This classic chicken salad recipe is creamy, flavorful, and easy to prepare using tender baked chicken, mayonnaise, sour cream, celery, and red onion. Perfect for quick lunches, meal prep, and healthy lunch ideas, it can be served in sandwiches, wraps, croissants, or over fresh lettuce for a low-carb option. A popular choice for easy chicken recipes, cold salads, and high-protein meals, this dish works well for picnics, family meals, and make-ahead lunches. With simple ingredients and rich texture, it’s ideal for anyone looking for quick homemade lunch ideas and classic salad recipes.

Ingredients

2 bone-in chicken breasts (with skin)
1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
Olive oil, for drizzling
¾ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
1 celery stalk, finely diced
½ cup red onion, finely diced (about ¼ cup once measured)
2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet, skin side up.
Drizzle lightly with olive oil and season with lemon pepper seasoning.
Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
Once cooled, remove the skin and bones, then chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
In a large bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, celery, red onion, salt, and pepper.
Add the chopped chicken and stir until everything is well coated.
Serve immediately or chill before serving for better flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken salad is creamy, flavorful, and easy to prepare using simple ingredients. It works well for lunches, meal prep, and quick dinners, offering a balanced mix of texture and taste.

Tips

Let the chicken cool completely before mixing to avoid a watery salad.
Chop ingredients finely for a smoother texture.
Adjust mayonnaise and sour cream to control creaminess.
Season gradually and taste before adding extra salt.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Add grapes, apples, or dried cranberries for a sweet twist.
Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Replace red onion with green onions for a milder flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.

How long does it last?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

Can I freeze chicken salad?
Freezing is not recommended because the texture may change.

Serving

Serve this chicken salad on sandwiches, wraps, croissants, or over fresh lettuce. It also works well with crackers or in a lunch bowl.

Suggestions

For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like parsley or dill. You can also mix in chopped nuts for crunch or serve it alongside soup or fresh fruit for a complete meal.