Rotisserie Chicken Salad is an easy and tasty meal you can make quickly. Using ready-made rotisserie chicken saves time and still gives you a flavorful dish. This salad is creamy and fresh, perfect for lunch or dinner. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a filling and delicious salad anytime.
Why We Love This Rotisserie Chicken Salad
This salad is a go-to for a reason—it’s easy, fast, and incredibly flexible. Using rotisserie chicken means you skip cooking time but still get all the juicy, tender chicken you want. The creamy mayonnaise mixed with a touch of lemon juice brightens the flavors and keeps it fresh. You can keep it simple or add your favorite mix-ins like grapes or nuts to suit your taste. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep and makes great leftovers. This recipe strikes a great balance between classic comfort and easy preparation, making it a must-have in your recipe collection.
Ingredients for Rotisserie Chicken Salad
- 1 rotisserie chicken (about 5 cups of pulled chicken)
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
How to Make Rotisserie Chicken Salad Directions
Start by removing the meat from your rotisserie chicken. Shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces so it’s easy to eat. Next, in a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, poultry seasoning, and salt. Mix these well to make your creamy dressing. Add the chicken, celery, and onion to this bowl. Stir everything until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing. Once mixed, cover the bowl and chill the salad for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to blend nicely and makes the salad taste even better. After chilling, give it a quick stir and it’s ready to serve. This method is straightforward and perfect for making ahead for quick meals or gatherings.
How to Serve Rotisserie Chicken Salad
This salad works well served on its own or as part of a bigger meal. Try it spooned over fresh greens for a light lunch or as a filling inside a sandwich or wrap. It also pairs nicely with crackers or pita chips for a simple snack or appetizer. For a refreshing touch, add sliced tomatoes or cucumber on the side. This salad is versatile enough to fit any mealtime, whether you want something light or need a protein-packed option. Serving chilled helps keep it crisp and refreshing, especially on warmer days.
Expert Tips: Rotisserie Chicken Salad
To get the best flavor, always use good-quality rotisserie chicken, preferably one that’s fresh and not overly salted. If you like your salad a little tangier, increase the lemon juice slightly. For crunch, add diced apples, chopped pecans, or celery seeds. If you want to keep it dairy-free, swap mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative. Remember not to add too much salt at first; the chicken might already have some seasoning. Mixing the salad gently helps keep the chicken pieces intact and prevents the celery and onions from getting mushy. Lastly, chilling the salad before serving is key for enhancing the flavors and texture.
How to Store Rotisserie Chicken Salad
To keep your salad fresh, divide it into meal-sized portions and place each in an airtight container. Store these containers in the refrigerator where the salad will stay good for 3 to 5 days. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for long periods. When you’re ready to eat leftovers, give the salad a quick stir before serving, as some ingredients may settle or separate. If it looks a bit dry, you can add a small spoonful of mayonnaise or a splash of lemon juice to refresh the texture and flavor.
Variation of Rotisserie Chicken Salad
You can customize this salad easily by adding different mix-ins that suit your preferences. Try folding in sweet grapes or dried cranberries for a hint of natural sweetness. Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch and earthy flavor. If you want more protein, hard-boiled eggs or green onions are excellent choices. For a spicy twist, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños. You can also swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to make the salad lighter while still creamy. These variations help you keep the recipe fresh and exciting every time you make it.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rotisserie Chicken Salad
What can I use instead of rotisserie chicken?
If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, cooked and shredded chicken breast or thighs work well as a substitute. Just make sure the chicken is cooked and cooled before mixing into the salad.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. You can prepare it up to a day ahead and keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve.
How long does rotisserie chicken salad last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, it will keep fresh for 3 to 5 days. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature to prevent spoilage.
Can I freeze rotisserie chicken salad?
Freezing is not recommended because mayonnaise-based salads can separate and lose their texture once thawed.
What are some good mix-ins for this salad?
Popular mix-ins include grapes, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, apples, boiled eggs, and green onions. Avoid anything too watery to keep the salad’s texture intact.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep because it stores well and can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 1 whole rotisserie chicken (about 5 cups of pulled chicken)
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Remove the meat from the rotisserie chicken and shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, poultry seasoning, and salt. Mix well to create the dressing.
- Add the chicken, diced celery, and diced onion to the bowl. Stir until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Cover the bowl and chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Give the salad a quick stir before serving.
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