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!

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. This chicken salad makes a great high protein lunch to grab and go!
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.
How to Make the Best Chicken Salad Recipe
- Mix the Salad Ingredients: Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl and mix to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve on toast or lettuce cups or refer to my serving suggestions below!
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, pickled radish 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!
More Salad Recipes to Try
- Harvest Chicken Salad with Apples
- Thai Chicken Salad
- Southwest Chicken Salad
- Chicken Cobb Salad
- Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Save this Recipe
Enter your email to get it straight in your inbox! Plus, receive new recipes weekly!
Chicken Salad Recipe
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
Did You Make This?
I’d love to hear your feedback! Leave a review and make sure to share your pictures on social media! Don’t forget to follow @thechefsavvy.