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Homemade The BEST Chicken Salad Recipe photo

The BEST Chicken Salad Recipe

A creamy, slightly sweet chicken salad with crunchy pecans and tart dried cranberries that's perfect on croissants or with crackers.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups rotisserie chicken, diced
  • 1/2 cup pecans, coarsely chopped see note 1
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries or cherry-infused cranberries
  • 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced about 1/2 cup
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (Hellmann’s/Best Foods)
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream light works
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds optional
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • croissants or sandwich rolls for serving; add lettuce if making sandwiches
  • thinly sliced apples for serving
  • celery sticks for serving
  • crackers such as Wheat Thins, for serving

Equipment

  • Large Bowl
  • dry skillet
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Optional: Place pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast, stirring occasionally, until fragrant; watch carefully to avoid burning. Remove and cool, then coarsely chop.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the diced rotisserie chicken, chopped pecans, dried cranberries, and sliced celery.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds (if using), and lemon juice until smooth.
  4. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold until everything is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper, starting with about 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper, then adjust to taste.
  5. Serve the chicken salad on croissants or sandwich rolls with lettuce, or alongside thinly sliced apples, celery sticks, and crackers.

Notes

  • Swap pecans with sliced almonds, pistachios, or walnuts if preferred.
  • You can use honey-roasted pecans and skip toasting.
  • Nutritional information provided in original recipe excludes bread or tossed salad.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days.