The BEST Classic Chicken Salad Recipe (Perfect for Sandwiches & Croissants!)

 

The BEST Classic Chicken Salad Recipe (Perfect for Sandwiches & Croissants!)

The BEST Classic Chicken Salad Recipe (Perfect for Sandwiches & Croissants!) 🥐

Okay, real talk—is there anything more comforting than a solid chicken salad sandwich? Like, the kind that doesn’t try too hard but somehow still makes you feel like you’re winning at lunch? Yeah, this is that chicken salad. It’s creamy, tangy, a little crunchy, and basically built to live inside a buttery croissant (or a slice of your favorite bread, no judgment).

I’ve made this classic chicken salad recipe more times than I can count—family potlucks, lazy Sunday lunches, or that one time I forgot to meal prep and didn’t want to cry over boring leftovers. It always hits the spot.

So if you’re looking for a no-fuss, crazy-delicious chicken salad that’ll make your sandwiches and croissants feel like royalty, keep scrolling. I’ve got you. 🙌

🥄 Why This Chicken Salad is an Absolute Legend

Let’s get straight to the juicy stuff (pun totally intended):

  • It’s classic, not basic. You get that timeless flavor combo that just works—shredded chicken, creamy mayo, a hint of mustard, and crunch from celery.

  • Perfect for meal prep. It keeps well in the fridge, so you can make a big ol’ batch and eat like a queen all week.

  • Customizable AF. Don’t like onions? Leave 'em out. Want grapes in it? Toss ’em in. You're the boss here.

And FYI—this isn’t your weird deli's version that tastes like it’s been sitting out since Tuesday. This one’s fresh, zippy, and totally sandwich-worthy.

🍗 Ingredients You’ll Need

Alright, here’s what you’ll need to whip this baby up. Nothing weird or hard to find—just the good stuff:

  • 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great—hello, shortcut!)

  • ½ cup mayo (start here, you can always add more)

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (adds that perfect tangy kick)

  • 2 stalks celery, finely diced

  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped (optional, but adds a little zing)

  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (brightens it all up)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Optional add-ins:

    • Chopped dill pickles

    • Sliced grapes

    • Slivered almonds or chopped pecans

    • Fresh dill or parsley

Pro Tip: If you’ve got leftover grilled or baked chicken, use it! Just avoid anything super heavily seasoned—it can mess with the vibe.

🥣 How to Make the BEST Classic Chicken Salad (Step-by-Step)

You ready for this? It’s wildly easy.

Step 1: Shred That Chicken

Use two forks or your hands—no fancy tools needed. You want it shredded, not cubed. IMO, shredded chicken just holds onto the creamy dressing way better. Like, way better.

Step 2: Mix the Dressing

In a big bowl, stir together:

  • Mayo

  • Dijon mustard

  • Lemon juice

  • Salt & pepper

This is your creamy flavor bomb, so taste it as you go. Want it tangier? Add a touch more mustard. Need more creaminess? Yep, more mayo. You get the idea.

Step 3: Add the Veg

Toss in the chopped celery and red onion. These guys give you that satisfying crunch and zingy bite. If you're not into onions, skip ’em. No one’s gonna report you.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the shredded chicken and stir until it’s all beautifully coated in that luscious dressing. Take a bite. Smile. Maybe do a little happy dance. You nailed it.

Step 5: Chill (if you can wait)

Technically, you could eat it right away (and I won’t judge), but it gets even better after sitting in the fridge for 30 minutes. Let those flavors get all cozy with each other.

🥐 Best Ways to Serve This Chicken Salad

Sure, you could just eat it with a spoon over the sink (guilty), but here are some actual grown-up ways to enjoy it:

  • Stuffed in a croissant (10/10 recommend for brunch or picnics)

  • Between toasted sourdough slices with a leaf of romaine

  • Over a bed of greens for a low-carb-ish lunch

  • Wrapped in a tortilla with some spinach and tomato

  • Scooped up with crackers during your next Netflix binge

Bonus move: Add some bacon or avocado. Because life’s too short to be basic.

🧊 How to Store It (Meal Prep Magic)

So you made a big batch? Smart. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

  • Lasts up to 4 days (though it usually disappears by day 2 in my house).

  • Do NOT freeze it. Mayo + freezer = sadness. Just trust me.

🧪 Optional Add-Ins (Let’s Get Fancy)

Wanna jazz things up a bit? You totally can. Here are a few of my go-to twists when I’m feeling extra:

🧅 Savory Add-Ins:

  • Chopped pickles for a tangy crunch

  • Fresh dill for a herby vibe

  • Crispy bacon bits because... well, duh

🍇 Sweet Add-Ins:

  • Red grapes (halved, please) for a sweet-tangy balance

  • Dried cranberries if you’re feeling festive

  • Chopped apples for that crisp, juicy bite

🌰 Crunchy Add-Ins:

  • Toasted pecans or almonds

  • Sunflower seeds if you’re feeling wild

Not everything goes together though, so pick one theme (savory, sweet, crunchy) and don’t go full Frankenstein. Unless that’s your thing. YOLO 😅

❓FAQs (Because You Know You’ve Got Questions)

Can I use canned chicken?

You can... but should you? IMO, it’s not ideal. It’ll work in a pinch, but it doesn’t have the same texture or flavor. If you do use it, drain it well and add a bit more seasoning to help it out.

Is Greek yogurt a good mayo substitute?

Absolutely! If you want a lighter version, swap half (or all) of the mayo for plain Greek yogurt. It’ll be tangier and lower in fat, but still super creamy.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, and you should! It tastes even better after chilling for a bit. Just give it a good stir before serving.

What bread works best?

  • Croissants = buttery magic

  • Sourdough = hearty and tangy

  • Brioche buns = soft and slightly sweet

  • Rye or whole wheat = a little more grown-up

🔥 Final Thoughts (A.K.A. Why You’ll Make This Over and Over)

Let’s be real: this chicken salad is the GOAT. It’s one of those recipes you’ll memorize after the second time because it’s just that easy and good. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping lunch for the week, or just trying to avoid another sad desk salad, this is your go-to.

Plus, it’s one of those dishes that somehow makes you feel fancy even when you’re still wearing pajama pants at 2 PM. 🫣

So go on—grab a rotisserie chicken, stir it up, and make those croissants proud. 🥐💁‍♀️

P.S. If your friends start asking for “that chicken salad recipe,” don’t say I didn’t warn you 😉

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