Creamy, flavorful, and easy to make — this traditional chicken salad is perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or ready-to-go lunches.
Made with tender shredded chicken, creamy mayonnaise, crisp celery, and a hint of sweetness, this is comfort food in its simplest, most delicious form.
🍽️ Recipe Card
Yield: About 8 cups (serves 6–8)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes (if cooking chicken from scratch)
Total Time: 35 minutes
Dietary Tags: High-Protein | Make-Ahead | Gluten-Free
✅ Ingredients
-
4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie or boiled)
-
1 cup mayonnaise (use Duke’s or Hellman’s for Southern flavor)
-
½ cup celery, finely diced
-
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
-
1 tsp yellow mustard or Dijon mustard
-
½ tsp garlic powder
-
½ tsp onion powder
-
1 tbsp lemon juice
-
Salt & black pepper, to taste
-
Optional mix-ins:
-
¼ cup sweet pickle relish (for a classic twist)
-
2 boiled eggs, chopped (for old-fashioned texture)
-
½ cup chopped pecans or grapes for a “fancy” version
-
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook & Shred Chicken
If not using pre-cooked chicken, poach chicken breasts in salted water for 15–20 minutes until fully cooked. Let cool, then shred using two forks or a mixer.
2️⃣ Mix Dressing
In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy and smooth.
3️⃣ Add Veggies & Chicken
Fold in celery, onion, and chicken until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning to taste.
4️⃣ Chill Before Serving
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to blend.
5️⃣ Serve
Enjoy as a sandwich filling, on lettuce wraps, or with crackers. Perfect for meal prep — just portion into containers and refrigerate!
💡 Tips & Variations
-
Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.
-
For lighter texture, mix in ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt with mayo.
-
Want a little crunch? Add chopped pecans, apples, or grapes.
-
Make it spicy with a dash of Cajun seasoning or hot sauce.
🧊 Storage
-
Refrigerate: Up to 5 days in airtight containers (like pictured above).
-
Do Not Freeze: Mayo-based salads separate when thawed.
🧮 Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 280 | Protein: 27g | Fat: 18g | Carbs: 3g
Dietary Highlights: Keto-Friendly | High-Protein | Gluten-Free
❤️ The Story Behind the Recipe
This recipe has that nostalgic, “grandma’s kitchen” energy — made for family gatherings, Sunday lunches, or meal prepping for the week. It’s flexible, foolproof, and endlessly customizable.
Once you make a batch, you’ll see why Southern households always have a tub of this in the fridge.
💬 Join the Conversation
Tried this Southern Chicken Salad?
Tag your meal prep bowls with #SouthernSaladMagic and let us know your favorite mix-ins — grapes, nuts, or just classic and creamy? 🥪💛