How to Make the Best Ever Chicken Salad for Any Occasion

Are you ready to elevate your lunch game? I can’t wait to share my favorite recipe for the Best-Ever Chicken Salad! This delightful dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a brunch, packing a picnic, or simply looking for a quick family dinner. With fresh ingredients and simple steps, it’s a breeze to whip up. Plus, it’s a fantastic option for those busy weeknights when you need something delicious in a hurry. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s packed with flavor and texture, thanks to the combination of juicy chicken, crunchy almonds, and sweet grapes.
• Perfect for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week!
• Versatile serving options: enjoy it on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or even as a filling for wraps.
• Great for gatherings—everyone loves a good chicken salad!
• It’s a healthy choice that fits into many diets, making it a go-to for those looking for Chicken Salad Recipes.

Ingredients

To make this scrumptious chicken salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 lbs chicken parts (bone-in, skin-on thighs and breasts work well) (you’ll need about 4 cups)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup grapes (seedless, halved (red and green varieties are great))
• 1 cup almonds (thinly sliced)
• 2 stalks celery (finely diced)
• 3 scallions (thinly sliced (white and green parts))
• 2 tbsp dill (fresh, chopped)
• 1 tbsp parsley (fresh, chopped)
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• 1 tsp kosher salt (start with 1/2 teaspoon, then add more, to taste)
• Freshly ground pepper

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Best-Ever Chicken Salad:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Rub the olive oil all over the chicken pieces and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F using an instant-read thermometer.
4. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it cool. Remove the skin, then pull the meat from the bones and roughly chop.
5. In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, grapes, almonds, celery, scallions, dill, and parsley.
6. In a small-medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper.
7. Add the mayo/mustard mixture to the chicken mixture and gently stir until well mixed.
8. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.
9. Serve on a bed of greens with sliced tomatoes and avocado, or on bread with green leaf lettuce. Add more toppings to your taste!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your chicken salad turns out perfectly:

• For a quicker option, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of baking your own.
• Feel free to customize the ingredients! Add in some diced apples for sweetness or swap out the almonds for walnuts.
• If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise.
• Make sure to let the salad chill in the fridge for at least an hour; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

How to Serve

This chicken salad is incredibly versatile! Here are a few serving suggestions:

• On a bed of mixed greens with sliced tomatoes and avocado for a refreshing salad.
• As a Chicken Salad Sandwich on your favorite bread or in a wrap.
• With crackers or pita chips for a delightful appetizer.
• As a filling for lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

It’s also a great addition to any picnic or potluck, and I promise it will be a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

This chicken salad is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you’re planning to serve it later, I recommend waiting to add any crunchy ingredients like nuts or celery until just before serving to keep everything crisp.

And if you’re looking for more quick and easy meal ideas, check out my Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Chinese Takeout or Weight Watchers Burrito Bowls for more delicious 30-minute meals!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and let’s make the best chicken salad ever! I can’t wait for you to try it and hear how much you love it!