If you’re looking for a quick lunch or a meal prep favorite, this creamy chicken salad is a classic that never gets old. It’s rich, a little crunchy, and so satisfying. Perfect between two slices of bread, spooned over greens, or eaten straight from the bowl.

What I love most is how customizable it is—you can keep it simple or dress it up with whatever you’ve got in the fridge. It also comes together in just minutes if you already have cooked chicken on hand. Let’s get into it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy chicken salad is a staple for a reason. It’s:

Quick to make – 10 minutes if your chicken is ready
Great for leftovers – rotisserie chicken works perfectly
Easy to customize – add fruits, nuts, or spices
Make-ahead friendly – it actually tastes better the next day

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
2 tablespoons red onion, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts, sliced almonds, or dried cranberries

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by prepping your ingredients—chop the veggies and shred the chicken if you haven’t already. You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or even poached chicken (see below for how to poach).

In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. Add in the chicken, celery, and onion. If you’re adding nuts or fruit, toss them in now. Mix everything together until it’s well coated.

Taste and adjust the seasoning. Pop it in the fridge for 15–30 minutes if you have time—it helps the flavors come together.

How to Poach Chicken (Optional)

Want to make your own chicken from scratch? Here’s a quick poaching method that gives you juicy results every time:

Place chicken breasts in a saucepan and cover with water.
Add a pinch of salt and a garlic clove or bay leaf for extra flavor (optional).
Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 12–15 minutes until fully cooked.
Let it cool, then chop or shred.

Tips & Variations

No mayo? Try Greek yogurt or half-yogurt/half-mayo for a lighter version.
Add sweetness: Diced apples, grapes, or a handful of dried cranberries work great.
Like it spicy? Add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce.
More crunch? Throw in some sunflower seeds or chopped pickles.

More Salads:

What to Serve With Creamy Chicken Salad

This salad goes well with:

Toasted bread or croissants
Lettuce wraps for a lighter option
Crackers or pita chips for dipping
A side of fruit or pasta salad

Storage Tips

Store creamy chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Stir before serving if any separation happens.