The finest chicken salads usually have the chicken as the main attraction. That being said, this traditional dish is quite adaptable—you can make it your own by adding whatever you desire.

If you’re looking for an easy way to recreate deli chicken salad in your own kitchen, try this recipe. Find out the secret to a delicious and simple chicken salad!

Do you agree that chicken salad is the quintessential summertime picnic fare? Every summer, it hits me and everyone I know. Actually, I believe I’ve been consuming it since my childhood! That’s how ubiquitous it is. No matter who you are, I think everyone who lives in the US loves chicken salad!

Creamy. Flavorful. Customizable. This is the chicken salad that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Why This Recipe Works

 Perfectly seasoned – Balanced, not bland
Creamy but not heavy – Just the right ratio of mayo to chicken
Texture contrast – Tender chicken with crisp celery and onion
Versatile – Sandwiches, salads, wraps, crackers
Make-ahead friendly – Actually better after chilling
Budget-friendly – Stretches a rotisserie chicken into multiple meals
Crowd-pleaser – Everyone loves a good chicken salad

The Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 cups cooked chicken, finely chopped or shredded (rotisserie chicken is perfect)

• ½ cup finely diced celery (about 2 stalks)

• ¼ cup finely diced red onion (or shallot)

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat for best flavor)

• 2 tablespoons sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• ⅛ teaspoon paprika (for color and warmth)

Optional Add-Ins:

• ¼ cup chopped toasted pecans or almonds

• ¼ cup dried cranberries or grapes, halved

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

• ¼ cup finely chopped apple

• Bacon bits

The Method: Simple, Fast, Delicious

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Finely chop or shred your cooked chicken into small, uniform pieces. Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here. Remove skin and discard.

Step 2: Chop the Vegetables

Finely dice celery and red onion. Chop parsley. The smaller the pieces, the more evenly they distribute throughout the salad.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• Mayonnaise

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

• Lemon juice

• Dijon mustard

• Salt

• Pepper

• Garlic powder

• Paprika

Step 4: Combine

In a large bowl, combine:

• Chopped chicken

• Celery

• Red onion

• Parsley

Add the dressing and fold gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Chill

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (2 hours is even better). The flavors need time to meld.

Step 6: Serve

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