Simple Homemade Chicken Salad Recipe (Best for Lunch or Meal Prep)
There’s something incredibly comforting about a good old chicken salad. Whether it’s a lazy lunch, a busy weekday meal, or those random “I need something quick but tasty” moments.
I started making this chicken salad to get rid of leftover roast chicken from Sunday dinners.. It's simple, but it feels kinda fancy.
What's cool is that you can change it up easily. Keep it simple or go all out. Want something a bit more? Add yogurt for a bit of tang, or apples for sweetness. If you dig a bit of spice like us at Habanero, try some of our Habanero Peri Peri Sauce or Chilli Garlic Sauce. Seriously, this balances out the creaminess and kicks your chicken salad up a notch.
Let's go make this creamy, crunchy bowl of good stuff that's always a winner..
Chicken Salad Ingredients List (Creamy & Crunchy)
The beauty of a simple chicken salad recipe lies in how little effort it actually takes. You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen. Just a few staples and a good mix of flavors. Here’s what you’ll need to get that perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and fresh:
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Chicken – About 2 cups of cooked chicken, either shredded or diced. Leftover roast chicken works perfectly (I usually use what’s left from Sunday lunch). But you can also boil or grill chicken breasts fresh, totally your call.
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Mayonnaise – Go with a good-quality mayo, and if you like it lighter, mix half mayo and half thick yogurt.
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Celery –Chop it nice and fine.
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Toasted almonds – Optional, but trust me, they add that beautiful nutty flavor and a little bite that makes a big difference.
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Lemon juice – Just a splash. It keeps the flavors fresh and lively.
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Black pepper & salt – To season it all up. Simple, but essential.
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(Optional add-ins) – Fresh herbs like parsley or dill, a handful of grapes or apple bits for sweetness, or even a dash of mustard.
How to Make Classic Chicken Salad (Step-by-Step Guide)
Honestly, this is one of those recipes you can put together even on your laziest day.. Here’s exactly how I do it:
1. Toast almonds (if using):
Just toss them in a pan over medium heat for a few mins. Shake the pan. They get brown fast!
2. Prep chicken:
Got leftover roast chicken? Shred or chop it. If not, boil or grill chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cool, then dice.
3. Mix dressing:
In a bowl, whisk mayo, lemon juice, and pepper.
4. Combine:
Add chicken, celery, and almonds. Mix gently until coated.
5. Taste & adjust:
Give it a taste. More zing? Add lemon. Want spice? A few drops of Habanero Chilli Garlic Sauce will do it.
6: Chill and serve.
Pop it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. It tastes even better cold, once all those flavors come together. Serve it on a sandwich, stuff it into a wrap, or just pile it over some crisp lettuce. It’s perfect either way.
Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Salad
You know, the beauty of a good chicken salad is how it quietly fits into your day.. I’ve made this on lazy Sundays, on days when I had zero time to cook, and even for those last-minute guests who “just dropped by.” It never fails.
The trick is really in the balance. This chicken salad is all about creamy mayo, a bit of crunch, a touch of lemon, and juicy chicken. Want to make it even better? Stir in a spoonful of Habanero's Peri Peri Sauce or some hot sauce. It gives it a smoky kick that turns basic chicken salad into something amazing.
Keep it chilled and simple, and make it your own. Seriously, recipes like this are made for experimenting. Add in some herbs or a dash of spice. If you like me, you'll be making this all the time.
