Looking for the ultimate chicken salad recipe that’s both versatile and delicious? Look no further! This Best Chicken Salad Ever is perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or enjoying on its own. It’s easy to customize to fit your taste and packed with flavor, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
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 one cup)
2 tbsp lemon juice
3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sour cream
1/2 tsp salt
Pepper to taste
Directions:
Prepare Vegetables: Finely chop the red onion and celery.
Shred Chicken: In a medium bowl, break up, finely chop, or shred the cooked chicken.
Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped onion, celery, lemon juice, sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Stir until well combined.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate until ready to use. Enjoy!
Serving Tips:
For Sandwiches: Serve the chicken salad on your favorite bread or in a wrap. Add lettuce and tomato for extra freshness.
Cracker Spread: Pair it with crunchy crackers for a delightful appetizer or snack.
Salad Topper: Use it as a topping for a fresh green salad for added protein and flavor.
Stuffed Veggies: Fill hollowed-out bell peppers or cucumbers with the chicken salad for a fun and healthy presentation.
Garnish: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an extra pop of flavor and color.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Chicken salad generally doesn’t freeze well due to the mayonnaise and sour cream, which can separate and change texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Preparation: If preparing in advance, make the salad a day ahead and store it in the fridge until ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Serving: If the salad has been stored for a while and seems a bit dry, you can add a touch more mayonnaise or sour cream to restore its creaminess.
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FAQs:
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great option for this recipe. It’s convenient and adds a delicious, seasoned flavor to the salad. Simply shred or chop the chicken before adding it to the salad mix.
How long can I store salad in the refrigerator?
Chicken salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it is kept in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you have leftovers beyond this time, it’s best to check for any changes in texture or smell before consuming.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this chicken salad ahead of time. In fact, making it a day before serving can enhance the flavors as they have more time to meld together. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
How can I lighten up this recipe?
To make a lighter version of this salad, you can substitute low-fat mayonnaise and sour cream. Additionally, you can use Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the sour cream for a lower-fat, higher-protein option.
Conclusion:
This Best Chicken Salad Ever recipe is quick to prepare and incredibly versatile, making it a staple for any meal. Whether you’re making it for a casual lunch or a special gathering, this salad is sure to impress!
📖 Recipe:
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Best Chicken Salad Ever
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Discover the Best Chicken Salad Ever—a versatile and delicious recipe perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or enjoying on its own. This easy-to-make chicken salad is packed with flavor and can be customized to your taste. Ideal for quick lunches, light dinners, or as a satisfying snack, it combines tender chicken with crisp celery, tangy lemon juice, and creamy mayonnaise. Whether you’re using leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or canned chicken, this recipe is a breeze to prepare and a hit at any meal!
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 one cup)
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp sour cream
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 tsp salt
Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Finely chop the red onion and celery.
- In a medium bowl, break up, finely chop, or shred the cooked chicken.
- Add the chopped onion and celery, lemon juice, sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Chill until ready to use. Enjoy!
Notes
This salad is delicious on its own. You can add pecans or walnuts if you’re not using it for recipes like Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip.
It makes an excellent spread for sandwiches and crackers.
For a lighter version, use low-fat mayo and sour cream.
Perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or as a topping for a salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 200 kcal per serving
