Easy Chicken Salad Recipe

Classic chicken salad is always a favorite at a picnic, summer barbecue, or holiday potluck! Tender chicken, crisp celery, and buttery pecans tossed in a creamy dressing for a quick and easy salad.

Easy Chicken Salad Recipe

Chicken salad is a quick and easy dish that you can serve by itself, on bread as a sandwich, or on salad greens. I even love it on crackers as an afternoon snack.

The best part is this light chicken salad requires only 15-minutes of hands-on prep! So it’s a great recipe to whip together when you are running short on time and want something filling and delicious.

I love it because it uses up leftover chicken, is budget friendly, and easy to make ahead of time!

Serve as a side with crackers or on your favorite bread or tortillas for a filling, crowd pleasing sandwich or wrap!

Of all the chicken recipes out there this one is perfect for when you need to quickly make a dish to bring to your next get-together. Try my Zoes Kitchen chicken salad recipe too!

Ingredients Needed

Cooked chicken – Feel free to poach and shred your own chicken or if you are running short on time, use a rotisserie chicken.

Mayonnaise – Duke’s Real Mayonnaise is my favorite but feel free to use yours. Just don’t use Miracle Whip as the flavor is different.

Sour cream – Original or light can be used. Or feel free to swap in Greek yogurt if you prefer.

Dill – Fresh dill is best. If you can’t find fresh, use dried dill. Be sure to use half the amount as dried is stronger than fresh.

Lemon juice and zest – Be sure to zest the lemon before you cut it in half to juice.

Red pepper flakes – Add for a touch a of heat. If you prefer dishes with more kick, add more. If you don’t like it too spicy, add less or keep out altogether.

Pantry staples – Brown sugar, Dijon mustard, celery, toasted pecans.

Looking for more leftover worthy dishes? Follow LTB on Pinterest and pin to a board!

How to Make Chicken Salad

First: In a large bowl, mix chicken, celery, and pecans.

Second: Make the dressing in a small bowl by mixing mayo, sour cream, mustard, brown sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and dill.

Third: Pour dressing over chicken mix. Gently stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Fourth: Refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy!

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.

How long does it last?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Give a quick stir before eating.

Can I freeze it?

Unfortunately, chicken salad does not freeze well because the mayo and sour cream can separate and get grainy.

You can do some simple prep ahead of time. Shred or dice chicken and place in a freezer-safe container in the freezer up to 4 months.

When ready to make, simply thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge then combine it when the rest of the ingredients for a quick and easy lunch or dinner!

How long can I keep it at room temperature or outside?

The FDA advises that meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, and other foods that require refrigeration to never sit out at room temperature longer than two hours.

If you are bringing chicken salad to an outdoor summer event, don’t leave out for more than 1 hour.

A way to get around this is to bring a bowl of ice and set the chicken salad in the bowl to keep it cold. Or store in a cooler until just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

I love this as a main dish but if you want to stretch it or make it a full meal here are some suggestions.

Serve with a fresh fruit salad, crispy homemade potato chips, creamy potato salad, or even this potato leek soup for an ultimate comfort lunch or dinner!

Tips for No Leftovers

• I will use leftover baked chicken or swing by the deli and grab a rotisserie chicken. Just be sure to remove the chicken skin before using.
• When cooking my own chicken, I cook in batches and store them in the freezer for recipes just like this.
• White or dark meat works well with this recipe.
• If you’re in a pinch, canned chicken will work however, be sure to drain really well so the salad doesn’t become too watery.
• Add some red onions and sliced tomatoes for color and texture.
• Try adding grapes or mandarin oranges for a nice fresh flavor.
• Serve in a lettuce cup, or by itself to keep this a healthy low-carb meal.
• Feel free to swap out the pecans with sliced almonds or walnuts.
• If nut-allergies are an issue, leave out the nuts. The salad will still be delicious!
• Add in dried cranberries or dried cherries for another tasty tart element.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

This easy Chicken Salad is a classic summertime recipe. With a handful of ingredients, this simple comfort dish is ready in no time and is perfect to bring to your next picnic, holiday potluck, or family barbecue!

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