I really like quick and easy recipes that don’t require lots of ingredients, and this homemade chicken salad definitely fits the bill. It is so good and only uses 4 simple ingredients. And then if you make a sandwich out of it using a croissant or other type of bread, then that is one additional ingredient. If you love chicken salad, give this amazing recipe a try!
Where does chicken salad come from?
The basic chicken salad that Americans have come to know and love comes from Rhode Island in the 1860s. But it has been around longer than that in some form or another. Check out this Wiki article.
Ingredients
To make this basic yet amazing chicken salad at home, you need just 4 easy ingredients, with several optional ingredients you can try:
- Chicken – I normally use a cooked rotisserie chicken from the supermarket, because they are very flavorful and make it super easy. You can also use canned chicken if desired, but I don’t think it tastes as good. A cooked chicken breast will work great, too.
- Grapes – I always use red grapes, but you can use whichever kind you desire.
- Celery – Celery is a classic chicken salad ingredient that provides a nice crunch.
- Mayonnaise – Mayo is another classic ingredient. Use your favorite Mayo!
OPTIONAL Ingredients you may want to try include:
- Nuts – Roasted or candied pecans, walnuts, and almond slices are good options
- Lemon juice
- Sour cream
- Fresh Dill
- Chopped red onion
- Chopped green onions
- Dijon mustard
- Tarragon is another traditional chicken salad recipe ingredient.
Tools/Equipment:
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Bowl
- Spoon
How to Make Chicken Salad
This recipe is so easy, there is no cooking involved, unless of course you are cooking/roasting a chicken specifically for this. And it is one of my favorite recipes where you can use leftover chicken.
Begin why rinsing and loosely drying the celery and grapes. Then slice the grapes in half and add them to a large bowl. Next, chop the celery into small pieces and add that to the bowl.
Break down the chicken and cut into pieces, if using a cooked rotisserie chicken (my favorite), or scoop out the chicken from the cans if using canned chicken, and add it to the bowl.
Finally, add the mayo and give it a good mix. And voila, the basic chicken salad is ready to go. Super easy, right? Chill it in an airtight container until ready to serve.
I typically serve my chicken salad in the form of a sandwich and love using croissants. Either store-bought or my homemade croissants. You can also just eat it as is or on top of lettuce for yummy lettuce wraps.
How long does homemade chicken salad last?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last 3 to 5 days. You can definitely prepare this the day before you want to use it. It makes a perfect picnic item to bring to a party.
Here are some other chicken recipes you may like:
Chicken Fingers with Canned Chicken
Amazing Easy Chicken Salad
Equipment
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Bowl
- spoon
Ingredients
- 1 cup of sliced grapes 150g
- 1 cup of chopped celery 100g
- 1 small to medium cooked rotisserie chicken or 3 cups of chopped chicken 420g
- 1 cup of mayo 230g
Instructions
- Rinse and loosely dry the grapes and the celery.
- Slice the grapes in half and place them in a large bowl. Chop the celery into small pieces and place it in the bowl.
- Break down the rotisserie chicken and chop into small chunks, or use canned chicken and place it in the bowl.
- Add the mayo and mix everything together. It is done!
- Serve with bread or croissant, or eat it as is plain.
Video
Notes
-
- Nuts – Roasted or candied pecans, walnuts, and almond slices are good options
-
- Fresh Dill
-
- Chopped red onion
-
- Chopped green onion
-
- Dijon mustard
-
- Tarragon is another traditional ingredient.
NOTE: These nutritional facts for for the chicken salad only and doesn’t count any bread or croissant that might be served with it.
