Chicken Salad – Creamy, Crunchy & Easy

I still remember the first time I packed this chicken salad into a picnic basket. The sun was warm, the kids were barefoot in the grass, and the scent of lemony mayo clung to the air. There’s something comforting about this dish—cool and creamy, with just enough crunch and a pop of sweetness from the grapes. Whether it’s tucked into croissants or scooped into lettuce cups, chicken salad always feels like a little gift to yourself at lunchtime. And the best part? It comes together in minutes, which is a win on any busy weeknight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This chicken salad keeps things simple. You probably have most of the ingredients on hand. It’s flexible, too—easy to tweak based on what you love or what’s in your fridge.

Main Ingredients

• 3 cups shredded chicken – use rotisserie or freshly cooked
• 1 cup red grapes, halved – sweet and juicy, or swap for dried cranberries
• 1/2 small red onion, diced – adds a sharp, savory bite
• 2 celery stalks, diced – for that essential crunch

Dressing Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise – light mayo works great, too
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – for brightness
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Chicken Salad

This recipe comes together fast. You just need two bowls and a spoon. Here’s how I do it:

Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss the shredded chicken, grapes, red onion, and celery. Make sure the grapes are sliced to avoid large bites.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayo, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Taste it. You can always add a pinch more salt or lemon if needed.

Step 3: Mix and Taste

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Stir gently until everything is coated. Chill it for 30 minutes if you have time—it gives the flavors a moment to mingle.

Tips for Perfect Shredded Chicken

Boiling chicken is my go-to. Just simmer chicken breasts in water until they hit 165°F. This usually takes 4–10 minutes, depending on the size. Let them rest, then shred with two forks.

You can also use the Instant Pot or pick up a rotisserie chicken from the store. One pound of raw chicken makes about 3 cups shredded, which is exactly what you need here.

Variations and Add-Ins

Chicken salad is so easy to make your own. Try one or two of these ideas next time:

Swap Grapes for Cranberries

Dried cranberries add a chewy, tart twist that works beautifully.

Add Toasted Almonds for Crunch

A quarter cup of sliced almonds gives a warm crunch. Toast them lightly in a skillet first for even more flavor.

Use Greek Yogurt for a Lighter Option

Substitute half the mayo with plain Greek yogurt. It keeps things creamy but cuts the fat.

How to Serve Chicken Salad

This recipe makes about 4 cups—plenty for eight sandwiches using 1/2 cup each. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

Best Ways to Enjoy

• Spoon onto buttery croissants or soft buns
• Wrap it in Bibb lettuce or large spinach leaves
• Serve over greens for a protein-packed salad bowl
• Tuck it into a tortilla for quick, cheesy garlic chicken wraps

And if you’re in a slow-cooker mood next time, my slow cooker ranch chicken tacos are just as simple and comforting.

Storage and Shelf Life

Once it’s made, store your chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for 3 to 5 days. Just don’t leave it out for more than 2 hours—this is definitely a dish that prefers to stay cool.

If you have extra shredded chicken, use it in my oven baked chicken thighs or cozy crockpot chicken pot pie.

Chicken Salad Recipe Card

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Related Recipes to Try

• Slow cooker ranch chicken tacos
• Cheesy garlic chicken wraps
• Oven baked chicken thighs
• Crockpot chicken pot pie

Final Thoughts

Chicken salad is one of those dishes that never goes out of style. You can dress it up, keep it simple, or switch things up every time. It’s a go-to for me when I want something fast, comforting, and full of texture. I’d love to hear how you make yours—drop a comment or tag me if you share a photo!

Don’t forget to check out more cozy ideas on my Pinterest board.

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