This Easy Million Dollar Chicken Salad is a true crowd-pleaser! With tender chicken, creamy mayo, crunchy celery, and a hint of sweetness, it’s packed with flavor.
I love serving this salad on a bed of greens or in a sandwich. Trust me, everyone will be going for seconds, and you’ll feel like a kitchen superstar! 🥗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works great here! It saves time and is super tasty. If you don’t have chicken, canned chicken is a quick alternative.
Mayonnaise: Use whole mayonnaise for richness. If you’d like a lighter option, try Greek yogurt or a mayo substitute like avocado or mustard. It changes the flavor a bit but can be delicious!
Dijon Mustard: This adds a nice tang. If you don’t have Dijon, regular yellow mustard or even honey mustard can work, but keep in mind the sweetness of honey mustard alters the flavor.
Celery: Provides a crunch! If celery isn’t your thing, diced apples can add sweetness and crunch instead, or use chopped bell peppers.
Shredded Cheddar: I love sharp cheddar here for a bold taste, but feel free to use Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a little spice!
Almonds: Sliced almonds add crunch and flavor. If you have a nut allergy or prefer not to use nuts, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are great alternatives, too.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Salad Stays Creamy And Not Dry?
To keep your chicken salad creamy, follow these steps. Start with your mayonnaise mixture; it should be well-blended and flavorful, not just a base. Make sure every piece of chicken is coated.
- Consider mixing in a bit more mayo if it feels dry after combining.
- Refrigerating helps by letting the flavors combine, plus it keeps everything fresh and moist!
- Don’t skip refrigerating! The flavors blend better, leading to a tastier salad.
Finally, taste your salad before serving and adjust with more mayo, salt, or pepper if needed.
Easy Million Dollar Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 2 cooked chicken breasts)
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (toasted if desired)
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes in the fridge to let the flavors blend. So in just under an hour, you’ll have a delightful dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, start by adding your shredded cooked chicken. Then, toss in the diced celery, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced almonds, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions. Mix everything together well so that the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth. This creamy dressing is key to bringing all the flavors together!
3. Combine the Salad with the Dressing:
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Use a spatula or spoon to gently toss everything together so that all the ingredients are nicely coated in your creamy dressing.
4. Season to Taste:
Now it’s time to season your salad! Sprinkle in some salt and freshly ground black pepper to suit your taste, and mix again to ensure everything is well seasoned.
5. Chill It Out:
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows all those delicious flavors to meld together.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s chilled, your Million Dollar Chicken Salad is ready to serve! You can enjoy it on a bed of fresh lettuce, with crunchy crackers, or piled high on your favorite bread for a tasty sandwich. Enjoy your creation!
This creamy, crunchy, and flavorful chicken salad is perfect for quick lunches or potlucks! Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy Million Dollar Chicken Salad
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken not only saves cooking time but also adds great flavor to the salad. Just shred the chicken and you’re good to go!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember to stir well before serving again, as the ingredients may settle.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare it up to a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it. This allows the flavors to develop even more!
What if I Don’t Like Nuts?
If you’re not a fan of nuts, you can easily omit the sliced almonds. You might consider adding some sunflower seeds or even diced apples for added crunch and flavor!
