Looking for an easy Amish Chicken Salad recipe that's creamy, flavorful, and ready in minutes? This traditional recipe combines tender cooked chicken, rich mayo, tangy pickle relish, and a hint of sweetness for a perfectly balanced, homemade chicken salad that's as versatile as it is delicious.
Serve it on fresh sandwich bread, buttery croissants, in a tortilla wrap, or over a bed of crisp lettuce. Whether it's a quick lunch, a picnic, or a baby shower treat, this Amish-inspired chicken salad brings classic flavors to the table in every bite.
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Why You'll Love This Amish Chicken Salad
- Easy and Quick: Uses cooked or leftover chicken, so it comes together in minutes.
- Versatile: Perfect on sandwiches, wraps, croissants, or over lettuce.
- Classic Flavors: Creamy mayo, tangy pickle relish, and a touch of sweetness make every bite irresistible.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Keeps well in the fridge, making it great for meal prep or entertaining.
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, along with a slight crunch. (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.
- 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 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 homemade 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 are easy to shred and reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F. Allow the chicken to cool then shred or chop it into your desired consistency.
- (Tips: Shred with two forks or use a stand mixer paddle for speed. For best results, chill the chicken before mixing with dressing.)
- 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
My Favorite Savory Chicken Salad
I enjoy all kinds of chicken salad, from sweet versions with grapes, crunchy pecans, or dried cranberries to hearty, savory blends. But my all-time favorite is this savory, traditional chicken salad. It's creamy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced every time.
Storing Leftovers
This delicious, old-fashioned Amish chicken salad also makes for a fantastic leftover option. The creamy dressing keeps it moist and flavorful, even when enjoyed later.
Keep it stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 or 4 days. For best results, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad before sealing the container - this helps prevent it from drying out or forming a skin.
If your chicken salad seems a little thick after chilling, gently stir in a small splash of mayo or a squeeze of lemon juice to restore creaminess. You can also portion it into single-serving containers for quick sandwiches or lettuce wraps throughout the week.
For longer storage, chicken salad freezes best without any added lettuce or sandwich bread. Divide it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a bit of room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge and give it a gentle stir before serving.
This easy Amish Chicken Salad brings together tender chicken, creamy mayo, and tangy pickle relish for the perfect sandwich or wrap! 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!
📖 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!