Seanna's Kitchen

  • All Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • All Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Threads
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • All Recipes
    • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Threads
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

    Classic Chicken Salad

    Last Updated: Jun 5, 2025 · Published: May 5, 2022 · by Seanna Borrows · This post may contain affiliate links. · As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. · 10 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Pin This!
    Classic Chicken Salad Sandwich on a brioche bun and garnished with lettuce.

    Creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor, this Classic Chicken Salad is easy to make and perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or weekday lunches.

    Made with rotisserie chicken, mayo, and celery, this traditional chicken salad comes together in minutes and is ready to customize with your favorite add-ins.

    Classic Chicken Salad Sandwich on a brioche bun and garnished with lettuce.
    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredient Notes & Tips
    • What to Add to Chicken Salad for Flavor
    • Substitution Suggestions
    • Variations
    • How to Make Classic Chicken Salad
    • Recipe Tips
    • How To Serve Chicken Salad
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Related Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Community

    Searching for an easy, flavorful chicken salad that works for every occasion? This classic version comes together in minutes with a rotisserie chicken, making it ideal for quick weekday lunches, smart meal prep, and all your brunches, picnics, potlucks, and BBQs.

    Try it on homemade focaccia with a side of Greek salad for a fresh and simple favorite you’ll want to make on repeat.

    Reader Review: Sandy says, "It was very good I will definitely make it again!" ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    ✨Featured In: Make it Bunday: 37 Dinner on a Bun Recipes by Jennifer over at PinkWhen.com.

    Classic Chicken Salad in a white bowl.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Quick and Easy - Made with just a few simple ingredients, this chicken salad comes together in about 15 minutes. Perfect for busy days or last-minute lunches.
    • Endlessly Versatile - Ideal for sandwiches, wraps, or as a simple & tasty topping for fresh greens.
    • Perfect for Meal Prep - Stays deliciously fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days so it makes a great cold lunch option.
    • Make It Yours - Easily customize with your favorite additions like apples, grapes, nuts, or shallots.

    Ingredient Notes & Tips

    Individual Ingredients for Classic Chicken Salad Recipe.
    • chicken - I usually grab a whole rotisserie chicken for this. It’s quick, super flavorful, and the texture is just right. If you want to go lean, shredded chicken breast works great too.
    • mayonnaise - Full-fat mayo like Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise gives the best flavor. If you're lightening things up, a reduced-fat version still tastes great.
    • celery - You need that crunch. Just chop it nice and fine so you get a little bit in every bite.

    See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

    ✨Learn how to efficiently cut a rotisserie chicken to make your chicken salad prep even easier. Be sure to check out our tutorial on How To Cut A Rotisserie Chicken in Under 3 Minutes.

    What to Add to Chicken Salad for Flavor

    Say goodbye to bland chicken salad! Proper seasoning with salt and pepper is essential, but these flavorful additions will help you create your perfect customized salad.

    • Hard-Boiled Eggs – for extra protein and creaminess.
    • Grapes – usually red, halved, for a touch of sweetness.
    • Dried Cranberries - for sweetness.
    • Chopped Pecans or Walnuts – adds crunch and richness.
    • Diced Red Onion or Green Onion – for a savory bite.
    • Lemon Juice - A little acidity will brighten up the whole dish.
    • Dijon Mustard - Adds a zesty acidic zing to balance the mayo.

    Our Favorite Flavor Boosters

    ✨Our go-to add-ins are red grapes, minced shallots, and a little Dijon mustard. So good!

    Would you like to save this?

    We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

    Substitution Suggestions

    • Use What You Have - Any cooked, shredded chicken will work just fine here. Use whatever you’ve got: grilled, pan-fried, stewed, or a good old rotisserie from the store.
    • No mayo? No problem! - Greek yogurt or ranch dressing both work great in a pinch. They add creaminess and a little twist on the classic flavor.

    Variations

    • Waldorf Style - Diced fresh mango brings tropical sweetness, often with a hint of cayenne, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
    • Southern Style - A creamier version that's a little sweet with chopped eggs or sweet pickle relish added. Definitely use Duke's mayo for this!
    • Deli-Style - Creamy with finely chopped chicken, celery, mayo, and maybe a little paprika.
    • Mango Chicken Salad - Diced fresh mango brings tropical sweetness, often with a hint of cayenne, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
    • Vinaigrette-Based - A lighter option with shredded chicken in a bright lemon vinaigrette dressing instead of using mayo. Great served over greens.

    How to Make Classic Chicken Salad

    This classic chicken salad couldn’t be easier to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a couple of minutes of prep, you’ll have a creamy, flavorful salad that’s ready to serve or stash in the fridge for later. Let’s get started.

    Ingredients for Classic Chicken Salad in a bowl uncombined.

    Step 1. Combine Ingredients. In a large bowl, mix cooked, shredded chicken, mayo, finely chopped celery, and add-ins.

    Season to taste with salt and ground black pepper.

    Classic Chicken Salad in a white bowl.

    Step 2. Mix It Up. Mix all ingredients together until well combined.

    Pro Tip: For the best flavor and texture, whisk your dressing ingredients (like mayo, Dijon, and lemon juice) separately before adding them in.

    Chicken salad sandwich on brioche roll with lettuce.

    Step 3. Chill & Serve. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to marry. Then, it's ready to serve!

    Recipe Tips

    Here are a few pro tips I've learned along the way:

    • Don't Overdress It - Start with less dressing than you think you'll need. Let it chill, then stir and add more if necessary. This prevents it from becoming soggy.
    • Season as You Go - Avoid bland taste by paying attention to your seasoning. Add seasoning before & after mixing the salad together. Then, do another taste test after it chills and adjust as needed.
    • Uniform Texture - Shred or finely chop the chicken and any add-ins so every bite has a little bit of everything. Nobody wants a mouthful of just celery or just chicken.
    • Chill Before Serving - Chill for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. It gives the flavors time to come together and makes the texture even better.
    • Keep Ingredients Dry - If adding grapes, pickles, or apples, pat them dry with a paper towel first. Excess moisture can make your salad watery, especially by day two.
    • Extra Creamy - For an extra creamy salad, simply add an additional ½ cup of mayonnaise.

    How To Serve Chicken Salad

    On a Croissant - A classic! Perfect for brunches, showers, or entertaining.

    On a Buttermilk Biscuit - Super tasty on a freshly baked buttermilk biscuit.

    With Crackers - Scoop it up for a snack board or light, no-cook lunch.

    In a Sandwich - Pile it high on sourdough, focaccia, or hearty whole-grain bread. Add a slice of tomato and crisp lettuce for a perfect, simple meal.

    In a Wrap - Roll it up in a tortilla with leafy greens or shredded lettuce.

    Over a Bed of Greens - Great for a low-carb lunch. Add tomatoes or cucumbers for crunch.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I make this ahead of time?

    Yes, chicken salad tastes better when made at least 30 minutes to 24 hours ahead of time. It gives the flavors time to come together.

    Can I freeze chicken salad?

    Mayo-based foods do not freeze well. When thawed, the mayonnaise No, mayo-based foods don't freeze well. When thawed, the mayonnaise will separate, and the salad will become watery. So, only freeze this if you've made it with a vinaigrette.

    Why does my chicken salad taste bland?

    If it tastes bland, it probably needs more salt or some acidity, like a squeeze of lemon juice. A little Dijon mustard would be the perfect zesty add in to solve the problem!

    Can I use canned chicken?

    You can use canned chicken, but the flavor won't be as good as if you use rotisserie chicken or homemade chicken. For the best flavor and texture, rotisserie chicken is your best bet.

    Related Recipes

    • Cut up rotisserie chicken on a cutting board with knife.
      How To Cut A Rotisserie Chicken
    • Sliced grilled chicken on a cutting board.
      Citrus Chicken Marinade Recipe
    • Copycat Panera Greek Salad in a big white bowl with fresh pita bread on the side.
      Copycat Panera Greek Salad Recipe
    • The best coleslaw for pulled pork in a white bowl with a spoon and a light blue towel to the side.
      Best Coleslaw For Pulled Pork

    Did you love this recipe? If you make this recipe and love it, stop back, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Seanna's Kitchen and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, and subscribe to my Newsletter for ALL the latest recipes! We'd love to hear from you!

    📖 Recipe

    Chicken salad sandwich on brioche roll with lettuce.

    Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

    Classic Chicken Salad - This easy recipe is made with simple ingredients and can be ready in just a few minutes. So delicious served on its own or as a classic chicken salad sandwich.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Save Recipe!Saved!
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6 Servings
    Calories: 440kcal
    Author: Seanna Borrows

    Equipment

    • chefs knife
    • cutting board

    Ingredients 

    • 1 whole rotisserie chicken cut up
    • 1 cup mayonnaise
    • 1 cup celery finely diced
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
    Get Recipe Ingredients
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Combine Ingredients. In a large bowl, mix cooked, shredded chicken, mayo, finely chopped celery, and add-ins.
      Season to taste with salt and ground black pepper.
      1 whole rotisserie chicken, 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 cup celery, 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • Mix It Up. Mix all ingredients together until well combined.
      Pro Tip: For the best flavor and texture, whisk your dressing ingredients (like mayo, Dijon, and lemon juice) separately before adding them in.
    • Step 3. Chill & Serve. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to marry. Then, it's ready to serve!

    Video

    YouTube video

    Notes

    • chicken - I usually grab a whole rotisserie chicken for this. It’s quick, super flavorful, and the texture is just right. If you want to go lean, shredded chicken breast works great too.
    • mayonnaise - Full-fat mayo like Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise gives the best flavor. If you're lightening things up, a reduced-fat version still tastes great.
    • celery - You need that crunch. Just chop it nice and fine so you get a little bit in every bite. Check out our tutorial on How To Cut A Rotisserie Chicken in Under 3 Minutes.

    Flavor Boosters

    • Hard-Boiled Eggs – for extra protein and creaminess.
    • Grapes – usually red, halved, for a touch of sweetness.
    • Dried Cranberries - for sweetness.
    • Chopped Pecans or Walnuts – adds crunch and richness.
    • Diced Red Onion or Green Onion – for a savory bite.
    • Lemon Juice - A little acidity will brighten up the whole dish.
    • Dijon Mustard - Adds a zesty acidic zing to balance the mayo.
    •  
    •  
     
     
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 440kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 112mg | Sodium: 985mg | Potassium: 52mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 0.5g | Vitamin A: 100IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.1mg
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Mention @SeannasKitchen and tag #seannaskitchen!

    More Easy Tasty Side Dishes

    • Sweet and spicy candied bacon standing upright in a mason jar.
      Sweet And Spicy Candied Bacon
    • Crostini piled in a brown basket.
      How To Make Crostini From A Baguette
    • A small, white dipping bowl full of zesty Cowboy Butter Sauce with a little spoon inside bowl and spices scattered around.
      Easy Cowboy Butter Sauce Recipe
    • Crispy Roasted Chickpeas in a glass bowl.
      Crispy Roasted Chickpeas (Oven & Air Fryer)

    Comments

      5 from 3 votes

      Join the Discussion Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Rebecca Haug says

      March 11, 2025 at 9:59 am

      5 stars
      This is the perfect chicken salad!!! Simple, classic and so versatile!!

      Reply
      • Seanna Borrows says

        March 11, 2025 at 2:20 pm

        Thanks Rebecca! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    2. Ana says

      May 16, 2024 at 1:22 am

      My grandmother made the best chicken and turkey salad. Always with leftover birds. She would add everything you do, but she wouldn't add the salt. She would add a good squeeze of lemon juice and a few shakes of celery salt (hence, no need for the salt). That really brought these salads up to next level.

      Reply
      • Seanna Borrows says

        May 17, 2024 at 5:47 am

        Hi there Ana. Celery salt and lemon juice sound delicious! I'm going to have to try that. Love to hear about how your Grandmother made it. And so smart to use leftover birds. And the flavor those tasty bits of leftover chicken add! Yummy! Thanks for sharing!

        Reply
    3. Kayla says

      April 08, 2023 at 7:44 pm

      How many sandwiches does 1 serving make?

      Reply
      • Seanna Borrows says

        April 09, 2023 at 7:56 am

        Hey Kayla. 1 serving is enough for 1 sandwich. The whole recipe will make 6.

        Reply
    4. Suzie Hammond says

      March 29, 2023 at 2:48 pm

      5 stars
      Sooooo good, creamy classic chicken. We loved it!!!

      Reply
      • Seanna Borrows says

        March 29, 2023 at 3:37 pm

        So glad you enjoyed it. Makes me so happy to hear! Thanks so much Suzie!

        Reply
    5. Russ B says

      May 05, 2022 at 5:14 pm

      5 stars
      Sooo good!

      Reply
      • Seanna says

        May 05, 2022 at 5:15 pm

        Thank you so much!!

        Reply
    Photo of Seanna Borrows of Seanna's Kitchen.

    Hi, I'm Seanna!

    Welcome to my kitchen! I'm a Midwestern home cook and food blogger, sharing simple, tasty, family-friendly recipes.
    Good food…made with love…for the people you love…Now, that's a great recipe!

    About Seanna →
    Featured In graphic.

    Summer Favorites

    • Copycat Panera Greek Salad in a big white bowl with fresh pita bread on the side.
      Copycat Panera Greek Salad Recipe
    • Classic Chicken Salad Sandwich on a brioche bun and garnished with lettuce.
      Classic Chicken Salad
    • A whole pan of cinnamon rolls with icing.
      Old Fashioned Cinnamon Rolls Recipe (Soft & Gooey)
    • A casserole dish of baked easy pizza casserole.
      Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe
    • A bowl full of creamy parmesan risotto garnished with shavings of parmesan cheese.
      Creamy Parmesan Risotto
    • Sliced grilled chicken on a cutting board.
      Citrus Chicken Marinade Recipe

    Popular Favorites

    • Old Fashioned Banana Bread loaf with slice shown.
      Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe
    • Image of Ground Turkey Pasta with grated parmesan cheese on white plate with fork and spoon.
      Ground Turkey Pasta
    • Chunky tomato sauce over spaghetti on a white plate.
      Oma's Easy German Spaghetti Recipe
    • The best coleslaw for pulled pork in a white bowl with a spoon and a light blue towel to the side.
      Best Coleslaw For Pulled Pork
    • Juicy Grilled Ribeye with a pat of melting butter on top and garnished with herbs.
      Best Grilled Ribeye Recipe
    • A small, white dipping bowl full of zesty Cowboy Butter Sauce with a little spoon inside bowl and spices scattered around.
      Easy Cowboy Butter Sauce Recipe

    Footer

    Featured in graphic.

    About

    Privacy Policy

    Accessibility Statement

    Disclosure Policy

    Keep in touch

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Sign up! Sign up for our newsletter and never miss a recipe!

    Contact Us

    Contact

    About

    We promote products and brands we love through affiliate links, at no cost to you.
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Seanna's Kitchen, All rights reserved. ~ SDG

    6479 shares

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.