Creamy Chicken Salad

Creamy Chicken Salad is a versatile, flavorful dish that blends tender chicken pieces with a rich, smooth dressing and a variety of crisp vegetables or fruits for texture. It’s a classic recipe enjoyed worldwide for its refreshing taste and endless customization options. Whether served in sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or as a side dish, this salad is perfect for quick lunches, picnics, or light dinners.

Ingredients

(Serves 6–8)

For the chicken:

4 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed (about 1 kg raw chicken)
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the dressing:

1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Mix-ins (optional, but recommended):

1 cup celery, finely diced
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup grapes (halved) or chopped apples
1/2 cup toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions and Methods

Method 1: Traditional Mixing Bowl

Prepare the chicken:
If starting from raw, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then poach, bake, or grill until fully cooked. Let cool, then shred or cube.
Make the dressing:
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
Combine:
Add chicken, celery, onion, fruit, nuts, and parsley to the bowl. Stir until everything is well coated with the dressing.
Chill:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Serve:
Serve as a sandwich filling, over fresh greens, or in lettuce cups.
Method 2: Food Processor for Creamier Texture

Chop cooked chicken into smaller pieces.
Add chicken and dressing ingredients to a food processor and pulse until the desired creaminess is reached.
Fold in mix-ins by hand to keep some texture.
Method 3: Make-Ahead Party Platter

Prepare chicken salad 1 day ahead and store in an airtight container.
Serve with an assortment of crackers, sliced bread, or croissants for a buffet-style presentation.