Whip up my classic chicken salad recipe, a tried-and-true favorite for picnics, gatherings, or simply turning last night’s leftovers into today’s tasty lunch. It’s everything you love about deli-style chicken salad, only better!

Everyone should have a trusty chicken salad recipe in their back pocket—whether it’s for a sunny picnic, hosting friends for a mid-day meal, or simply transforming last night’s leftovers into today’s delicious lunch. Over the years, I’ve shared several of my favorite versions with you, from curried chicken salad to chicken salad with grapes and almonds. Yet, this is the classic recipe that I turn to time and again. It’s simple, creamy, and packed with flavor—similar to the chicken salad you’d find at many delis, but even better in my opinion, and without any “weird stuff” in it, as my kids would say.

The key is using tender, juicy chicken. I typically use tender poached chicken, but a store-bought rotisserie chicken works great too. Whether served on a bed of greens, tucked into a wrap, or piled into a hearty sandwich, this chicken salad is a hit every time.

What You’ll Need To Make Classic Chicken Salad

Mayonnaise: Serves as the creamy base that binds all the ingredients together. Use a good brand such as Hellmann’s or Duke’s.
Sour cream: Adds a tangy flavor and creaminess, enhancing the texture and depth of the salad.
Fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon): Provides a bright, acidic note that balances the richness of the mayonnaise and sour cream.
Cooked shredded chicken: You’ll need 4-1/2 cups. Poached chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or roasted/rotisserie chicken all work well.
Scallions: Add a mild, slightly sharp flavor and a bit of crunch.
Celery: Contributes a crisp texture and a fresh, slightly bitter taste that complements the creamy elements.
Fresh dill and parsley: These herbs provide a burst of freshness and color.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, mustard, salt, sugar, and pepper.

Step 2

To the dressing, add the chicken, scallions, celery, dill, and parsley.

Step 3

Toss until evenly combined. (If using a rotisserie chicken, be careful when mixing so that it doesn’t fall apart too much.) Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.

Step 4

Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can chicken salad be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! Chicken salad can be made and stored in the refrigerator up to 2 days before serving.

How long will chicken salad keep in the refrigerator?

Homemade chicken salad made with fresh-cooked chicken typically lasts for 3 to 4 days when stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator. However, if you’re using leftover chicken that’s already been in the fridge for a couple of days, the shelf life of your chicken salad might be reduced. Always take into account the freshness of your starting ingredients.

Can chicken salad be frozen?

I don’t recommend freezing chicken salad because of the mayonnaise and dairy-based dressing, as it can separate and become watery when thawed. If you need to prepare chicken salad in advance, it’s better to freeze the cooked chicken alone and then mix it with fresh dressing and other ingredients once you’re ready to serve.