Looking for an easy and delicious chicken salad recipe that brings together classic flavors? I've got you covered with this Amish Chicken Salad recipe. It is a perfect blend of cooked chicken, creamy mayo, tangy pickle relish, and a hint of sweetness, creating a mouthwatering experience in every bite.
This homemade chicken salad is versatile - whether you prefer it on a bed of lettuce, between slices of homemade sandwich bread, on croissants, or in a tortilla wrap, it's guaranteed to be a hit.
The addition of pickle relish and a squeeze of lemon juice adds a refreshing twist, making it an ideal choice for picnics, baby showers, or even a quick and satisfying lunch.
So, whether you're a fan of classic chicken salad sandwiches or lettuce wraps, this Amish-inspired creation is sure to become one of your favorite things.
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Ingredients
- Cooked Chicken:
- Adds protein and is the base of the salad. (I like to use cooked chicken breasts, but any cooked chicken works. The option to use store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftover roast chicken makes it an easy go-to for busy days.)
- Mayo:
- Provides creaminess, moisture, and richness to the chicken salad. It's a key binding agent that brings all the ingredients together. (Use Miracle Whip or plain Greek yogurt if preferred.)
- Mustard:
- Adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor, complementing the richness of the mayo.
- Pickle Relish:
- Introduces a sweet and tangy element to the salad, along with a slight crunch. It contributes to the overall flavor balance. (I prefer dill pickle relish. However, sweet pickle relish works as well.)
- Sugar:
- Offers a touch of sweetness that balances out the savory and tangy elements.
- Salt:
- Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients, providing a necessary seasoning to balance the sweetness and acidity.
- Paprika:
- Brings a subtle smokiness and a mild heat, adding depth to the flavor profile.
- Black Pepper:
- Black pepper adds a spicy kick, balancing the sweetness and richness of other ingredients for a well-rounded flavor.
- Splash of Lemon Juice (optional):
- A touch of lemon juice is a great addition that provides a bright and citrusy zing. It adds freshness and cuts through the richness of the mayo.
- Chopped Celery (optional):
- If added, celery contributes a crisp and refreshing crunch to the salad. It also adds a mild, earthy flavor. (If you like the celery flavor but not the crunch, feel free to add a bit of celery seed instead.)
- Chopped Green Onion (optional):
- Adding chopped green onions provides a subtle yet impactful boost of flavor, freshness, and visual appeal to your chicken salad. (If desired, you can use chopped red onion instead.)
Each ingredient plays a role in creating this well-balanced Amish chicken salad, combining different tastes and textures for a satisfying experience.
How to Make Easy Chicken Salad
This simple chicken salad recipe is quick and easy to make, especially when using leftover chicken. It also doesn't take long to boil a couple of boneless chicken breasts or chicken tenderloin.
If not using leftover or rotisserie chicken, cook 2-3 chicken breasts until they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F. Allow the chicken to cool then shred or chop it into your desired consistency.
Mix all the dressing ingredients in a large bowl, and add the cold, chopped, or shredded chicken. Stir it all together, and you are ready to make a great chicken salad sandwich.
What to Serve With Amish Chicken Salad
This savory, creamy chicken salad served on a buttery croissant with a side of potato chips makes a simple, satisfying lunch any day of the week.
But there are plenty of other delicious ways to enjoy it. Here are a few ideas of what to serve with chicken salad:
- For a light lunch: fresh fruit, lettuce salad, crackers, or a croissant
- For a picnic: croissant, potato chips, pickles, and watermelon
- For a heartier dinner: corn on the cob, coleslaw, and dinner rolls
Do You Prefer Savory Chicken Salad?
I enjoy almost any kind of chicken salad, whether it's a simple classic recipe or it includes crunchy pecans, dried cranberries, grapes, etc. However, my all-time favorite is still this traditional chicken salad.
Leftovers
Stored in an airtight container, this delicious chicken salad also makes for a fantastic leftover option. The creamy dressing keeps the chicken salad moist and flavorful, even when enjoyed the next day.
You can keep it refrigerated for up to three or four days.
I hope you enjoy this Amish recipe for the best chicken salad. (It's a great way to use up leftover chicken.)
If you try this recipe, I'd love it if you left a comment and star rating below. Thank you!
Check out my YouTube channel at My Amish Heritage
📖 Recipe Card
Amish Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- approx. 4 cups cooked chicken breast, leftover chicken, or rotisserie chicken (2 large chicken breasts)
- ¾ cup Mayo
- 2 ½ tablespoons dill or sweet pickle relish
- 1 ½ teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1 - 1 ½ teaspoon sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ - ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup finely chopped celery (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional) - approximately one stem
Instructions
- If you don't have any leftover cooked chicken, cook a couple of chicken breasts until tender (at least165℉). Cool and shred or chop to desired consistency.approx. 4 cups cooked chicken breast, leftover chicken, or rotisserie chicken
- Mix the remaining ingredients in a large bowl.¾ cup Mayo, 2 ½ tablespoons dill or sweet pickle relish, 1 ½ teaspoons yellow mustard, 1 - 1 ½ teaspoon sugar, ½ - ¾ teaspoon salt, ¾ teaspoon paprika, 1 ½ teaspoon lemon juice, ¼ cup finely chopped celery (optional), 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
- Add the cold, chopped or shredded chicken and mix well.
- Store in the fridge in an airtight container until ready to serve.
- Serve chicken salad on sandwich bread, buttery croissants, tortilla wraps, lettuce leaves, or however you like chicken salad.
- Refrigerate for up to three or four days.
Anna
So yummy on a butter croissant!
ISABELLE SMJFHM NAME is ISABELLE Smith
a keeper love this
Anna
Thank you! Glad you enjoy it!