Chunky Chicken Salad Recipe

Looking for a quick and easy way to use up leftover chicken? This Chunky Chicken Salad Recipe is the answer! With just four simple ingredients, you can make a hearty and delicious meal in minutes. Perfect on its own, in a sandwich, or wrapped in a tortilla, this chunky chicken salad is a versatile dish that’s sure to satisfy.

I always make this chunky chicken salad recipe from leftover roast chicken.  Since this chicken salad is chunky (as opposed to creamy), it doesn’t have to be spread on the sandwich – chunky chicken salad can be a stand-alone dish.

There are three options on how to eat this chunky chicken salad: (1) by itself (2) on a sandwich (3) wrapped in a tortilla

Why You’ll Love Chunky Chicken Salad

• Easy to make: With only four ingredients and minimal prep, this chicken salad comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for a quick meal or snack.
• Great use of leftovers: This recipe is an excellent way to transform leftover roast chicken into something fresh and flavorful without much effort.
• Versatile dish: You can enjoy this chunky chicken salad by itself, in a sandwich, or wrapped in a tortilla, giving you plenty of serving options.
• Healthy and filling: Packed with protein from the chicken and hard-boiled eggs, this salad will keep you full and satisfied for hours.
• Customizable: Don’t have a pickle? No problem! You can easily omit or substitute ingredients to suit your taste or pantry staples.

Chunky chicken salad recipe has only 4 ingredients, so it’s really easy to make.  If you don’t have a pickle, just omit it – this way the chunky chicken salad will have just 3 ingredients, and will still taste great!

Ingredients for Chunky Chicken Salad Recipe:

• 1 cup leftover chicken meat: Chopped into bite-sized pieces, providing the main source of protein and flavor.
• 2 eggs, hard-boiled: Peeled and chopped, adding extra protein and a creamy texture to the salad.
• 1 pickle: Minced for a tangy crunch that brightens up the salad.
• 2 tbsp mayo: Used to bind the ingredients together and add creaminess to the salad.

See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Chunky Chicken Salad

• Measuring Cups and Spoons – To measure out the ingredients like mayo and leftover chicken.
• Cutting Board – For chopping the chicken, eggs, and pickle.
• Knife – To finely chop and mince the ingredients.
• Mixing Bowl – To combine all the ingredients together.
• Spoon – To stir and mix the salad until well combined.

Directions How To Make Chunky Chicken Salad:

Chop the chicken meat.  Peel and chop the hard-boiled eggs.  Mince the pickle.

How To Make Chunky Chicken Salad

• Start by chopping the leftover chicken into small, bite-sized pieces.
• Peel and chop the hard-boiled eggs.
• Mince the pickle into fine pieces for a tangy bite.
• In a large bowl, combine the chicken, eggs, and minced pickle.
• Add mayonnaise to the bowl and mix everything thoroughly.
• Taste and add salt and pepper if desired.
• Serve the salad immediately, or store it in the fridge for later.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy the chunky chicken salad on its own as a light and satisfying meal.
• Serve it on toasted bread for a hearty chicken salad sandwich.
• Wrap it in a tortilla for a quick and portable chicken salad wrap.
• Add a side of fresh veggies or a green salad to round out the meal.
• Serve it as part of a picnic or potluck spread with crackers and sliced cucumbers for dipping.

Tips For Success

• Use freshly cooked or leftover chicken: While leftover roast chicken works perfectly, you can also use freshly cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken from the store. Just make sure it’s cooled before chopping to maintain the salad’s texture.
• Chop ingredients evenly: For the best bite in every forkful, chop the chicken, eggs, and pickle into similar-sized pieces. This ensures a balanced texture and flavor throughout the salad.
• Don’t overmix: When combining the ingredients with the mayo, be gentle. Overmixing can cause the chicken to shred too much, leading to a mushier texture rather than the desired chunky feel.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Start with just a pinch of salt and pepper, then taste the salad before adding more. If your pickle is very salty, you may not need much additional seasoning.
• Customize the mayo amount: If you like a creamier salad, you can add an extra tablespoon of mayo or substitute part of it with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier option.

Variations And Substitutions

• Add some crunch: If you like a bit more texture in your chicken salad, toss in some chopped celery, almonds, or walnuts. These additions provide a satisfying crunch and extra flavor.
• Make it spicy: For a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or some chopped jalapeños. This will give the salad a spicy kick.
• Try different herbs: Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives can bring a bright, fresh flavor to the salad. Simply chop and sprinkle them in before mixing for a garden-fresh taste.
• Swap the pickle: If you’re not a fan of pickles, try using diced cucumber, olives, or capers for a tangy alternative. Each offers a different kind of acidity that pairs well with the chicken and eggs.
• Go dairy-free: If you’re avoiding dairy, replace the mayo with a vegan mayo alternative or use mashed avocado for a creamy, healthy option that’s just as delicious.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover chunky chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Be sure to give it a stir before serving again, as the mayo may separate slightly over time.
• Reheating: This chicken salad is best enjoyed cold, but if you prefer it warm, you can gently heat it in a skillet on low heat. Be mindful not to overheat it, as the mayo could lose its creamy texture.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this salad due to the mayonnaise, which can separate and change texture when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?

Yes! Chunky chicken salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for meal prepping or packing in lunches. Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the mayo.

What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?

Leftover roast chicken is ideal because it’s already cooked and flavorful. However, you can also use grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even poached chicken breast. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and cooled before using it in the salad.

Can I use something other than mayonnaise?

Absolutely! If you want to lighten up the recipe, you can substitute the mayo with Greek yogurt or mashed avocado. Both options will add creaminess without the extra fat. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based mayo alternative.

Is this chicken salad keto-friendly?

Yes, this chunky chicken salad is keto-friendly! It’s low in carbs, high in protein, and full of healthy fats from the eggs and mayonnaise. Just be sure to check the nutrition labels on your mayo and pickles to ensure they fit within your keto plan.

What can I serve with chunky chicken salad?

This salad pairs well with fresh veggies like cucumber slices, carrot sticks, or bell pepper strips. You can also serve it on a bed of greens for a light meal or enjoy it with crackers or toasted bread for added crunch.

Other Easy Chicken Recipes

Air Fryer Chicken Breast Skewers from Aldi – Fast & Simple: These air fryer chicken breast skewers from Aldi cook up quickly for a delicious, easy meal packed with flavor.

Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Bone: Juicy and tender, these bone-in chicken thighs are perfectly cooked in the Instant Pot for a quick, flavorful dinner.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Bone: Enjoy crispy, golden-brown chicken thighs with juicy insides, all made effortlessly in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Kiev: Frozen chicken Kiev transforms into a crispy, buttery delight in the air fryer with minimal effort.

Air Fryer Crispy Breaded Chicken Cutlets: These air fryer breaded chicken cutlets turn out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside every time.

Frozen Boneless Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer: Quickly cook frozen boneless chicken wings in the air fryer for a crispy, saucy snack or appetizer.

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Parm Recipe: This air fryer frozen chicken Parmesan is a simple, mess-free way to enjoy crispy, cheesy chicken in no time.

Put chicken, eggs and pickle in a bowl and add the mayo.  Mix everything until combined.  If necessary, add salt and pepper to taste.