Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for meal prep – tastes even better the next day
• Versatile – serve on bread, in lettuce wraps, or with crackers
• Balanced flavors – creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory
• Great use for leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken
• Crowd-pleasing recipe for parties and gatherings
• Customizable to your taste preferences
• Quick to prepare – ready in 20 minutes or less

Tools You'll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula or mixing spoon
• Fork or potato masher (optional, for shredding chicken)
• Box grater (if grating onion)

Ingredients

For the Chicken Salad:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (about 1.5 lbs)
• ¾ cup mayonnaise (regular or light)
• 2 stalks celery, finely diced
• ½ cup red grapes, halved or quartered
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced or grated
• ⅓ cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

For Serving:

• 8 slices of your favorite bread (croissants, sourdough, or whole grain)
• Lettuce leaves (butter lettuce or romaine)
• Sliced tomato (optional)
• Avocado slices (optional)
• Crackers or lettuce wraps for low-carb option

Instructions

1. Prepare Chicken: If using rotisserie chicken, remove meat from bones and shred or dice into bite-sized pieces. If cooking chicken specifically for this recipe, poach, bake, or grill 1.5 lbs of chicken breasts until cooked through, then cool and dice.
2. Combine Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced celery, halved grapes, red onion, and nuts.
3. Make Dressing: In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
4. Combine: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
5. Add Herbs: Fold in the fresh parsley and dill. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Chill: For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
7. Assemble Sandwiches: Toast bread if desired. Layer lettuce leaves on one slice, top with a generous scoop of chicken salad, add tomato or avocado if using, and top with second slice of bread.
8. Serve: Cut sandwiches in half and serve immediately. Alternatively, serve chicken salad in lettuce wraps or with crackers.

Pro Tips

• For the best texture, use a combination of shredded and diced chicken
• Grate the onion instead of dicing for more subtle onion flavor
• Toast nuts before adding for enhanced flavor and crunch
• Let chicken salad chill for at least 30 minutes for flavors to develop
• For creamier chicken salad, add an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise
• Use Greek yogurt instead of half the mayonnaise for a lighter version
• Cut grapes in different sizes for varied texture in each bite
• Add a pinch of sugar if your mayonnaise is very tangy

Recipe Variations

• Curry Chicken Salad: Add 1-2 teaspoons curry powder and ¼ cup golden raisins
• Cranberry Almond: Substitute grapes with dried cranberries and use slivered almonds
• Avocado Chicken Salad: Replace half the mayonnaise with mashed avocado
• Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise
• Apple Walnut: Replace grapes with diced apples and use chopped walnuts
• Buffalo Chicken Salad: Add ¼ cup buffalo sauce and use blue cheese crumbles instead of nuts
• Pesto Chicken Salad: Add 2 tablespoons pesto to the dressing
• Tarragon Chicken Salad: Use fresh tarragon instead of dill

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, but fresh cooked or rotisserie chicken has better flavor and texture.

How long does chicken salad last in the fridge?
3-4 days in an airtight container. The grapes may soften over time.

Can I freeze chicken salad?
Not recommended as mayonnaise separates when frozen and thawed.

What's the best bread for chicken salad sandwiches?
Croissants, sourdough, whole grain, or brioche all work wonderfully.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better the next day after flavors meld.

How can I make it healthier?
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo, add more veggies, and serve in lettuce wraps.

What if I don't have fresh herbs?
Use 1 teaspoon dried dill instead of fresh, but fresh is always better.

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This Classic Chicken Salad Sandwich recipe proves that sometimes the simplest dishes are the most satisfying. With its perfect balance of creamy and crunchy, sweet and savory, it's a timeless recipe that never goes out of style. Whether you're packing lunches for the week, hosting a ladies' luncheon, or looking for the perfect picnic food, this chicken salad delivers every time.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Once you've mastered the classic version, you can experiment with endless variations to suit your mood and the season. It's a foundational recipe that will serve you well for years to come.

Don't forget to share this recipe with your friends and family and if you try this recipe, let me know in the comments what you loved about it.