This Easy Rotisserie Chicken Salad is a quick and tasty meal! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves time, and you can mix it with crunchy veggies and creamy dressing.
I love how versatile this salad is—I can add whatever veggies I have on hand! Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and leftovers make great sandwiches, too!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotisserie Chicken: This is the star of the salad and makes it so easy! You can use any leftover cooked chicken if you don’t have rotisserie. Just shred it up and you’re good to go.
Celery: Fresh celery adds a nice crunch. If you’re not a fan, try using diced cucumbers or bell peppers instead. They can give a similar texture.
Red Onion: The red onion brings in a slightly sweet flavor and color. If red onion is too strong for you, consider using green onions or shallots for a milder taste.
Mayonnaise: It adds creaminess to the salad. If you’re looking for a lighter option, plain yogurt or a mix of yogurt and mayo works well. Avocado also makes for a delicious substitute!
Lemon Juice: This adds a fresh zing! If you don’t have lemon, lime juice can be a tasty alternative, giving a slightly different but refreshing flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Salad Has the Right Consistency?
Getting the right texture is key to a delightful chicken salad. You want it creamy but not overly soggy. Here’s how you can achieve that:
- Start with less mayo than you think you’ll need. You can always add more after mixing!
- Mix the salad thoroughly to coat all ingredients, but avoid over-mixing, which can make it mushy.
- Chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and gives it a better texture!
Play around with the mayo or yogurt until you find that perfect creaminess that you enjoy the most.
How to Make Easy Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise (adjust to your preferred creaminess)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper, plus more for garnish
- Optional: pita chips or crackers for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious rotisserie chicken salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then just 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So, in about 40 minutes, you’ll be ready to enjoy a tasty meal or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Ingredients
Start by taking a large mixing bowl. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken, finely chopped celery, and red onion to the bowl. You’ll want to make sure the chicken is in small, bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
2. Add the Creaminess
Now, pour in the mayonnaise and squeeze in the fresh lemon juice. This will give your salad a creamy texture and a nice zing of flavor!
3. Mix It Well
Using a spatula or large spoon, mix everything together thoroughly. Make sure the chicken and veggies get evenly coated with the mayonnaise!
4. Seasoning Time
Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper, then mix again to distribute the seasoning evenly. It’s a good idea to taste at this stage—if you feel it needs more flavor, go ahead and adjust the salt and pepper!
5. Chill Out
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer your chicken salad to an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will let all the flavors blend beautifully together.
6. Serve and Enjoy
When you’re ready to eat, take the salad out of the fridge. Give it one last gentle stir and garnish with a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve it cold with some pita chips or your favorite crackers on the side.
Enjoy your quick, creamy, and crunchy chicken salad as a light meal or snack! Perfect for any day of the week!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Any leftover cooked chicken works perfectly. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces to use in the salad.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken salad a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually get better as it sits!
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Salad?
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To serve, simply give it a good stir before enjoying it again.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using plain Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and mayonnaise for a delicious twist. Mashed avocado can also be a tasty, creamy substitute!
