White River Kitchen

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Angie’s Signature Chicken Salad

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This chicken salad has been a go-to in my kitchen for years, and it’s always a hit with family and friends. It’s quick to make and full of flavor, with tender chicken, crunchy celery, carrots, onions, and a creamy mayo dressing seasoned with Beau Monde and garlic salt. It’s simple, versatile, and perfect for everything from a casual lunch to a busy weekend when I need something easy and delicious.

A close-up of a chicken salad sandwich on Italian bread. The sandwich is layered with creamy chicken salad, visible chunks of chicken, carrots, and celery, nestled between two slices of golden-brown Italian bread. Fresh lettuce leaves peek out from the edges, adding a touch of green. The bread has a soft texture with a slight crust, and the sandwich is served on a simple white plate. A few crumbs are scattered on the plate, suggesting freshness and a hearty meal.

I originally started making this chicken salad in big batches for camping trips, where it quickly became a staple. Since then, it’s shown up at picnics, family reunions, and boat outings, always earning rave reviews. On busy weekends, it’s my go-to for having something delicious on hand for whoever gets hungry. It’s great in sandwiches, scooped up with kettle chips, or enjoyed on its own for a lighter bite.

This chicken salad is more than just a recipe—it’s tied to so many happy memories with family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering or a quick meal to get you through a hectic day, this chicken salad is sure to become a favorite in your home too.

A chicken salad sandwich on Italian bread, cut in half to reveal its creamy filling, is served on a white plate. The sandwich is accompanied by a handful of colorful root chips and a crisp dill pickle spear on the side. The bread's golden crust and soft interior contrast with the creamy chicken salad and fresh green lettuce inside. The vibrant hues of the root chips and the pickle's bright green add a pop of color, creating an appetizing and well-balanced meal presentation.
Lunch goals unlocked! A creamy chicken salad sandwich on Italian bread, perfectly paired with crunchy root chips and a crisp dill pickle.
A scoop of creamy chicken salad sits on a fresh bed of vibrant green lettuce, served on a simple white plate. The chicken salad features chunks of tender chicken blended with a creamy dressing, lightly seasoned with Beau Monde seasoning and garlic salt. The crisp lettuce adds a fresh, colorful base that enhances the presentation of this classic dish.
A classic favorite reimagined: creamy chicken salad served on a fresh bed of crisp lettuce. Simple, delicious, and perfect for any meal.
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Angie’s Signature Chicken Salad

A close-up of a chicken salad sandwich on Italian bread. The sandwich is layered with creamy chicken salad, visible chunks of chicken, carrots, and celery, nestled between two slices of golden-brown Italian bread. Fresh lettuce leaves peek out from the edges, adding a touch of green. The bread has a soft texture with a slight crust, and the sandwich is served on a simple white plate. A few crumbs are scattered on the plate, suggesting freshness and a hearty meal.
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A simple and flavorful chicken salad recipe that makes a big batch, perfect for sharing. It’s made with tender chicken, crunchy celery, carrots, onions, and a creamy mayo dressing seasoned with Beau Monde and garlic salt. Whether you serve it in sandwiches, scoop it up with chips, or enjoy it on its own, this versatile dish is ideal for camping trips, boat outings, or busy weekends when you want something quick and delicious ready to go. A family favorite that’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser!

  • Author: Angie Trusty
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 cups 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 5 lbs chicken breast
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 2 celery stalks, cut into large pieces
  • 2 carrots, cut into large pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Chicken Salad:

  • 10 cups cooked shredded chicken (from above or use rotisserie chicken as a short-cut)
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 2 cups diced celery
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 3 cups mayonnaise (I use Hellmann’s Light)
  • 3 Tablespoons Beau Monde Seasonings from Spice Islands
  • 1 Tablespoon garlic salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

For the Chicken:

  • Prepare the Ingredients: In a large pot, place the chicken breasts. Add the quartered onion, celery pieces, and carrot pieces. Sprinkle in the salt and pepper.
  • Add Water: Pour enough water into the pot to cover the chicken and vegetables by about 1 inch.
  • Cook the Chicken: Bring the water to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered. Cook until the chicken is tender and can easily be shredded with a fork, about 20-30 minutes depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
  • Drain and Shred: Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Strain and reserve the broth for another use. Discard the cooked vegetables. Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred it with two forks or your hands.
  • Save the Broth: Let the reserved broth cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for soups, stews, or other recipes later.

For the Chicken Salad:

  1. Mix the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients. Stir together until evenly coated. Adjust the mayonnaise and seasoning to taste if needed.
  2. Chill: Cover and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
  3. Serve: Serve chilled as a sandwich on your favorite bread, scooped with chips, or on a bed of fresh lettuce.

Notes

  • This recipe makes a large batch, ideal for meal prep, parties, or outdoor outings.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup

Tips

Tips for the Chicken Salad Recipe:

  1. Adjust the Mayo: Start with 2 1/2 cups of mayo and add more if needed for your desired creaminess.
  2. Add Texture: Toss in chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts), dried cranberries, or grapes for added crunch and sweetness.
  3. Versatile Serving Ideas: Serve as sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or even with crackers or pita chips for a snack.
  4. Make it Ahead: This chicken salad stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weekends.
  5. Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quick shortcut, use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts.
  6. Save the Broth: If you’re cooking the chicken, reserve the broth for soups or stews. Freeze it in portions for future use.

These tips ensure the chicken salad is easy to customize, convenient to prepare, and packed with flavor!

Other Flavor Combinations for Chicken Salad:

Classic Ranch & Bacon:

  • Add 1-2 tbsp powdered ranch seasoning to the mayo mixture.
  • Stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon for a savory twist.

Giardiniera Topping:

  • Mix in or top the chicken salad with 1/4 cup minced giardiniera for a tangy, spicy flavor.

Spicy Jalapeño:

  • Stir in 1-2 tbsp diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) for a kick of heat. Add a squeeze of lime juice for a bright, zesty finish.

Sweet & Crunchy:

  • Add 1/3 cup diced apples or halved grapes and 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for a sweet, nutty variation.

Mediterranean:

  • Mix in 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup chopped kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of dried oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.

Buffalo Chicken:

  • Stir in 1/4 cup Buffalo sauce and 2 tbsp ranch or blue cheese dressing for a spicy, tangy combo.

Curry Chicken Salad:

  • Add 1 tsp curry powder, 1/4 cup golden raisins, and 1/4 cup chopped almonds for a warm and aromatic variation.

Herb & Lemon:

  • Stir in 2 tbsp fresh chopped herbs (parsley, dill, or chives) and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright, fresh taste.

Avocado Chicken Salad:

  • Replace half the mayo with mashed avocado for a creamy, nutrient-packed twist. Add a pinch of cumin for extra flavor.

Tex-Mex Style:

  • Add 1/4 cup diced bell peppers, 1/4 cup corn kernels, and a pinch of taco seasoning for a Southwestern flair.


These combinations are super easy to customize, giving you endless ways to enjoy chicken salad with fresh, new flavors!

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