Holley's Southern Chicken Salad
This easy chicken salad recipe has been a staple in my family for years. It started with my mom's recipe, and over time I've made a few changes to make it exactly how I like it. It's creamy, flavorful, packed with crunch, and perfect for sandwiches, wraps, crackers, or lettuce cups. The best part? It's incredibly easy to customize to your own taste.
If you're looking for a classic chicken salad recipe that comes together in minutes, this is the one you'll keep coming back to.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it doesn't require anything fancy. A rotisserie chicken makes it incredibly quick, and a handful of pantry staples create the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors.
There are a few things that make my version different:
No chopped eggs
Mayo and mustard for extra flavor
Dill relish instead of sweet relish
My secret ingredient... seasoning salt!
This is also one of those recipes that isn't meant to be followed down to the last teaspoon forever. After you've made it once, you'll start learning what you like best. Give it a stir, taste it, and adjust until it's perfect for you.
Whether you're meal prepping lunches for the week, making sandwiches for a picnic, or serving it at a baby shower or brunch, this chicken salad is always a hit.
Ways to Serve Chicken Salad:
- On buttery croissants
- In sandwich bread
- Wrapped in a tortilla
- Over a bed of lettuce
- Scooped with crackers
- With celery sticks for a low-carb snack
- Stuffed into tomatoes or avocado halves
This chicken salad has been a family favorite for years, and it's one of those recipes I make without even measuring anymore. It started as my mom's recipe, and after a few little tweaks over the years, it's become my go-to version.
I hope it becomes one of your favorites too! If you make it, let me know your favorite way to serve it. Are you team croissant, crackers, lettuce wraps, or something else?
📝 Ingredients
- 1 rotisserie chicken, meat removed and chopped (about 3 cups) (or use cooked or canned chicken)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
- ¼ cup dill relish
- 3 celery stalks, finely chopped or processed
- 1 tablespoon seasoning salt
- 1 teaspoon dried or fresh dill
- Ground black pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Directions
- 1
Remove the chicken from the bone and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Add it to a large mixing bowl.
- 2
Add the mayonnaise, mustard, and dill relish. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated.
- 3
Mix in the chopped celery, seasoning salt, dill, and black pepper. Taste the chicken salad.
- 4
This is where the magic happens!
- 5
- Need it creamier? Add a little more mayonnaise.
- 6
- Want more tang? Add another squeeze of mustard.
- 7
- Prefer a little more pickle flavor? Stir in extra dill relish.
- 8
- Need more flavor? Sprinkle in a little more seasoning salt.
- 9
Don't be afraid to make it your own!
💡 Tips for Success
- Use rotisserie chicken for the quickest prep and the most flavor.
- Finely chop the celery so every bite has a little crunch without being overpowering.
- Let it chill for at least 30 minutes before serving if you have time. The flavors get even better.
- Taste before serving. This recipe is meant to be adjusted based on your preferences.
- Fresh dill gives incredible flavor, but dried dill works great too.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned chicken?
Absolutely! While rotisserie chicken gives the best flavor and texture, canned chicken works well when you're short on time.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, chicken salad tastes even better after it has chilled for a few hours, making it perfect for meal prep.
Why use dill relish instead of sweet relish?
I love the savory, tangy flavor dill relish adds. It keeps the chicken salad from being overly sweet and pairs perfectly with the mustard.
Can I add grapes or nuts?
Of course! While I keep mine simple, chopped grapes, pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds all make delicious additions.
What's the secret ingredient?
Seasoning salt! It ties all the flavors together and gives this chicken salad that "what makes this so good?" flavor that people always ask about.
How do I know if I've added enough?
The chicken should be creamy but not swimming in mayo. After mixing everything together, let it sit for a few minutes, then stir again. If it seems dry, simply add a little more mayo or mustard until it's just right.
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Made this recipe?
Tag me on Instagram @holleyinthekitchen — I'd love to see it!Recipe from Holley in the Kitchen: https://holleyinthekitchen.com/recipe/holley-s-southern-chicken-salad