12 minutes.
• Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes before dicing into uniform cubes.

2. Make the Dressing

• In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and dill until smooth.
• Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed.

3. Combine the Ingredients

• Add the diced chicken to the bowl of dressing and mix until evenly coated.
• Fold in your choice of mix-ins, such as celery, red onion, dill pickles, and almonds.

4. Chill and Serve

• Transfer the chicken salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Serve it chilled as a sandwich filling, over greens, or with crackers.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (1/4 Recipe)
Calories	~250
Protein	~20g
Total Fat	~15g
Saturated Fat	~3g
Carbohydrates	~5g
Fiber	~1g
Sodium	~350mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Salad

1. Use High-Quality Chicken

For the best flavor and texture, poach chicken breasts in seasoned broth. If you’re short on time, a rotisserie chicken works well too.

2. Avoid Shredding the Chicken

Dice the chicken into uniform cubes for even distribution of ingredients in every bite.

3. Customize the Mix-Ins

The mix-ins are where you can get creative! Add toasted nuts for crunch, grapes for sweetness, or avocado for creaminess.

4. Chill for Better Flavor

While you can enjoy the chicken salad immediately, chilling it for 30 minutes enhances the flavors and improves the texture.

5. Adjust the Dressing Consistency

If you prefer a thinner dressing, add a splash of milk or more lemon juice to the mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Pairings

• Sandwiches: Use croissants, whole-grain bread, or baguettes.
• Wraps: Roll the chicken salad in a tortilla with fresh greens.
• On Crackers: Perfect for a snack or appetizer.

Light Options

• Lettuce Wraps: Scoop chicken salad into crisp lettuce leaves.
• Salad Bowls: Serve over mixed greens with a drizzle of olive oil.
• Stuffed Avocados: Spoon the salad into halved avocados for a keto-friendly meal.

FAQs About Best Chicken Salad

1. How long does chicken salad last in the fridge?

Chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

2. Can I freeze chicken salad?

Freezing is not recommended as the mayonnaise-based dressing may separate upon thawing, altering the texture.

3. Can I use dark meat instead of chicken breast?

Yes, dark meat is an option, but it may result in a softer and richer texture.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the chicken salad itself is gluten-free. Be mindful of the bread or crackers you pair it with.

5. Can I make the salad dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative or additional mayonnaise.

6. What can I use instead of dill pickles?

Try capers, olives, or even sweet relish for a different flavor.

Why This Chicken Salad Stands Out

This best chicken salad recipe is everything you want in a classic dish: creamy, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. The combination of perfectly cooked chicken, tangy dressing, and crisp mix-ins ensures a balanced bite every time. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and versatile enough to suit any meal or occasion.

Ready to elevate your chicken salad game? Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a dish that’s guaranteed to impress. Whether it’s for lunch, a picnic, or a light dinner, this chicken salad is a winner every time!

Print