This creamy Rotisserie Chicken Salad combines tender shredded chicken with crunchy vegetables and a tangy dressing. It’s a quick and easy way to transform a store-bought rotisserie chicken into a delightful meal. Serve it on bread, crackers, or over a bed of greens for a satisfying dish.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 deli rotisserie chicken, meat removed and shredded
• 1 white onion, chopped
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• ½ cup sweet-hot pickle relish
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ cup mayonnaise, or to taste
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped onion, chopped hard-boiled eggs, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
2. Gradually add mayonnaise, stirring until the desired consistency is reached.
3. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 595
• Protein: 80g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 324mg
• Sodium: 444mg
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 5g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy – Using rotisserie chicken saves time and effort, making this dish perfect for busy schedules.
• Customizable – You can add a variety of ingredients to suit your personal taste, including fruits, nuts, or different seasonings.
• Great for Meal Prep – Make a batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy it for multiple meals.
• Nutritious and Satisfying – High in protein and packed with fresh ingredients, this salad is both healthy and delicious.

The Origins of Chicken Salad

Chicken salad has been around for centuries, with variations found in different cuisines worldwide. The first recorded chicken salad recipe in the United States dates back to 1863 in Rhode Island, where a meat market owner mixed leftover chicken with mayonnaise and tarragon. Since then, chicken salad has evolved into many different styles, including this modern and convenient version that incorporates rotisserie chicken.

How to Serve Rotisserie Chicken Salad

There are numerous ways to enjoy this dish, making it a flexible meal option:

• On Bread – Serve as a sandwich using whole-grain bread, croissants, or wraps.
• With Crackers – Enjoy it as a dip with crackers or sliced vegetables.
• Over Greens – Serve atop a fresh salad for a low-carb option.
• Stuffed in Avocados or Tomatoes – A creative and healthy serving idea for a unique presentation.
• With Pasta – Mix it with cooked pasta for a creamy chicken pasta salad.
• As a Wrap Filling – Use lettuce leaves or tortillas for a fresh, handheld meal.
• As a Party Appetizer – Serve in mini phyllo cups or on cucumber slices for an elegant touch.

Tips for the Best Rotisserie Chicken Salad

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and quality mayonnaise make a big difference in flavor.
• Shred the Chicken Well – Shredding rather than chopping creates a better texture and helps the flavors blend.
• Chill Before Serving – Allowing the salad to sit in the refrigerator for an hour enhances the flavors.
• Adjust Seasonings to Taste – Customize the seasoning based on your preference, adding spices, mustard, or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zest.
• Use a Mix of Chicken Cuts – Combining both white and dark meat can add depth to the flavor and texture.
• Add a Crunch Factor – Chopped celery, bell peppers, or toasted nuts can enhance the texture and taste.
• Incorporate Fresh Herbs – Dill, parsley, or chives can elevate the flavor profile.
• Try Different Dressings – Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt, avocado mash, or a vinaigrette for a different taste.

Storage and Shelf Life

This chicken salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored properly for later consumption:

• Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing – While possible, freezing is not recommended as mayonnaise can separate, affecting the texture.
• Meal Prep – Prepare ingredients separately and mix as needed for the freshest taste.
• Reviving Leftovers – If stored for a day or two, stirring in a small amount of fresh mayo or yogurt can help restore creaminess.

Health Benefits of Rotisserie Chicken Salad

• High in Protein – Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which helps build and repair muscles.
• Rich in Vitamins and Minerals – Ingredients like onions, celery, and herbs add essential nutrients.
• Low-Carb Option – When served without bread, this dish is perfect for low-carb and keto diets.
• Good Fats – Using mayonnaise or Greek yogurt provides healthy fats that support brain function and heart health.
• Rich in Fiber – Adding vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, or spinach increases fiber content.
• Boosts Immunity – Chicken contains essential amino acids that aid in immune system function.
• Gut Health Benefits – Adding fermented ingredients like pickles or yogurt-based dressing can introduce beneficial probiotics.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to switch up ingredients to match your taste and dietary needs:

• Greek Yogurt Instead of Mayonnaise – A healthier alternative for a lighter version.
• Add Fruits – Grapes, apples, or dried cranberries add a sweet contrast.
• Incorporate Nuts – Almonds, pecans, or walnuts provide crunch and additional nutrients.
• Spicy Kick – Adding cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños can enhance the flavor.
• Dairy-Free Version – Use dairy-free mayonnaise or avocado instead of yogurt.
• Low-Sodium Option – Reduce added salt by using low-sodium chicken and seasonings.
• Tangy Twist – Add a splash of balsamic or apple cider vinegar for extra depth.
• Egg-Free Option – If avoiding eggs, use an egg-free mayonnaise alternative.

Pairing Suggestions

Enhance your meal by pairing this salad with complementary dishes:

• Soup and Salad Combo – Pair with tomato soup, minestrone, or a light broth-based soup.
• Fresh Fruit – Serve with sliced melon, grapes, or berries for a refreshing contrast.
• Vegetable Side – Roasted or grilled veggies like zucchini, asparagus, or sweet potatoes work well.
• Cold Pasta Salad – A simple pasta side dish can make for a heartier meal.
• Refreshing Beverage – Lemon-infused water, iced tea, or a crisp white wine pairs beautifully.

Conclusion

Rotisserie Chicken Salad is a fantastic meal option that combines convenience, nutrition, and great taste. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your preferences while keeping meal prep simple and stress-free. Whether you enjoy it as a sandwich, dip, or salad topping, this dish is sure to be a go-to recipe in your kitchen.