This is the Best Chicken Salad recipe! It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with amazing flavor in every bite. Made with shredded chicken, crunchy celery, dill pickles, and a mix of mayo and sour cream, it’s a delicious lunch you can easily throw together in just a few minutes!

Looking for more chicken salad recipes to try next? Make my Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad and Curry Chicken Salad!

Chicken salad in a white bowl with a gold spoon.

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    Kelley Simmons Kelley’s Tips

    Before You Get Started

    • Use rotisserie chicken. This is the best shortcut if you’re pressed for time!
    • Chill before serving. If you have the time, I recommend that you chill the salad for the best texture and flavor. Just 30 minutes in the fridge helps everything meld together.
    • Throw in extras. This salad is easy to customize! Add sliced grapes, chopped apples, or toasted almonds for a fun sweet or crunchy twist.
    Kelley

    Ingredients

    • Shredded chicken – The hearty base of the salad. Use leftover, poached, or even rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy option.
    • Mayonnaise – Adds creaminess and richness, and holds all of the salad ingredients together.
    • Sour cream – Lightens up the mayo with a tangy twist.
    • Parsley – Adds a touch of freshness and color.
    • Fresh dill – Adds bright, herby flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken. If you don’t have fresh dill you can use 1 tsp of dried dill instead.
    • Red onion & Celery – Add a nice crunch to the salad!
    • Dijon mustard – Adds a tangy, slightly spicy kick.
    • Dill pickles – Brings salty, tangy crunch and classic deli flavor.
    • Lemon juice – Brightens everything up and balances the richness of the mayo and sour cream. You could also add a splash of red wine vinegar.

    Make Your Own Homemade Mayo!

    It’s time to skip the store-bought stuff—this Homemade Mayonnaise is surprisingly easy to whip up and it tastes so much better! It takes my chicken salad to the next level! Made with only 5 ingredients, it comes together within minutes using just an immersion blender.

    Mayo in a jar with an immersion blender.
    Hand holding jar of homemade mayo.

    How to Make the Best Chicken Salad Recipe

    1. Mix the Salad Ingredients: Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl and mix to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    2. Serve on toast or lettuce cups or refer to my serving suggestions below!
    Ingredients for chicken salad in a white bowl.

    Serving Suggestions

    • On Toasted Bread or Croissants – Make a classic sandwich with chicken salad, crunchy lettuce and a slice of tomato.
    • In Lettuce Cups – A low-carb, fresh option that’s perfect for light lunches or appetizers.
    • Stuffed in Pita or Wraps – Great for flavorful, on-the-go meals.
    • With Crackers or Veggie Sticks – Serve as a dip for a quick snack or party platter.
    • On a Salad – Spoon over a bed of greens with avocado, cucumbers, and tomatoes for a protein-packed meal.
    • In a Hollowed-Out Tomato or Avocado – A fun and creative way to serve the salad for brunch or lunch!
    Lettuce cups filled with chicken salad.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long will this last in the fridge?

    Chicken salad will keep for up to 3–4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

    Can I make this ahead of time?

    Yes! In fact, the salad tastes even better after it has chilled in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving.

    Can I substitute the mayo?

    Absolutely—Greek yogurt or mashed avocado can be used in place of some or all of the mayo for a lower-fat version.

    Chicken salad in a white bowl.

    More Salad Recipes to Try

    Recipe

    Chicken Salad Recipe

    This is the Best Chicken Salad recipe! It's creamy, tangy, and packed with amazing flavor in every bite. Made with shredded chicken, crunchy celery, dill pickles, and a mix of mayo and sour cream, it’s a delicious lunch you can easily throw together in just a few minutes!
    Author: Kelley Simmons
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Serves 4
    Rate Print

    Save this Recipe

    Enter your email to get it straight in your inbox! Plus, receive new recipes weekly!

      Ingredients 

      • 4 cups cooked shredded chicken
      • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
      • 1/4 cup sour cream
      • 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
      • 2 tsp fresh dill, chopped
      • 1/3 cup red onion, diced
      • 1/3 cup celery, diced
      • 1 tbsp dijon mustard
      • 2 tbsp dill pickles, diced
      • 1 tbsp lemon juice

      Instructions

      • Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl and mix to combine.
        Season with salt and pepper to taste.
      • Serve on toast or on lettuce cups!

      Nutrition Information

      Calories: 464kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 36gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 15gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 396mgPotassium: 409mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 308IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 48mgIron: 2mg

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