Chunky Chicken Salad Recipe With Onion
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This Chunky Chicken Salad with Onion is a perfect blend of tender chicken, creamy mayo, and the crunch of fresh onions. It’s ideal for a quick lunch or a light dinner and can be made in just 10 minutes. The chunky texture, achieved by hand-chopping the ingredients, makes this salad extra satisfying, while the onion adds a burst of flavor.
This chicken salad recipe is chunky – you can actually taste the separate chicken pieces. The secret to a chunky chicken salad is to cut the chicken with a knife instead of food processor. So if you want your chicken salad chunky, do the chopping yourself!
Why You’ll Love Chunky Chicken Salad with Onion
- Satisfying Texture: The hand-chopped chicken pieces give this salad a hearty, chunky texture that is much more satisfying than finely processed versions.
- Quick and Easy: You can make this salad in just 10 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy days or a last-minute meal.
- Fresh Flavor: The onion adds a delicious crunch and a burst of fresh flavor that perfectly complements the creamy mayo.
- Customizable: This salad is easy to adjust to your preferences—add more mayo for creaminess, or more onion for extra crunch.
- Healthy and Filling: Packed with protein from the chicken and eggs, this salad is a nutritious and filling option for lunch or dinner.
The onion in this chunky chicken salad recipe add bite, crunch and flavor. Onion is a great addition to a chicken salad, be sure to try it!
Chunky Chicken Salad Recipe With Onion
Number of servings: 2
Ingredients
- 2 cooked chicken breasts: Hand-chopped for that satisfying chunky texture.
- 2 boiled eggs: Adds extra protein and richness to the salad.
- 1 onion: Provides crunch and a burst of flavor that balances the creaminess.
- 1/2 cup mayo: The creamy base that ties all the ingredients together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings to enhance the overall taste.
See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Chunky Chicken Salad With Onion
- Knife – For chopping the chicken, onion, and eggs.
- Cutting board – A sturdy surface to prep your ingredients.
- Mixing bowl – To combine all your ingredients together.
- Spoon – For mixing the salad and evenly coating the ingredients with mayo.
- Measuring cups – To measure the mayo accurately.
Instructions
- Chop the chicken breast into chunks.
- Chop the onion into small pieces.
- Chop the egg into chunks.
- Put chicken, onion and egg pieces in a bowl. Add mayo and mix until combined. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this Chunky Chicken Salad on a bed of fresh greens for a light, healthy meal.
- Scoop it onto toasted bread or inside a pita for a hearty sandwich.
- Pair it with sliced cucumber, tomatoes, or white bread for a refreshing and crunchy side.
- Add a dollop of the salad onto halved avocados for a low-carb, high-protein option.
Tips For Success
- Hand-chopping is key: For a truly chunky texture, be sure to chop the chicken and eggs by hand rather than using a food processor. This keeps the salad satisfying and hearty.
- Choose your onion wisely: If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for red or sweet onions. For a sharper bite, stick with white or yellow onions.
- Adjust the mayo to taste: If you prefer a creamier salad, feel free to add more mayo. Start with 1/2 cup and add more as needed.
- Chill for better flavor: If you have time, let the salad sit in the fridge for a couple of hours. The flavors will meld together, making the salad taste even better.
- Perfect for meal prep: This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, so you can make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add herbs for extra flavor: Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or cilantro can add a refreshing touch to the salad. Just chop them finely and mix them in with the rest of the ingredients.
- Swap the mayo: If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute Greek yogurt or a combination of half mayo and half yogurt for a tangier, lower-fat version.
- Use different proteins: Try swapping the chicken with turkey or tuna for a variation on the classic. Both will work well and add a different flavor profile.
- Incorporate other vegetables: For added crunch and nutrition, mix in some chopped celery, bell peppers, or even pickles.
- Make it dairy-free: If you need to avoid dairy, simply ensure your mayonnaise is dairy-free. You can also skip the boiled eggs if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This chicken salad can be made up to 3 days in advance. In fact, allowing it to sit in the fridge for a few hours helps the flavors meld together. Just store it in an airtight container and give it a good stir before serving.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works great and can save you time. Simply shred or chop the chicken into chunks and follow the rest of the recipe as usual.
Is there a low-fat option for this chicken salad?
Yes, you can replace the mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version. You can also try a half-and-half combination of mayo and yogurt to reduce fat while keeping some of the classic creaminess.
Can I add other ingredients to this chicken salad?
Feel free to get creative! Adding ingredients like chopped celery, bell peppers, pickles, or herbs can elevate the flavor and texture of the salad. Make it your own by adjusting the mix-ins to suit your taste.
How long will this chicken salad keep in the fridge?
This salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just stir it before serving to ensure the ingredients are well mixed.
Other Easy Chicken Recipes
Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Bone: Tender and juicy bone-in chicken thighs cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot, ready in under 30 minutes.
Crispy Air Fryer Bone-In Chicken Thighs: These bone-in chicken thighs turn out golden and crispy on the outside, while staying juicy and flavorful inside using the air fryer.
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders: Perfectly cooked, crispy chicken tenders straight from the freezer to the air fryer in minutes.
Air Fryer Bone-In Chicken Breasts: Enjoy succulent, flavorful bone-in chicken breasts with a crispy exterior, thanks to the air fryer.
Air Fryer Frozen Popcorn Chicken Recipe: Crispy and delicious popcorn chicken straight from the freezer to your air fryer, perfect for a quick snack or meal.
Frozen Chicken Kiev in Air Fryer: Air fryer Chicken Kiev comes out golden and crispy, with a flavorful buttery filling that’s ready in no time.
Air Fryer Crispy Breaded Chicken Cutlets: These air fryer breaded chicken cutlets are crispy, tender, and easy to make for a quick and satisfying meal.
Chunky Chicken Salad Recipe With Onion
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts cooked
- 2 eggs boiled
- 1 onion
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1/8 tsp salt to taste
- 1/4 tsp pepper to taste
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Spoon
Instructions
- Chop the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks.
- Dice the onion into small pieces.
- Cut the boiled eggs into chunky pieces.
- Combine the chicken, onion, and egg pieces in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the mayonnaise and stir until everything is well mixed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Notes
- Hand-chopping the chicken and eggs keeps the salad chunky and textured.
- Use leftover chicken for a quick and easy meal.
Nutrition
If you are short on time and don’t care whether your chicken salad is less chunky, don’t forget to check out my chicken salad recipe in a food processor.
