The Best Chicken Salad Recipe for Sandwiches
Nothing beats a creamy, flavorful chicken salad that makes everyone at the table smile! This recipe is perfect for busy families, lunch lovers, and anyone who wants a delicious meal ready in just 10 minutes. You’ll love how the fresh herbs and zesty lemon make every bite taste amazing.
Recipe Details
Timing & Servings: Active Time: 10 minutes, Total Time: 10 minutes, Serves: 4 people.
Nutrition Profile: Sesame-Free, Nut-Free, Soy-Free, High-Protein, Gluten-Free.
Nutrition Facts (per serving): 388 Calories, 25g Fat, 4g Carbs, 35g Protein.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Mayonnaise: You’ll need ½ cup of your favorite mayo – this creates that creamy, rich base we all love. Regular or light mayo both work great here!
Greek Yogurt: ¼ cup of whole-milk plain Greek-style yogurt adds extra creaminess and a little tang. It makes the salad taste so fresh and light.
Lemon Juice: Just 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice brightens up all the flavors. Fresh is best, but bottled works too if that’s what you have.
Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon gives the salad a nice little kick without being too spicy. It’s that secret ingredient that makes everything taste better!
Paprika: ¼ teaspoon adds a lovely color and mild smoky flavor. Regular paprika is perfect for this recipe.
Garlic Powder: ¼ teaspoon brings that savory garlic taste without any chunks. So much easier than mincing fresh garlic!
Salt and Pepper: ¼ teaspoon each to make all the flavors pop. Start with this amount and taste as you go.
Fresh Herbs: ¼ cup finely chopped mixed tender herbs like tarragon, dill, or chives. These make the salad taste so fresh and fancy!
Cooked Chicken Breast: 3 cups coarsely shredded – use rotisserie chicken to save time or any leftover cooked chicken you have. Shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Celery: ½ cup finely chopped gives you that perfect crunch in every bite. About 2 stalks should do it.
Shallot: ¼ cup chopped adds a mild onion flavor that’s not too strong. One medium shallot is usually just right.
How to Make The Best Chicken Salad Recipe for Sandwiches
Step 1: Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the mayo, yogurt, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Add the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything until it’s smooth and creamy – no lumps! Stir in those beautiful fresh herbs and give it another good mix.
Step 2: Add your shredded chicken, chopped celery, and shallot to the bowl. Gently stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with that delicious dressing. Taste and add more salt or pepper if you’d like!
Easy and Quick Chicken Salad Version
Want to make this even faster? You’ve got this! Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken and pre-chopped celery from the produce section. Skip the fresh herbs and use 1 tablespoon of dried herbs instead – Italian seasoning works great. You can even buy pre-chopped shallots or use ¼ cup of green onions. This shortcut version takes just 5 minutes and tastes amazing!
Serving Ideas
This chicken salad makes a complete, satisfying meal that everyone will love! Serve it on toasted whole-grain bread with crispy lettuce and juicy tomato slices. It’s also wonderful in wraps, on crackers, or over a bed of fresh greens. Try it with crunchy pickles and your favorite chips on the side!
Storage
Store your chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day when all the flavors have time to blend together! If the salad looks like it’s changing color, it’s time to toss it and make a fresh batch.
Substitutions
No shallot? No worries! Use ¼ cup of finely chopped red onion or green onions instead. You can swap the Greek yogurt for sour cream or just use more mayo. Don’t have fresh herbs? Try 1 tablespoon of dried herbs or even some fresh parsley from the store. Turkey works great instead of chicken too!
Pro Tips
- Shred Smart: Use two forks to shred your chicken into perfect bite-sized pieces that hold the dressing well.
- Chill Out: Let the salad chill for 30 minutes before serving – the flavors get so much better!
- Dice Fine: Chop your celery and shallot really fine so every bite has the perfect balance.
- Taste Test: Always taste and adjust the seasonings – every chicken is different!
- Fresh is Best: Use the freshest herbs you can find for the most amazing flavor.
FAQs
What is the difference between shallots and onions?
Shallots are smaller than onions and have a much milder, sweeter flavor even when raw. Plus, they won’t make your eyes water when you chop them! You might love raw shallot even if regular onion is too strong for you. If you can’t find shallots, you can use green onion, red onion, or soak chopped white onion in ice water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor.
How long can you store chicken salad?
Your chicken salad will stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. If you notice any color changes or off smells, it’s always better to be safe and make a fresh batch!
Can I double this chicken salad recipe?
You bet! This recipe doubles beautifully and is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prep. Just remember you might need to adjust the seasonings slightly when you double it – taste as you go. It’s great for parties and potlucks!
Can I include add-ins?
Sure! There are so many delicious things you can add to make this recipe your own. Try dried cranberries, chopped apples, grapes, dried cherries, or chopped nuts. Just remember that add-ins will change the flavor balance, so you might need to adjust the dressing amounts.
What should I serve with chicken salad?
If you’re making sandwiches, pickles and chips are classic sides that everyone loves! It also pairs wonderfully with tomato soup or gazpacho. For a lighter meal, skip the bread and serve it over your favorite lettuce. When hosting, add a simple green salad or pasta salad to round out the meal.
I’d love to hear how your chicken salad turns out! Did you try any fun add-ins or serve it in a creative way? Share your experience – it helps other home cooks feel confident trying new recipes too!
