Few dishes are as versatile, comforting, and satisfying as a deli-style chicken salad. Whether served on a sandwich, over a bed of greens, or with crackers, this homemade version is just as delicious as what you’d find at your favorite deli—if not better!
Chicken salad is a staple in American cuisine, especially during warmer months when light yet flavorful meals are preferred. It’s been a go-to dish for picnics, potlucks, and quick lunches for generations. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity—with just a handful of ingredients, you can create a rich, creamy, and perfectly seasoned chicken salad that will become a favorite in your home.
This classic deli-style chicken salad is packed with tender chicken, crunchy celery, and a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing. You can enjoy it on its own, between two slices of bread, or wrapped in lettuce for a low-carb option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Easy to Make – Requires just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep.
✔ Packed with Protein – A healthy and filling meal option.
✔ Versatile – Can be served in multiple ways.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Stays fresh for days, making it perfect for quick lunches.
✔ Customizable – You can tweak the flavors to suit your taste.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 300g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp granulated onion
For the Salad:
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- Additional sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly coat the chicken breasts and thighs with olive oil.
- Sprinkle granulated onion, salt, and black pepper over the chicken.
Step 2: Bake the Chicken
- Place the seasoned chicken in a baking dish.
- Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 3: Cool and Dice the Chicken
- Let the chicken cool for 10 minutes before refrigerating it for at least 1 hour.
- Once chilled, dice the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces.
Step 4: Mix the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, celery, and mayonnaise.
- Stir everything together until well mixed.
Step 5: Chill for Best Flavor
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours (overnight for the best taste).
- This allows the flavors to blend, making the chicken salad even more delicious.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning & Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve chilled and enjoy in your preferred way!
Ways to Serve Chicken Salad
This chicken salad is extremely versatile and can be enjoyed in multiple ways:
✔ Classic Sandwich: Serve between two slices of toasted bread or on a croissant.
✔ Lettuce Wrap: Scoop into crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
✔ Salad Bowl: Serve over a bed of mixed greens.
✔ Stuffed Avocado: Hollow out an avocado and fill it with chicken salad.
✔ Crackers & Veggies: Enjoy as a dip with crackers, cucumbers, or bell pepper slices.
Tips for the Best Chicken Salad
✔ Use Both Breasts & Thighs – Chicken thighs add extra moisture and flavor.
✔ Chill Before Serving – Letting the salad sit in the fridge allows the flavors to develop.
✔ Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Overcooked chicken can become dry.
✔ Add Texture – Mix in nuts, apples, or dried cranberries for extra crunch.
✔ Use Quality Mayo – A good-quality mayonnaise makes all the difference in taste.
Variations and Additions
This classic chicken salad can be easily customized:
✔ Healthier Version: Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt.
✔ Tangy Twist: Add 1 tsp Dijon mustard or a splash of lemon juice.
✔ Extra Crunch: Stir in chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans.
✔ Sweet Addition: Mix in grapes, raisins, or chopped apples.
✔ Herb Upgrade: Add fresh parsley, dill, or chives for extra freshness.
✔ Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
FAQs
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut if you’re short on time. Just remove the skin, shred the meat, and mix it with the other ingredients.
How Long Does Chicken Salad Last?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Can I Freeze Chicken Salad?
It’s not recommended to freeze chicken salad because mayonnaise-based dressings separate when thawed.
Can I Use Canned Chicken?
Yes, but freshly cooked chicken tastes much better in this recipe.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~280
- Protein: ~22g
- Carbohydrates: ~2g
- Fat: ~20g
- Fiber: ~1g
(Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient choices.)
Conclusion
This deli-style chicken salad is a creamy, flavorful, and satisfying dish that you can enjoy in so many ways. Whether you serve it as a sandwich, lettuce wrap, or over greens, it’s a quick and easy meal that will keep you full and energized.
Make a batch ahead of time and have delicious, ready-to-eat lunches throughout the week. With its simple ingredients and endless customization options, this homemade chicken salad is bound to become a staple in your kitchen!