BEST Chicken Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for the BEST Chicken Salad—one that will earn you recipe requests at every picnic and potluck—look no further. This chicken salad blends tender poached chicken, crisp celery, juicy red grapes, and crunchy nuts, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing that’s downright irresistible. Whether scooped onto a buttery croissant or piled high on fresh greens, it’s the kind of vibrant, flavorful classic you’ll want to make again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to the BEST Chicken Salad is using simple, fresh ingredients that each bring something special to the table—crunch, color, tang, or a burst of sweetness. Every element is there for a reason, ensuring a well-balanced bite every time.

• Chicken: Use 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked in lightly salted water, chilled, and diced (about 4 cups); avoid canned chicken for the absolute best texture.
• Celery: 1 cup chopped, for unmistakable crunch and fresh flavor.
• Red Grapes: 1 1/2 cups seedless, halved; these add juicy sweetness and beautiful color.
• Toasted Sliced Almonds or Pecans: 2 tablespoons, optional; offer a delightful nutty note and extra crunch if you like things textured.
• Green Onions: 3, chopped, which give the salad a gentle bite without overpowering.
• Mayonnaise: 1 cup for creamy richness; avocado oil mayo works well if you’re after a lighter touch.
• Sour Cream: 1/2 cup, introducing a pleasant tang and lighter creaminess.
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed for that bright, fresh lift.
• Yellow Mustard: 1 teaspoon prepared; just enough for subtle depth behind the scenes.
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped, for herbal freshness and a pop of color.
• Dried Dill Weed: 1/2 teaspoon, giving the salad unmistakable vibrancy and complexity.
• Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon, rounding out the savory aromatics.
• Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon, for a whisper of slow-roasted flavor.
• Sugar: 2 teaspoons, which gently amplifies the natural sweetness without overwhelming.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, for balance and to make all the flavors sing.
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground for a little pleasant warmth and spice at the finish.

How to Make BEST Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prep and Combine the Good Stuff

Start by dicing your chilled, poached chicken for tender bites in every forkful. Toss the chicken into a large mixing bowl along with the chopped celery, green onions, and those gorgeous halved grapes. Give everything a gentle stir so the bits and pieces are evenly distributed—seeing those colors come together always feels so satisfying!

Step 2: Whisk Together the Creamy Dressing

In a separate bowl, it’s time to bring flavor magic to life. Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, mustard, parsley, dill weed, onion powder, garlic powder, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and all the herbs and spices are beautifully blended—you’re looking for a dressing that’s creamy with specks of green and golden flecks.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Pour your luscious dressing over the chicken, celery, grapes, and green onions. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly. You want each chunk of chicken and every grape to be swaddled in that creamy, tangy sauce, so don’t be shy with your stirring! If you like a little crunch, now’s the moment to stir in the toasted almonds or pecans—they elevate the whole salad to new heights.

Step 4: Chill for Maximum Flavor

Cover your chicken salad and let it chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours. This resting time lets all the flavors get to know each other and results in the truly BEST Chicken Salad—not to mention, a perfectly cold and refreshing bite!

How to Serve BEST Chicken Salad

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley on top before serving can give your chicken salad a final vibrant touch. Consider a few reserved grapes or another small handful of toasted nuts scattered over the salad for extra beauty and crunch—these little extras make your platter look irresistible.

Side Dishes

The BEST Chicken Salad is versatile enough to headline any lunch or dinner spread. Pair it with kettle chips, a simple green salad, sliced tomatoes, or a light fruit salad. It’s a perfect match for buttery croissants, but it also shines alongside crackers or whole wheat wraps if you’re after something a bit lighter.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond basic sandwiches! Spoon the salad into avocado halves, pile it atop crispy lettuce cups for a low-carb twist, or fill mini phyllo cups for a chic party appetizer. You can even create a chicken salad “board” with crackers, cut veggies, and cheese for an eye-catching picnic showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover BEST Chicken Salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as they meld, so it’s often even tastier the next day—just give it a gentle stir before serving.

Freezing

While technically possible, freezing is not recommended for this salad. The creamy dressing can separate and the texture of the grapes and celery may suffer. If you want to get ahead, cook and freeze the chicken only, then thaw and mix with the other ingredients fresh when ready.

Reheating

Chicken salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so skip the reheating! If you’d like to bring leftovers out of the fridge for a few minutes before serving, that’s all the “warming up” you’ll need.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken makes meal prep even simpler and delivers plenty of flavor. Just be sure to remove any skin and shred or dice the meat into bite-sized pieces for the classic chicken salad feel.

Is there a dairy-free version of the dressing?

Yes! Swap the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like unsweetened coconut yogurt or a vegan sour cream. Make sure your mayonnaise is also egg- and dairy-free if you need this salad to be fully plant-based.

What can I substitute for grapes?

If grapes aren’t your favorite or aren’t handy, try diced apples (choose a crisp, sweet variety), dried cranberries, or chopped pineapple for a fun fruity swap that complements the salad well.

How do I make this salad even healthier?

For a lighter version of the BEST Chicken Salad, use light mayonnaise and Greek yogurt in place of mayo and sour cream, and skip the added sugar. Serve on lettuce wraps or alongside crunchy veggies for a wholesome, satisfying meal.

Can I double or triple this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! This recipe scales like a dream—simply use the 2x or 3x ingredient measurements listed above. Mix in batches if your bowl isn’t supersized, and let it chill well ahead for the best flavor at your event.

Final Thoughts

Give this recipe a try, and I promise—the delightful crunch, creamy texture, and sweet-tangy finish will make you a believer in the magic of the BEST Chicken Salad. There’s just something special about making this from scratch, and it always brings a sense of occasion, even to the simplest meal. Happy cooking!

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