Best Chicken Salad Ever ~ The Recipe Bandit (2024)

Light and creamy chicken salad made with cooked or canned chicken, red onion, crisp celery, and just the right amount of seasoning, Best Chicken Salad Ever is our version of this family favorite recipe!

I have been blessed to have had some really fantastic everyday recipes shared with me over the years and this is one of them. This recipe for the Best Chicken Salad Ever is in regular rotation in our house because it is so versatile!

Delicious as a sandwich, in a wrap, and even on it’s own right out of the bowl, this is less expensive than the deli version and super easy to make. If you haven’t tried it, you really should. It could become a new favorite in your house too.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Weight Watchers Points = 3 per serving (Point Breakdown in Recipe Notes)

Best Chicken Salad Ever ~ The Recipe Bandit (1)

A NOTE ABOUT A Lighter Take on this Classic Favorite

We have made this recipe literally hundreds of times with great results. When we started making healthier changes to our eating habits, we lightened up the recipe buy making just two small changes, substituting light sour cream and light mayonnaise.

These changes didn’t seem to change the taste at all but they substantially changed the amount of calories and fat in the recipe. When counting Weight Watchers points, these small changes brought the points down from 11 points per serving to only 3 points per serving and it is still delicious!

Best Chicken Salad Ever ~ The Recipe Bandit (2)

How to Make The Best Chicken Salad Ever

One day I was making Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip and the recipe called for pre-made chicken salad from the deli. When I arrived at the grocery store to pick some up the price was a LOT higher than I was expecting to pay.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the convenience of pre-made, but since it is literally made up of leftover chicken and pantry staples I have a really hard time paying that much for it. So I didn’t.

This recipe for the Best Chicken Salad Ever came from a friend who answered the call when I put a plea out on Facebook for a good chicken salad recipe. She often used leftover rotisserie chicken when she made it but since I didn’t have any leftover chicken I thought I would try to make it with canned chicken from Costco. And it was amazing. Simple and so good. And a new favorite recipe was born.

Best Chicken Salad Ever ~ The Recipe Bandit (3)

To make the BEST chicken salad ever – start with shredding or chopping three cups of cooked chicken.

If you are using the Costco canned chicken (two 12.5 ounce cans), drain, put into a bowl and shred with a fork.

Add 1/4 cup of chopped red onion and stir.

Best Chicken Salad Ever ~ The Recipe Bandit (4)

Add celery, lemon juice, sour cream, mayonnaise, salt and pepper and stir to combine well.

Chill until ready to use. That’s all there is to it!

As mentioned previously you can use this to make Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip or you can just make some pretty fantastic little sandwiches. You can also serve it with crackers, on a salad, or just eat it with a fork. It is THAT good without the crazy price tag at the grocery store deli. Enjoy!

Best Chicken Salad Ever ~ The Recipe Bandit (5)

Other Favorite Recipes You May Like

Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip – The recipe that started it all! This Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip uses Deli chicken salad to add a delicious twist to a potluck favorite!

Bite Sized Sausage Rolls – the BEST bite sized sausage rolls that I have ever tasted. Yum.

Party Pretzel Bites – these delicious little bites are addictive and always welcomed at any gathering.

Quick and Easy Bruschetta – restaurant quality Bruschetta is hiding in the ingredients in your refrigerator!

Easy Homemade Ranch Dip – just seven simple pantry ingredients to create a delicious and easy Homemade Ranch Dip!

Best Chicken Salad Ever ~ The Recipe Bandit (6)
Best Chicken Salad Ever ~ The Recipe Bandit (7)

Best Chicken Salad Ever

Light and creamy Best Chicken Salad Ever is made with chicken, red onion, crisp celery, and just the right amount of seasoning!

4.92 from 34 votes

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 3 cups

Calories: 639kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked chicken (leftover shredded chicken, rotisserie chicken or 2 cans Costco canned chicken)
  • 1/4 cup red onion
  • 2 pieces of celery (including leafy tops) chopped, about one cup
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp sour cream
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Finely chop red onion and celery.

  • In a medium bowl, break up, finely chop or shred the chicken.

  • Add chopped onion and celery, lemon juice, sour cream, mayonnaise, salt and pepper and stir to combine.

  • Chill until ready to use. Enjoy!

Notes

This is delicious on it’s own – pecans or walnuts can be added if not using for the Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe. Also makes excellent sandwiches and cracker spread.

Best Chicken Salad Ever ~ The Recipe Bandit (8)

Nutrition *

Calories: 639kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 53g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 27g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 133mg | Sodium: 853mg | Potassium: 381mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 157IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 2mg

* The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.

Have you tried this recipe? Post a pic and mention @TheRecipeBandit or tag #therecipebandit!

Best Chicken Salad Ever ~ The Recipe Bandit (9)

  • Best Chicken Salad Ever ~ The Recipe Bandit (10)

    Michelle Mundy

    As a busy working mom with kids on the go, I know how important it is to be able to make simple and delicious meals using everyday ingredients. The recipes shared here are family friendly with easy to understand step by step instructions. Tried and true, from our family to yours. Welcome to The Recipe Bandit! Click here to read more about me.

55K Shares

Best Chicken Salad Ever ~ The Recipe Bandit (2024)

FAQs

How many days must the chicken salad be served? ›

The short answer is to store chicken salad in a sealed container in the fridge or cooler for no more than four days.

What makes chicken salad spoil? ›

This is because cooked chicken is a prime target for bacterial growth, especially at room temperature. That creamy dressing we all love in a chicken salad can also contribute to spoilage.

Where is the chicken salad from Tiktok? ›

CLEVELAND — It's been almost a year since we first introduced you to the woman who put a Cleveland deli on the map. Who could forgetthe viral video about East 81st Deli's now-famous chicken salad? In 15 short seconds, Tenisha Godfrey became an internet sensation, and that chicken salad became a highly coveted meal.

What not to do when preparing chicken salad? ›

To ensure that your chicken salad tastes the way that it should, you should avoid using overcooked or dry chicken in your recipe. Unfortunately, as we cook chicken, the moisture of the bird slowly evaporates.

How do you keep chicken salad sandwiches from getting soggy? ›

Be sure to employ the double-wrap technique: Wrap your sandwich in one layer, cut the sandwich in half through the parchment paper, and then wrap it again for extra security.

Is week old chicken salad safe to eat? ›

Be extra careful with mayo-based foods, such as chicken salad or potato salad. They're only safe to eat for 3 to 4 days after they're prepared.

Why can't you freeze chicken salad? ›

Mayonnaise is often one of the main ingredients in a traditional chicken salad recipe and it does not freeze well, and will develop ice crystals over time,” adds Preece.

How do you extend the life of chicken salad? ›

To maximize the shelf life of chicken salad for safety and quality, refrigerate the chicken salad in airtight containers. Properly stored, chicken salad will last for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Where did the Jennifer Aniston salad come from? ›

By now we all know the famous Jennifer Aniston Salad – the viral recipe from almost two years ago – was actually not the salad that the actress ate every single day on the set of Friends. Instead, it was something she once shared on Instagram – and listed the ingredients and called it her perfect salad.

What country invented chicken salad? ›

It turns out, there's no one person responsible, but we can thank the Chinese for being the first to serve variations of “chicken salad.” Of course, these versions were far from what we are familiar with today, but the general idea was pieces of chicken mixed with a variety of spices and oils, always tied together by a ...

What gives chicken the most flavor? ›

Use a brine

Brining your chicken is a foolproof way to not only add flavour to your roast but also to ensure you don't overcook the meat. Essentially a mix of salt, sugar and water, we love adding herbs, garlic or whole spices such as fennel and cumin to flavour the brine.

What are the ingredients for chicken salad? ›

What to eat with a chicken salad? ›

Refreshing Vegetable Sides for Chicken Salad
Vegetable SideDescription
Cherry Tomato CapreseJuicy tomatoes paired with creamy mozzarella
Crisp Cucumber SaladFresh and hydrating with a satisfying crunch
Grilled Asparagus SpearsSmoky with a hint of charred sweetness
2 more rows
Jan 10, 2024

Can you eat chicken salad after 3 days? ›

Be extra careful with mayo-based foods, such as chicken salad or potato salad. They're only safe to eat for 3 to 4 days after they're prepared.

What is the maximum number of days that homemade chicken salad? ›

Final answer: Homemade chicken salad can be stored at 41°F, a refrigerator-safe temperature, for 3 to 5 days according to food safety guidelines.

Will a salad last 7 days in the fridge? ›

A: Normally, a meal prep salad can last up to five days in the fridge. To make sure it lasts as long as possible, avoid storing juicy vegetables like tomatoes in the same containers as your other vegetables. It's best to buy them fresh and add them to your salad right before you eat it.

How long is chicken salad chick good for in the fridge? ›

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends using cooked chicken within three to four days and keeping it at 40°F or below [1]. To keep track of time, mark the date it was made clearly on top of the container. Discard homemade chicken salad after four days, even when stored properly [1].

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Pres. Carey Rath

Last Updated:

Views: 6315

Rating: 4 / 5 (41 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Pres. Carey Rath

Birthday: 1997-03-06

Address: 14955 Ledner Trail, East Rodrickfort, NE 85127-8369

Phone: +18682428114917

Job: National Technology Representative

Hobby: Sand art, Drama, Web surfing, Cycling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Leather crafting, Creative writing

Introduction: My name is Pres. Carey Rath, I am a faithful, funny, vast, joyous, lively, brave, glamorous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.