Disgustingly Easy Chicken Salad Recipe in Just 15 Minutes

Chicken salad! Is there anything more classic? This stuff is seriously a lifesaver. I mean, you can slather it on bread, pile it on crackers, or, if you’re feeling fancy (or trying to be good!), just scoop it onto some lettuce. It’s the ultimate quick lunch, and honestly, sometimes I even have it for a light dinner.

You know, I remember the first time I had *really good* chicken salad. It was at my aunt’s picnic, and she’d added grapes and toasted pecans. Changed. My. Life. Before that, I thought chicken salad was just… fine. But THAT chicken salad? Game-changer. So, I’ve been on a mission ever since to perfect my own version, and I think I’ve finally nailed it. This chicken salad recipe is super easy, totally delicious, and totally customizable too. Get ready for your new go-to!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Salad Recipe

Okay, seriously, you *need* this chicken salad recipe in your life. Why? Let me tell ya:

• So Easy! I’m talking, like, 15 minutes tops. Perfect for those days when you’re starving but have zero energy.
• Flavor Bomb: It’s creamy, tangy, and just plain delicious. You’ll be sneaking bites straight from the bowl, trust me.
• Versatility Queen: Sandwiches are great, sure, but this stuff is amazing on crackers, scooped into lettuce cups for a low-carb thing, or even just straight up with a fork.
• Meal Prep Hero: Make a batch on Sunday, and you’ve got easy lunches all week. Boom!

Ingredients for the Best Chicken Salad Recipe

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This chicken salad recipe is all about the basics, but using good stuff makes a HUGE difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, diced (rotisserie chicken is my secret weapon!)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (I like the full-fat kind, it just tastes better!)
• 1/4 cup celery, finely diced (adds the perfect crunch)
• 1/4 cup red onion, minced (not too much, you just want a little bite)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (fresh is a must!)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (brightens everything up)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (don’t skip it!)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground, if you’ve got it)

How to Make This Chicken Salad Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here comes the fun part! This chicken salad recipe is seriously so easy, it’s almost embarrassing. But hey, that’s why we love it, right?

1. Get Your Chicken Ready: If you’re using a rotisserie chicken (and you should, it’s the best shortcut ever!), shred or dice about 3 cups of the cooked chicken. If you’re poaching or baking your own, just make sure it’s cooled down a bit before you start chopping. Nobody wants to burn their fingers!

2. Chop, Chop, Chop: Dice up your celery and red onion. I like my celery pretty fine so it doesn’t overpower everything, but hey, you do you! Mince that red onion too, so it blends right in.

3. Get Your Parsley On: Chop up your fresh parsley. Seriously, don’t use the dried stuff. Fresh parsley adds SO much flavor.

4. Mix It All Together: In a medium-sized bowl (or a big one, if you like to make a mess like I do!), plop in your diced chicken, mayo, celery, red onion, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

5. Stir It Up Good: Now, gently mix everything together until it’s well combined. Don’t overmix it! You still want it to have some texture.

6. Chill Out (Literally): Cover the bowl with plastic wrap (or, even better, a reusable container) and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together and makes it taste even better. I know, waiting is hard, but trust me on this one!

7. Serve and Enjoy!: Slather it on your favorite bread, pile it on some crackers, or scoop it onto a bed of lettuce. However you like, just ENJOY! This chicken salad recipe is about to become your new obsession.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Salad Recipe

Okay, so you’ve got the basics down. But wanna take your chicken salad recipe from “meh” to “OMG”? Here are my top tips for chicken salad perfection!

• Chicken Choice Matters: Rotisserie chicken is my jam, but poaching your own chicken breasts works great too! Just don’t use canned chicken unless you’re absolutely desperate. It can be a bit… mushy.
• Mayo Magic: Start with the amount of mayo the recipe calls for, and then add more little by little until you get the consistency YOU love. Some people like it super creamy, some like it chunkier. It’s all good!
• Drain That Chicken!: If you’re using poached chicken, make sure it’s really well-drained before you add it to the bowl. Nobody wants watery chicken salad. Yuck.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for your Chicken Salad Recipe

Let’s get real – sometimes you gotta swap things out! That’s totally cool, this chicken salad recipe is super flexible. Here’s the lowdown on some key ingredients and how you can tweak ’em:

• Mayonnaise: The base! I’m a full-fat mayo kinda gal, but if you’re watching calories, Greek yogurt (plain, of course!) works surprisingly well. Adds a tang, you know? Avocado mayo is another option, but it’ll change the flavor a bit.
• Onion: I like red onion for the color and a lil’ zing. But you can use yellow onion if that’s what you’ve got. Just make sure you mince it finely! Green onions (scallions) are great too, for a milder vibe. Avoid sweet onions – unless you *really* like a sweet chicken salad.

Serving Suggestions for your Chicken Salad Recipe

Okay, you’e made the chicken salad recipe, now, what to DO with it?! Don’t worry, I’ve got you. This isn’t just any chicken salad recipe; it’s a blank canvas for tasty goodness!

• Sandwich Time: Gotta go with the classic! Toast up some bread (sourdough or croissants are my faves) and slather it on.
• Crackers, Anyone?: Grab your favorite crackers (Ritz? Triscuits? Go wild!) and pile ’em high.
• Lettuce Wraps: Trying to be healthy? Scoop that yummy chicken salad into crisp lettuce leaves. Romaine or butter lettuce work great.
• Salad Topper: Throw a scoop on top of a green salad for a protein-packed lunch. A little vinaigrette ties it all together.

And for sides? Potato chips (duh!), a pickle spear, or some fresh fruit make a perfect meal!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for your Chicken Salad Recipe

Listen, life gets crazy! So, can you make this glorious chicken salad recipe ahead of time? YES! In fact, it gets even BETTER after a day or so in the fridge. The flavors just kinda meld together and get all happy.

For make-ahead, just whip it up, pop it in an airtight container, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it comes to leftovers, same deal! Fridge is your friend. I don’t recommend freezing it, though. The mayo tends to get weird and separated when it thaws. Nobody wants that!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Salad Recipe

Got chicken salad questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common Qs I get about this amazing chicken salad recipe:

Can I use canned chicken in this chicken salad recipe?

Okay, listen, I’m gonna be honest… canned chicken isn’t my *favorite*. But, if you’re in a pinch, you can definitely use it. Just make sure you drain it REALLY well and maybe add a little extra lemon juice to brighten up the flavor. Freshly cooked chicken (or rotisserie, my beloved) is always gonna be better though!

How long does chicken salad last?

In the fridge, properly stored in an airtight container, you’re looking at about 3 days, max. After that, it starts to get a little… questionable. Nobody wants funky chicken salad!

Can I freeze chicken salad?

I really, really don’t recommend it. The mayonnaise separates when it thaws, and the whole thing gets kinda watery and weird. Trust me, it’s not worth it. Just make a smaller batch if you’re worried about having too much!

What else can I add to my chicken salad recipe?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! Grapes, toasted pecans or walnuts, dried cranberries, a little bit of dill…get creative! Just don’t go overboard, or you’ll lose the classic chicken salad flavor.

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Okay, so here’s the deal: the nutritional info listed? It’s just an estimate! Brands vary, you might add extra mayo (who am I to judge?!), so don’t take it as gospel. Just a general idea, okay?

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