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Classic Creamy Chicken Salad: Easy 10-Min Recipe

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This classic creamy deli-style chicken salad is the perfect quick lunch or light dinner, made with shredded chicken, crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and a tangy dressing of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. It comes together in just 10 minutes and is a crowd-pleaser for potlucks and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (about 1 lb or 450g)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (120 ml)
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (60 ml)
  • 2 ribs celery, finely diced (about ½ cup or 75g)
  • ½ cup red seedless grapes, halved (75g)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (15 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (5 ml)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • Optional: ¼ cup toasted pecans or walnuts
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley or chives

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: If using a rotisserie chicken, remove skin and bones. Shred meat with two forks or your hands to get about 3 cups. If using leftover cooked chicken breasts, dice into ½-inch cubes. Place chicken in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Dice the celery: Wash and dry celery ribs. Cut lengthwise into thin strips, then crosswise into small dice (about ¼ inch). Add to the bowl with chicken.
  3. Halve the grapes: Wash and dry grapes. Cut each grape in half lengthwise (quarter if large). Add to the bowl. (If making ahead, add grapes just before serving to prevent wateriness.)
  4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Combine everything: Pour dressing over chicken mixture. Use a rubber spatula or large spoon to gently fold until evenly coated. Do not overmix.
  6. Chill (optional but recommended): Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Salad will thicken slightly.
  7. Final taste and adjust: Before serving, stir and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. If dry, stir in an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise or yogurt.

Notes

For best texture, shred chicken with forks rather than dicing. Pat celery and grapes dry to avoid watery salad. Let salad chill for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Do not freeze. Serve cold; do not microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken salad, creamy chicken salad, deli-style chicken salad, easy chicken salad, 10-minute recipe, rotisserie chicken salad, classic chicken salad

Find it online: https://bakebelle.com/classic-creamy-chicken-salad-easy-10-min-recipe/