Name: Easy Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken (I used rotisserie) (shredded or chopped); 1/2 cup mayo; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped); Salt & pepper (to taste); 1 stick celery (chopped small); 1/2 medium apple (chopped small); 1-2 tablespoons red onion (chopped); For sandwiches: 8 slices bread, lettuce, etc.

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This easy chicken salad recipe uses simple everyday ingredients, comes together fast, and makes the most delicious sandwiches! It can be on your table in about 15 minutes.

Try this Buffalo Chicken Salad next for a creative kick.

two classic chicken salad sandwiches stacked on top of each other

Why you'll love it

This homemade chicken salad recipe is great for easy lunches or fun occasions like picnics. Bring it to work for a healthier and less expensive lunch than getting fast food. There are plenty of fresh ingredients that make this taste way less one-dimensional than your average grocery store chicken salad! It's definitely worth making at home.

I kept this recipe really simple so that it will appeal to a wide variety of tastes and also so you can change it up if you feel like it. Apple is the not-so-secret ingredient in my version of this popular recipe. It adds a sweet and tart flavor as well as a supremely satisfying crunch!

Ingredients for it

Chicken - I used rotisserie
Mayo - my go-to is Hellmann's, but use your favorite brand. I always try not to go overboard with it since I don't like these sandwiches to be super heavy/cloying!
Dijon mustard - it's not overpowering or anything and just adds a zesty quality
Lemon juice - for brightness. Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Parsley - to add freshness and contrast
Celery - for a flavorful crunch
Apple - it adds a touch of sweetness and crispness. Totally recommend not skipping it.
Onion - red onion is less sharp than others, so it's great in salads and sandwiches

What kind of chicken to use for chicken salad

I love the flavor and ease of using a store bought rotisserie chicken. I used a mix of dark and light meat.
You could also try buying pre-cooked roasted chicken breast from your deli, or cook up your own chicken. Try my Instant Pot Shredded Chicken.
If you have some leftover cooked turkey, you can definitely use that in this recipe!

How to make chicken salad

This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.

a mixing bowl with dressing for chicken salad

Start by prepping everything. Add the dressing ingredients (mayo, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, parsley, and some salt & pepper) to a medium-sized prep bowl. Mix it all together so you've got a smooth dressing.

Add the remaining ingredients (celery, apple, red onion, and chicken) and toss until everything is well coated. Give it a taste, and add extra salt & pepper if needed. You can also take this opportunity to tweak it to your tastes. See my suggestions below!

Pro tip

I didn't want to make a massive quantity, so the recipe makes enough for about 4 sandwiches. Double every ingredient if you want to make more. Halve every ingredient if you just want to make enough for two sandwiches.

Other additions to chicken salad

I like the recipe as-is, but feel free to jazz it up with any/all of these ingredients!

Chopped grapes (you can swap them for the apple)
Slivered or sliced almonds for some extra crunch
A splash of pickle juice and/or chopped pickles or relish
Hot sauce for a kick
Crumbled oven cooked bacon
Avocado (but only mix it in if you're going to eat it all right away since it'll brown quickly)
Fresh herbs: try replacing the red onion with chives, and finely chopped tarragon would be delicious in here

Substitutions and variations

This recipe is very forgiving. Feel free to experiment and add more/less of an ingredient based on your personal tastes. For example, add some lemon zest if you want it to be more lemony.
I used half a Gala apple, but any variety that's not too sweet will work. Try Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
Don't like Dijon mustard? Swap it with a different variety, but keep in mind the slight sharpness plays nicely with the other flavors.
Want to lighten it up? Swap the mayo for Greek yogurt or do a 50/50 mix.

What to include in a chicken salad sandwich

You can't go wrong with the classic combo of lettuce and/or tomato, but whatever else you like in a sandwich will work too!
Cucumber, sliced avocado, a slice of cheese, sprouts are all great options.
Try buns, wraps and tortillas, or even bagels or a croissant instead of bread to change it up a bit. Or go low-carb and make lettuce wraps or fill half an avocado with it.

Leftovers and storage

Leftovers will keep for 3-5 days in the fridge in an airtight container. I personally like to err on the side of 3 days. It just tastes better fresher.
I wouldn't make sandwiches more than a day ahead so the bread doesn't get soggy.
I don't recommend freezing chicken salad. It'll get soggy when thawed, the mayo could separate, and it's quick and simple to prep anyway. Simply halve the recipe if you don't think you can finish it all within a few days.

More easy sandwiches

I hope you'll enjoy this chicken salad sandwich recipe! Made it? Have questions? Talk to me in the comments below.

Easy Chicken Salad