Chicken Salad Recipe (Easy, Make-Ahead Classic)

Introduction

There’s something timeless about a really good chicken salad. It’s the kind of recipe that feels equally at home tucked into a croissant for a casual lunch, packed into a container for a busy workday, or served as part of a relaxed spread when friends come over. This Chicken Salad Recipe by Chelsea Lords is a perfect example of why the dish has remained a favorite for generations: it’s simple, satisfying, and deeply comforting, yet layered with enough texture and flavor to feel special.

What makes this chicken salad stand out is its balance. Tender rotisserie chicken provides a savory base, while crunchy pecans and crisp celery add contrast. Sweet dried cranberries and a touch of honey bring gentle sweetness, balanced by tangy Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and creamy mayo and sour cream. Every bite is cohesive, fresh, and just rich enough without feeling heavy.

This is also one of those recipes that gets better as it sits. A short rest in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld, making it ideal for meal prep, entertaining, or any situation where you want something reliable and crowd-pleasing without spending hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re a longtime chicken salad lover or someone looking for a go-to lunch recipe you can depend on, this version delivers. It’s approachable for beginners, flexible for experienced home cooks, and endlessly versatile when it comes to serving options.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish
• Perfect for make-ahead meals: Flavors improve after chilling
• Balanced flavor profile: Sweet, savory, tangy, and creamy in every bite
• Great texture: Tender chicken, crunchy nuts, and crisp celery
• Versatile serving options: Sandwiches, wraps, snack plates, or salads
• Crowd-friendly: Ideal for lunches, picnics, potlucks, and hosting

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe makes 6 servings. All measurements and ingredients are listed exactly as provided to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Salad Ingredients

• 2 cups rotisserie chicken, diced
• 1/2 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries (or cherry-infused cranberries)
• 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (Hellman’s / Best Foods)
• 2 tablespoons sour cream (light works)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
• 1-1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds (optional)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Optional Serving Ideas (Not Mixed In)

• Croissants or other sandwich rolls (add lettuce if desired)
• Thinly sliced apples
• Celery sticks
• Crackers such as Wheat Thins

Tools & Equipment Needed

You don’t need anything fancy to make this chicken salad, which is part of its charm. Here’s everything required:

• Large mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Dry skillet (optional, for toasting pecans)
• Spoon or spatula for mixing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to ensure perfect results. The process is straightforward, but attention to detail makes all the difference.

Step 1: Optional Toasting of Pecans

If you’d like to enhance the flavor of the pecans, place them in a dry pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and toast until fragrant. Watch them closely, as nuts can burn quickly. Once toasted, remove from the pan, allow them to cool completely, and then finely chop if needed.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a large bowl, add all ingredients listed under “Salad”:

• Diced rotisserie chicken
• Chopped pecans
• Dried cranberries
• Thinly sliced celery
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Honey
• Dijon-style mustard
• Poppy seeds (if using)
• Lemon juice

Step 3: Season and Mix

Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. A good starting point is 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly coated and well combined, being careful not to overmix and break down the chicken.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Taste the chicken salad and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more salt or pepper only if necessary.

Step 5: Serve

Serve immediately or refrigerate to allow flavors to develop. Enjoy it on croissants with lettuce, or alongside apples, celery sticks, and crackers.

Tips & Variations

While the core recipe should remain unchanged, these ideas help adapt it to different needs without altering the ingredient list or measurements.

Nut Swaps

According to the recipe notes, pecans can be swapped with:

• Sliced almonds
• Chopped pistachios
• Diced walnuts
  Honey-roasted pecans may be used, skipping the toasting step.

Texture Adjustments

• Dice the chicken more finely for a smoother salad
• Leave larger chunks for a heartier, rustic texture

Sweetness Control

• Use cherry-infused cranberries for deeper fruit flavor
• Stick with regular dried cranberries for classic sweetness

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This chicken salad is creamy and savory with subtle sweetness and gentle acidity. The pecans add richness and crunch, while celery keeps everything fresh and crisp. The honey and cranberries balance the tang of mustard and lemon juice, creating a well-rounded bite.

Best Food Pairings

• Flaky croissants or sandwich rolls
• Crisp apple slices for contrast
• Crunchy crackers
• Fresh lettuce leaves for wraps

Nutritional Overview

This recipe is satisfying and protein-rich, making it suitable for lunches and light dinners. Nutritional values are estimates per serving and exclude bread or additional sides.

• Moderate in calories
• High in protein
• Contains healthy fats from nuts and mayonnaise
• Naturally gluten-free when served without bread

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

One of the biggest advantages of this chicken salad is how well it works for advance preparation.

Make-Ahead

• Prepare the entire salad up to 24 hours in advance
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator

Meal Prep

• Portion into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches
• Keep bread or crackers separate until serving

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?

Yes. In fact, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours as the flavors meld.

How long does it last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, it will keep for 3–5 days. Always check for off smells or discoloration before eating.

Is the poppy seed necessary?

No. The poppy seeds are optional and can be omitted without affecting the structure of the recipe.

Can I use a different type of chicken?

Rotisserie chicken is recommended for flavor and convenience, but any cooked chicken with similar texture can work.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the chicken salad itself is gluten-free. Be mindful of what you serve it with.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Stage	Time Required
Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	10 minutes
Total Time	20 minutes

Serving Suggestions

For an elevated presentation:

• Spoon the chicken salad onto halved croissants with crisp lettuce
• Serve in a shallow bowl surrounded by apple slices, celery sticks, and crackers
• Use lettuce cups for a lighter option

Garnish plates simply and let the textures and colors speak for themselves.

Recipe Variations (Using the Same Ingredients)

These ideas keep the ingredient list intact while changing how the salad is enjoyed.

1. Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches
   Pile generously onto croissants with lettuce for a classic café-style meal.
2. Snack Board Style
   Serve the salad as a dip with crackers, apple slices, and celery.
3. Lettuce Wraps
   Spoon into large lettuce leaves for a lighter, fork-free option.
4. Lunchbox Portions
   Pair with crackers and fruit in a divided container for easy meals.

Ingredient Spotlight

Rotisserie Chicken

Rotisserie chicken is a home cook’s secret weapon. It’s fully cooked, flavorful, and saves time without sacrificing quality. When dicing, remove skin and bones and aim for even-sized pieces to ensure consistent texture.

Pecans

Pecans bring buttery richness and crunch. Toasting them enhances their natural oils and deepens flavor, but they’re equally delicious un-toasted if you’re short on time.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Allow toasted pecans to cool fully before mixing to avoid melting the dressing
• Stir gently to keep the chicken from shredding
• Chill for at least 30 minutes if time allows for best flavor integration

Storage & Freezing Guide

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container
• Keep refrigerated
• Consume within 3–5 days

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended due to the mayonnaise and sour cream, which can separate and affect texture when thawed.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	312 kcal
Protein	23 g
Carbohydrates	11 g
Fat	21 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	9 g

Dietary Notes: Gluten-free when served without bread, nut-containing, dairy-containing.

Expanded Conclusion

This Chicken Salad Recipe is the kind of dependable classic every home cook should have in their rotation. It’s quick to prepare, flexible in how it’s served, and deeply satisfying without being complicated. Whether you’re making lunch for the week, hosting friends, or just craving something comforting and fresh, this recipe delivers every time.

If you try it, don’t forget to make it your own through presentation and serving style, and come back to it whenever you need a reliable, delicious meal. Simple, timeless, and truly enjoyable—this chicken salad earns its place at the table.

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