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The Ultimate Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

Close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy chicken salad featuring chunks of chicken, bright green celery, and red onion.
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Make the best ever chicken salad with this classic, creamy, and crunchy recipe. It is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or meal prep and uses simple ingredients for a satisfying lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 2 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional, for Southern style)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s recommended for authentic Southern flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon sweet pickle relish (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Place the shredded chicken in a large bowl. If you are using rotisserie chicken, ensure the meat is cooled before mixing.
  2. Add the chopped celery, red onion, and chopped hard-boiled eggs (if using) to the bowl with the chicken.
  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, pickle relish (if using), salt, pepper, and lemon juice until smooth. This is your creamy dressing base.
  4. Pour the dressing mixture over the chicken and vegetable mixture.
  5. Gently fold all ingredients together until the chicken is evenly coated. Do not overmix, as this can make the salad mushy.
  6. Taste the chicken salad and adjust salt or pepper as needed.
  7. Cover the bowl and chill the chicken salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to blend.
  8. Serve your classic chicken salad on croissants, bread for sandwiches, or over crisp lettuce leaves.

Notes

  • For a ‘no soggy chicken salad’ result, make sure your cooked chicken is completely cool before mixing. Squeeze out any excess moisture from the celery if needed.
  • To create a ‘Chicken Salad Chick Classic Carol’ copycat, omit the hard-boiled eggs and relish, and add 1 teaspoon of dry ranch seasoning mix to the dressing.
  • For a high protein lunch option, substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
  • Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch, a common addition in deli style chicken salad.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameal.com/best-classic-chicken-salad-recipe/