Best Chicken Salad

Creamy, crunchy, and bursting with fresh flavors, this Best Chicken Salad recipe combines tender chunks of seasoned chicken with crisp apples, sweet cranberries, and buttery pecans. The perfect balance of savory and sweet elements creates a refreshing yet satisfying dish that’s versatile enough for any occasion. Whether served on a croissant for an elegant lunch or scooped onto crisp lettuce for a lighter option, this Best Chicken Salad elevates a classic into something truly special. You’ll learn how to achieve the perfect texture and flavor balance while discovering pro tips that make this recipe stand out from ordinary chicken salads.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Best Chicken Salad recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy indulgence and fresh, vibrant flavors. The combination of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt creates a dressing that’s rich yet not heavy, while the dijon mustard adds a subtle tang that elevates the entire dish. What makes this chicken salad truly exceptional is the interplay of textures – tender chicken chunks against the crisp snap of fresh apples, chewy dried cranberries, and the satisfying crunch of pecans.

The recipe is incredibly versatile, perfect for meal prep, picnics, or elegant luncheons. Unlike many basic chicken salad recipes that can be one-dimensional, this version incorporates both sweet and savory notes that keep your taste buds engaged with every bite. The addition of fruit brings a natural sweetness that complements the savory chicken perfectly, while the nuts add a buttery richness and textural contrast that takes this salad from good to unforgettable. Best of all, it comes together in minutes with minimal cooking required if you opt for a rotisserie chicken.

Ingredients List for the Best Chicken Salad

This carefully curated ingredient list combines classic chicken salad elements with special additions that create the perfect balance of creaminess, crunch, sweetness, and savory flavors.

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 4 cups (about 2 pounds) cooked, chopped chicken breast (homemade seasoned and baked, or rotisserie)
• 3/4 cup small diced Granny Smith apple
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Pro Tips

When making this Best Chicken Salad, a few key techniques will elevate your results from good to spectacular. First, for the chicken itself, seasoning matters – even if using rotisserie chicken. If preparing your own chicken, generously season with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder before baking, then allow it to cool completely before chopping to maintain juiciness and prevent the dressing from becoming watery.

The second critical technique is in the dressing preparation. Whisk the mayonnaise, yogurt and seasonings thoroughly before adding to the chicken – this ensures even distribution of flavors. Taste the dressing before adding the chicken and adjust seasonings if needed, as it’s much easier to balance flavors at this stage than after everything is combined.

Lastly, consider the texture of your chicken salad. Chopping (rather than shredding) the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces creates the ideal texture that holds up well in sandwiches without becoming mushy. For the apple, dice it small enough to distribute throughout but large enough to maintain its crunch, and add it just before serving to prevent browning and preserve its crisp texture.

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayo, yogurt, mustard, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.

Step 2: Make sure your chicken is completely cool. Chop it up and add it to the bowl.

Step 3: Gently fold in the apple, cranberries, and pecans.

Step 4: Eat as is or place on dinner rolls, sliced croissants, or on top of sliced tomato and lettuce or micro greens.

Variations

This Best Chicken Salad recipe is wonderfully adaptable to different dietary needs and flavor preferences. For a lighter version, substitute the mayonnaise entirely with Greek yogurt and add a touch more dijon mustard to maintain that creamy tanginess. This reduces calories while adding protein, making it perfect for those focused on healthy eating.

For a Mediterranean twist, replace the cranberries with halved red grapes, swap the pecans for toasted walnuts, and add 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped dill and 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese. The combination creates a bright, herb-infused chicken salad with delightful Mediterranean notes.

Those looking for additional crunch and texture can add 1/3 cup finely diced celery and 2 tablespoons of minced red onion. This classic variation adds a refreshing vegetal note while maintaining the core flavors that make this chicken salad recipe so delicious.

Storage and Serving

Your Best Chicken Salad will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop and improve after the first day, making this an excellent make-ahead dish. However, if you’ve included apples, they may begin to brown slightly – while this doesn’t affect the taste, you might prefer to add the apple just before serving if preparing in advance.

For an elegant presentation, serve this chicken salad in lettuce cups using butter lettuce or endive leaves, perfect for a light lunch or appetizer. For a heartier meal, pile it onto buttery croissants or artisanal bread with a layer of fresh spring mix. One of my favorite serving suggestions is to create a chicken salad board – arrange the chicken salad in the center of a large platter surrounded by various breads, crackers, and fresh vegetable crudités, allowing guests to create their perfect combination.

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
While fresh cooked or rotisserie chicken provides the best texture and flavor for Best Chicken Salad, canned chicken can work in a pinch. Be sure to drain it thoroughly and consider adding an extra pinch of seasonings to compensate for the milder flavor.

How can I prevent my apples from browning in the chicken salad?
Toss your diced apples in 1 teaspoon of lemon juice before adding them to your Best Chicken Salad. The citric acid prevents oxidation without altering the flavor significantly.

Is there a mayonnaise-free version of this chicken salad?
Absolutely! Substitute the mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt or mashed avocado for a mayo-free Best Chicken Salad that’s still creamy and delicious.

What’s the best chicken to use in chicken salad?
Breast meat is traditional for Best Chicken Salad because of its tender texture and mild flavor, but a combination of white and dark meat can provide more moisture and flavor. Rotisserie chicken offers convenience and excellent seasoning.

Can I make this chicken salad ahead for a party?
Yes! This Best Chicken Salad actually improves after sitting for a few hours as the flavors meld. For optimal freshness, prepare it up to 24 hours ahead but add the nuts just before serving to maintain their crunch.

Print