This Easy Million Dollar Chicken Salad is creamy, crunchy, and oh-so-delicious! It has tender chicken, crispy veggies, and a tasty dressing that brings everything together.
It’s perfect for sandwiches or served over lettuce. I love making a big batch and enjoying it all week. Plus, it’s great for impressing friends without a lot of effort! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: I prefer rotisserie chicken for its flavor and ease. You can also poach your chicken breasts or use leftover grilled chicken. If you’re vegan, substitute with chickpeas or tofu for a different texture.
Mayonnaise: Traditional mayo gives a creamy base. For a healthier twist, you can use Greek yogurt. If you’re dairy-free, look for vegan mayo options, which work wonderfully!
Sour Cream: This adds tanginess. If you’re out, you can use plain yogurt or omit it altogether for a lighter salad. For dairy-free, look for plant-based sour cream alternatives.
Celery: It adds crunchiness. If you don’t have celery, diced bell peppers or pickles can also give that crunch. Some folks even use apples for a sweet crunch!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my go-to for its flavor. If you’re lactose intolerant, you can skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. Feta or goat cheese can also add a delicious tang.
Bacon: I love the salty crunch it adds. For a healthier option, you can use turkey bacon or omit it for a lighter version. Perfectly crispy chickpeas can also work for crunch without meat!
How Do You Ensure the Perfect Chicken Salad Texture?
Getting the right texture in your chicken salad makes a big difference. It should be creamy, yet you still want some crunch from the veggies and nuts. Here are some tips:
- Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure every bite has flavor.
- Chop celery and green onions finely for a good texture that contrasts with the creaminess.
- Toast the almonds before adding; this boosts the nutty flavor and gives a crispy crunch.
- Chill the salad for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to meld together while keeping the veggies crisp.
By balancing creamy ingredients with crunchy additions and ensuring proper chilling, you’ll create a delightful chicken salad that everyone will love!
Easy Million Dollar Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or poached chicken works well)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/3 cup chopped green onions
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- Optional: 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar for a slight tang
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 1 hour to chill in the refrigerator. So, you’ll spend a little time mixing everything together, and then just let it sit so the flavors can develop. It’s super easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and sour cream. Use a whisk or spatula to mix until it’s nice and smooth.
2. Add the Chicken and Veggies:
Next, toss in the shredded chicken, finely chopped celery, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. These will bring great texture and flavor to the salad.
3. Add Crunchy Elements:
Now it’s time to stir in the toasted sliced almonds and crumbled bacon. These ingredients will give your salad a delightful crunch!
4. Season to Perfection:
Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. If you want a little zing, add the optional lemon juice or vinegar. This adds a lovely brightness to the mix!
5. Combine Everything:
Mix all the ingredients gently but thoroughly until everything is coated with the creamy dressing.
6. Chill Out:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the refrigerator. Let the salad chill for at least 1 hour before serving to let all those flavors meld together beautifully.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy your salad, serve it on sandwich bread, croissants, or simply over a bed of lettuce. It’s an easy and tasty meal for lunch or a picnic!
This creamy, crunchy, and flavorful chicken salad is so easy to make, and it’s sure to impress your friends and family!
FAQ: Easy Million Dollar Chicken Salad
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds great flavor. Just shred the chicken and toss it in with the other ingredients!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Your chicken salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Just give it a quick stir before serving, and you’re good to go!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! This chicken salad actually tastes better after it sits for a bit, so feel free to prepare it up to a day in advance. Just make sure to keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve!
What Can I Use Instead of Sour Cream?
If you’re looking for a substitute, plain Greek yogurt works wonderfully for a similar tang and creaminess. You can also skip it entirely if you prefer a lighter salad.
