Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Salad is a quick, fresh, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a light lunch, snack, or even a picnic. With tender, shredded chicken and a crunchy blend of veggies, lemon zest, and a creamy mayonnaise dressing, this salad is a satisfying and delicious way to use up leftover chicken. The balance of bright lemon and fresh parsley adds a refreshing touch to the creamy base, making this chicken salad incredibly tasty and easy to make!

Chicken Salad

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, roughly chopped
¼ cup finely diced carrot
¼ cup finely diced celery
2 tbsp finely diced red onion
1 tbsp fresh lemon zest
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
4 tbsp mayonnaise
⅛ tsp kosher salt
⅛ tsp fresh ground pepper

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

Directions

Shred the Chicken:

Place the cooked chicken in a medium bowl and break it up with a fork until finely shredded. Alternatively, you can use a mini food processor for convenience to quickly shred the chicken.

Mix the Salad:

Add the diced carrot, celery, red onion, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and mayonnaise to the shredded chicken.
Stir until all ingredients are well combined, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated with the dressing.

Season:

Season the salad with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

Serve:

Serve immediately, or for better flavor, cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It’s great on sandwiches, wraps, or as a side dish!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

Add-ins: Add extras like diced apples, grapes, or nuts (such as walnuts or almonds) for extra texture and flavor.
Dressing: For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise or a combination of both.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to give the chicken salad a spicy twist.

Storage

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for meal prep and makes for a quick lunch option!

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for using leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken breast.

Can I use a different type of dressing?

Yes, if you prefer, you can use plain yogurt, sour cream, or even a vinaigrette dressing to make the chicken salad lighter.

Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?

Yes! This chicken salad actually tastes even better after it has had time to sit in the fridge for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld.

Can I make this chicken salad spicy?

Yes, feel free to add a little cayenne pepper, jalapeños, or even some spicy mustard to give it a kick.

Conclusion

This Best Chicken Salad is the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and zesty, with the fresh brightness of lemon and parsley tying everything together. Whether you enjoy it in a sandwich, as a salad, or with crackers, this quick and easy recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation!