If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s fresh, creamy, and packed with flavor, look no further than the Best Chicken Salad Ever Recipe. This isn’t just any chicken salad — it effortlessly balances tender chicken with crisp veggies and a zesty, tangy dressing that will quickly become your go-to for lunches, picnics, or a light dinner. The simplicity of familiar ingredients transformed into a dish so delicious guarantees you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is what makes the Best Chicken Salad Ever Recipe truly shine. Each component plays a critical role, whether it’s adding crunch, creaminess, or brightening up the dish with a hint of acidity.
- 3 cups cooked chicken: Use shredded leftover chicken, rotisserie, or canned chicken for convenience without sacrificing flavor.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped: Adds a sharp bite that contrasts perfectly with the creamy dressing.
- 2 pieces celery, chopped (about one cup): Provides a refreshing crunch and a subtle herbal note from the leafy tops.
- 2 tbsp lemon juice: Brings brightness and a zesty lift that cuts through the richness beautifully.
- 2 tbsp sour cream: Adds a creamy tang that makes every bite luscious and satisfying.
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise: The classic base that binds everything together with smooth, rich texture.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors and tying the salad together.
- Pepper to taste: A little pepper adds just the right amount of gentle heat and complexity.
How to Make Best Chicken Salad Ever Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies
Start by finely chopping the red onion and celery. The key here is to get them chopped small enough so they blend well with the chicken but still offer that delightful crunch and fresh burst in every bite.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
In a medium mixing bowl, break up, finely chop, or shred your cooked chicken. Whether it’s leftover chicken, rotisserie, or canned, aim for bite-sized pieces that allow the dressing to coat every morsel evenly.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Add the finely chopped onion and celery to the chicken bowl, then pour in the lemon juice, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Sprinkle the salt and add pepper to taste. Stir everything gently but thoroughly so every ingredient is perfectly incorporated and your salad becomes irresistibly creamy.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
For best results, cover and chill your chicken salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to meld beautifully and the salad a refreshing coolness that makes it incredibly satisfying.
How to Serve Best Chicken Salad Ever Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few simple garnishes can elevate the Best Chicken Salad Ever Recipe to next-level delicious. Consider fresh chopped parsley or dill for a bright herbal note, or scatter some toasted nuts like almonds if you want an extra crunch.
Side Dishes
This versatile chicken salad pairs wonderfully with light sides such as crisp green salads, fresh fruit, or crusty bread. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a warm grain like quinoa or couscous.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy or want to impress guests? Serve the salad in hollowed-out avocados or tomatoes for a stunning presentation. Or scoop it onto a bed of fresh lettuce leaves for easy-to-eat, no-fuss chicken salad wraps.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Best Chicken Salad Ever Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep it chilled to maintain the fresh flavors and creamy texture.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this chicken salad because the mayo and sour cream can separate upon thawing, which affects the texture and taste.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. Just give it a quick stir before serving if it’s been sitting in the fridge for a while.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for the Best Chicken Salad Ever Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and tenderness, making your chicken salad even quicker to toss together.
Is this chicken salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s a great option for meal prep since it stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day once the flavors have mingled.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you prefer a lighter option or don’t have sour cream on hand, Greek yogurt is a perfect substitute that adds similar creaminess with a bit more tang.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply swap out the mayonnaise for a vegan version and leave out the sour cream or replace it with a plant-based alternative to keep that creamy texture without dairy.
Can I add other ingredients to customize the Best Chicken Salad Ever Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding grapes for sweetness, nuts for crunch, or fresh herbs like tarragon to personalize this classic salad to your taste.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the comfort and joy of the Best Chicken Salad Ever Recipe to brighten your meal routine. It’s quick, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this chicken salad has earned its name — it’s simply the best! So go ahead, make it today and share the deliciousness with those you love.
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Best Chicken Salad Ever Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Best Chicken Salad Ever is a quick, easy, and delicious recipe that combines tender cooked chicken with crunchy celery, sharp red onions, and a creamy dressing of mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or as a salad on its own, this versatile dish comes together in just 15 minutes with no cooking required.
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 of 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
- Chop the vegetables: Finely chop the red onion and celery, including the leafy tops, to add crunch and freshness to the salad.
- Prepare the chicken: In a medium bowl, break up, finely chop, or shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Mix the ingredients: Add the chopped onion and celery, lemon juice, sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the chicken. Stir everything together until well combined and creamy.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad until ready to use to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled as a sandwich filling, on a bed of lettuce, or your preferred way.
Notes
- This chicken salad can be made with leftover roast chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or canned chicken for convenience.
- Adjust the amount of mayonnaise and sour cream for a creamier or lighter texture based on personal preference.
- Adding fresh lemon juice helps to brighten the flavors and prevent the chicken from tasting bland.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a healthier twist, swap out some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
