Name: Best Chicken Salad Ever
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped); 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 2 celery stalks (including leafy tops), chopped (about 1 cup); 2 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tbsp sour cream; 3/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 tsp salt; Pepper to taste

Why You’ll Love Best Chicken Salad Ever Recipe

This chicken salad is the ultimate go-to recipe for quick lunches, easy meal prep, or even a light dinner. It’s creamy, crunchy, tangy, and full of savory flavor. Here’s why it stands out:

Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
Customizable with your favorite add-ins
Ready in just 10 minutes
Great for meal prep and stays fresh for days
High in protein and low in carbs
Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, crackers, or salads

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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

Directions

Finely chop the red onion and celery.
In a medium bowl, break up or shred the chicken into small pieces.
Add the chopped onion, celery, lemon juice, sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper to the chicken.
Stir until everything is well combined and coated in the creamy dressing.
Chill in the fridge until ready to serve. Serve as is, or enjoy it in a sandwich, on crackers, or over salad greens.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per Serving: 290 kcal

Variations

Add fruit: Mix in chopped apples, grapes, or dried cranberries for a sweet contrast.
Add crunch: Toss in sliced almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, paprika, or diced jalapeños.
Make it herby: Stir in fresh dill, parsley, or chives.
Greek-style: Swap sour cream and mayo with plain Greek yogurt and add cucumbers and feta.
Avocado twist: Replace part of the mayo with mashed avocado for a healthy fat boost.
Egg version: Add chopped hard-boiled eggs for an egg-and-chicken salad combo.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. For best flavor and texture, stir before serving as the dressing may settle. This recipe is not ideal for freezing, as mayonnaise-based dressings can separate when thawed.

To reheat: This salad is meant to be served cold, so reheating is not necessary.

FAQs

How long does chicken salad last in the fridge?

Chicken salad will last up to 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze chicken salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze chicken salad, as the mayo and sour cream may separate and affect the texture after thawing.

What’s the best chicken to use?

Leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or canned chicken all work great in this recipe. Use what you have on hand.

Is this chicken salad low carb?

Yes, this recipe is low in carbohydrates, making it a good option for low-carb or keto diets.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Chicken salad actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours, making it ideal for meal prep.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo?

Yes, you can substitute some or all of the mayonnaise and sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

What goes well with chicken salad?

Serve it in sandwiches, wraps, on crackers, inside lettuce cups, or over mixed greens.

Is this chicken salad gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve with gluten-free sides if needed.

Can I add cheese?

Yes, diced cheddar, feta, or shredded mozzarella can be a tasty addition.

How do I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a splash of hot sauce, or some diced jalapeños to spice it up.

Conclusion

This easy, creamy chicken salad is a reliable favorite for a reason. It’s quick, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re making lunch for the family or prepping meals for the week, this recipe checks all the boxes: simple, satisfying, and delicious.