How to Make the Easiest Chicken Salad

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Learn how to make the easiest chicken salad you’ll make all summer. There’s only a few ingredients so it’s quick to make and full of flavor!

Chicken salad is one of the easiest meals we keep on hand in the refrigerator at all times. It’s such a quick way to through lunch together without having to turn on the oven every time we make a meal.

One Delicious Summer Meal

Okay, I know I just mentioned not turning on the oven for every meal, but I do need to cook the chicken for this one, obviously, and I need the oven to do it. But that’s the only time I use it I swear!

Something I am really drawn to with certain recipes is a ‘set it and forget it’ step. That is exactly what cooking the chicken is for this meal. All I have to do is throw the chicken in the oven, set a timer, and I get 35 minutes to chop vegetables, clean my counters, throw a new load of laundry in the wash, you get it. Multi-tasking while cooking is essential.

Any time a recipe calls for mayo, I make this avocado mayo every time. I promise it’s not as hard as you think! Just try it. You’ll thank me later.

Once all the prep work is done all you have to do is throw it all into a bowl and mix. Now you have the perfect lunch or dinner for the rest of the week.

At the beginning of summer, we only have a few short months where we get to enjoy the sunshine safely so we like to spend our time at the dog park, going on hikes, and laying by the pool as much as possible. By adding this chicken salad to biscuits or sourdough toast, it becomes the perfect meal to eat on the go while we’re enjoying our time in the sun. I’ve even packed some veggies and eaten the chicken salad as a dip. There are so many ways to enjoy this delicious summer meal.

Tips

• Tear the chicken when it’s still somewhat warm. I’ve found that chicken is a bit easier to shred when the chicken is still moist. Otherwise you will get chicken pieces rather than shredded chicken which is what we are going for.
• Add in any veggies that are about to go bad. This recipe is perfect for using up veggies that you don’t want to go to waste. It’s also perfect for sneaking in veggies that your kiddos may not be the biggest fans of.
• Add the mayo when the chicken has completely cooled. This prevents the mayo from being too runny.
• Once everything is mixed together, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra flavor. It tastes so good!

Tools You’ll Need

Baking sheet

Parchment Paper

Large mixing bowl

Cutting board

Large knife

Measuring spoons

Large wooden or silicone spoon – This how you will mix everything together.

Immersion blender – if you are making homemade mayo

Large mouth mason jar – to mix the mayo ingredients

Chicken Salad Ingredients

Chicken breasts – You could use a whole chicken or thighs. I just prefer chicken breasts because it’s easier to work with.

Herbs for the chicken – Olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, thyme

Celery – I love adding celery for added crunch!

Dried cranberries – These add a great pop of color and sweetness.

Red onions

Walnuts – These also add a nice crunch and fat to keep you fuller longer.

Mayo – I use homemade mayo, but if you use store bought make sure that it is made with avocado oil.

Chicken Salad Add-In Ideas

Grapes – Another way to add sweetness and a burst of flavor from the grape juice!

Shredded carrots – For crunch and color.

Lemon zest – I love adding lemon zest for tanginess and enhancing anything that has fresh lemon juice flavor.

Pecans – I love the distinct, nutty flavor of pecans. It would be perfect in a chicken salad like this.

Any nuts or fruit that is a crowd pleaser for you and your family.

How to Make the Easiest Chicken Salad

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper and place chicken breasts on the pan.

Drizzle olive oil and add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, and thyme to both sides of the chicken.

Once the oven has preheated, cook the chicken for 35 minutes.

While the chicken is cooking, chop 3 stalks of celery, 1/4 of a red onion, and walnuts.

After the chicken is cooked and cooled for about 5 minutes, shred the chicken breasts and set aside.

Once the chicken is completely cooled, add in the chopped celery, red onions, walnuts, cranberries, and add the mayo.

Mix well with a large spoon and enjoy!

This step is totally optional, but I like adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice after everything is mixed together. It tastes so delicious!

How to Serve Chicken Salad

You can serve it on a bed of lettuce with even more freshly chopped veggies like tomato and cucumber. This will take a traditional salad to a whole other level. You can also serve it on sourdough toast and create open faced sandwiches or add them to biscuits for a tasty on the go lunch. I’ve also eaten this chicken salad with chips and veggies as a dip.

More Recipes To Try:

Simple Crispy Shrimp Tacos with Citrus Ranch Sauce

Taco Style Baked Sweet Potatoes

Simple Blueberry and Feta Salad with Oven Roasted Chicken

The Perfect Mixed Berry Smoothie for Summer

If you tried this recipe and loved it, I would love it if you would give it 5 stars! Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @thejonesfamilytable.

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