If you’ve been searching for a truly satisfying, creamy, and flavorful chicken salad that stands out from the crowd, look no further than the Best Chicken Salad Ever Recipe. This delightful dish combines tender chicken with crisp celery, tangy lemon juice, and a luscious blend of mayonnaise and sour cream to create a perfect harmony of taste and texture. It’s quick to prepare, wonderfully versatile, and guaranteed to become your new go-to for lunches, picnics, or anytime you crave something fresh, hearty, and utterly comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the magic in the Best Chicken Salad Ever Recipe comes from a handful of simple, carefully chosen ingredients. Each one adds its own unique flavor, crunch, or creaminess, making every bite irresistibly good.
- 3 cups cooked chicken: Use leftover shredded chicken, rotisserie chicken, or canned chicken for ease and tenderness.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped: Adds a mild, sharp kick and a splash of color.
- 2 pieces of celery (including leafy tops), chopped (about one cup): Brings crisp freshness and a hint of grassy flavor.
- 2 tbsp lemon juice: Provides zesty brightness that balances the richness.
- 2 tbsp sour cream: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang for depth.
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise: The base of the salad’s luscious, smooth texture.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Pepper to taste: Adds a touch of warmth and subtle bite.
How to Make Best Chicken Salad Ever Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by finely chopping the red onion and celery, including those leafy tops on the celery stalks—they add extra flavor and visual appeal. The small, uniform pieces ensure every bite has just the right amount of crunch and flavor without being overpowering.
Step 2: Shred or Chop the Chicken
Next, break up the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, shredding or chopping to your preference. Whether you’re using leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie, or canned chicken, making sure it’s finely shredded helps the salad mix smoothly with the other ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, add the chopped chicken, red onion, celery, lemon juice, sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Stir everything thoroughly so all flavors meld perfectly, creating that creamy, tangy, and fresh balance that makes this the Best Chicken Salad Ever Recipe.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
For the best flavor and texture, cover your chicken salad and chill it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This resting time lets the lemon juice and seasonings infuse the salad, making every spoonful taste incredible.
How to Serve Best Chicken Salad Ever Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few celery leaves on top adds a burst of color and freshness that complements the salad’s creamy texture beautifully. You can also toss in some chopped toasted almonds or walnuts for an extra crunch and nutty flavor twist.
Side Dishes
This chicken salad pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, crusty bread, or buttery crackers. For something heartier, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a bowl of your favorite soup for a satisfying meal that’s both light and filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Level up your presentation by serving the Best Chicken Salad Ever Recipe in ripe avocado halves, stuffed inside pita pockets, or atop a bed of fresh lettuce leaves. These creative options make your salad feel special, turning an everyday meal into something memorable and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it perfect for easy, grab-and-go meals during a busy week.
Freezing
Because of the mayonnaise and sour cream, freezing this chicken salad is not recommended as the texture will change and become watery upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This recipe is designed to be eaten cold, so reheating is unnecessary and will affect the creamy texture. Simply take it straight from the fridge to your plate for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience, leftover roasted chicken adds great flavor, and canned chicken is perfect when you need something quick and easy.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
You can swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or use a reduced-fat version to lighten the dish while maintaining creaminess. Adding extra veggies like diced bell peppers or cucumbers also boosts nutrition and crunch.
How can I make this salad ahead for a party?
Prepare the chicken salad up to a day in advance and keep it chilled. Just before serving, give it a gentle stir and add fresh garnishes to keep it looking vibrant.
Can I add fruits to the Best Chicken Salad Ever Recipe?
Definitely! Adding diced apples, grapes, or even dried cranberries introduces a sweet note that pairs beautifully with the savory elements of the salad.
What’s the best way to serve this on a sandwich?
Use hearty sandwich bread, croissants, or wraps. Adding fresh lettuce, tomato slices, and a little crunch from cucumber or pickles complements the salad and creates a satisfying, delicious sandwich.
Final Thoughts
The Best Chicken Salad Ever Recipe is a true classic that feels both familiar and fresh every time you make it. Its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make it accessible, yet the flavor is rich and unforgettable. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why it’s a beloved favorite perfect for any occasion.
Print
Best Chicken Salad Ever Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Best Chicken Salad Ever is a quick and easy recipe that combines tender cooked chicken with crisp celery, sharp red onion, and creamy mayonnaise and sour cream, all brightened with a touch of lemon juice. Perfect for a light lunch or a tasty sandwich filling, this chicken salad takes just 15 minutes to prepare and yields a flavorful, satisfying dish that serves six.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken (leftover shredded chicken, rotisserie chicken, or 2 cans Costco canned chicken)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 pieces celery (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
Instructions
- Prepare vegetables: Finely chop the red onion and celery, including the leafy tops of the celery, to add crisp texture and fresh flavor to the salad.
- Prepare chicken: In a medium bowl, break up, finely chop, or shred the cooked chicken until it is bite-sized and easy to mix.
- Combine ingredients: Add the chopped onion and celery, lemon juice, sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper to the chicken. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the chicken salad until ready to use. Serve chilled as a sandwich filling, with crackers, or over a bed of greens. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use any cooked chicken you have on hand, such as rotisserie or shredded leftover chicken for convenience.
- Adjust mayonnaise and sour cream amounts based on your preferred creaminess level.
- Chilling the salad allows flavors to meld beautifully, so make ahead if possible.
- Additions like chopped apples, grapes, or nuts can add interesting texture and flavor variations.
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and mayonnaise.
