Easy Deli Chicken Salad – A Classic Deli-Style Recipe

Get set for a delicious twist on your lunch routine! Check out my no-fuss Deli-Style Chicken Salad. It’s all about simple, tasty ingredients coming together for a satisfying meal that won’t keep you tied to the kitchen.

What Is Deli-Style Chicken Salad?

Deli chicken salad typically refers to a cold salad made with cooked chicken meat, chopped into bite-sized pieces, and mixed with various ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. The exact ingredients can vary but commonly include mayonnaise, celery, onions, and seasonings such as salt and pepper. Some variations may incorporate ingredients like pickle relish, mustard, or herbs to enhance the taste. Deli chicken salad is often served on sandwiches, wraps, or as a side dish. I grew up eating this type of chicken salad, and now it’s one of my favorite recipes to feed my family. 

Ingredients

• Mayonnaise – Adds a creamy texture and a bit of richness, holding everything together.
• Dijon mustard – Brings a zesty kick, adding some sharpness and depth to the flavor.
• Lemon juice – Fresh and citrusy, it brightens things up, giving a nice, tangy twist to the chicken salad recipe.
• Garlic powder – Infuses a subtle garlic flavor, contributing to the overall savory goodness of the deli chicken salad. 
• Brown sugar – Offers a touch of sweetness, balancing out the savory and tangy elements.
• Celery – Crisp and refreshing, it brings a satisfying crunch and mild veggie flavor.
• Red onion – Adds a bold kick and vibrant color, enhancing the overall taste.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Whisk the ingredients together until well combined, creating a flavorful dressing.

Step 3: Add the finely chopped celery to the dressing. Then, gently fold in the finely diced red onion.

Step 4: Then, gently fold in the finely diced red onion.

Step 5: Mix the dressing with the diced red onion and celery until it is combined.

Step 6: Finally, add the shredded chicken breast to the bowl.

Step 7: Mix the chicken salad until everything is evenly coated by the dressing.

Step 8: Chill the chicken salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve your deli chicken salad on its own, in a sandwich, as a lettuce wrap, or with your preferred accompaniment.

Tips and Notes

• Chicken prep – Use cooked and cooled shredded chicken for convenience. Rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken works great. you can also poach chicken and then use a mixer to shred it. 
• Mayo and mustard ratio – Adjust the mayo and Dijon mustard amounts based on your preference for creaminess and tanginess. Feel free to add more or less according to your taste.
• Lemon zest – For an extra burst of citrus flavor, consider adding a bit of lemon zest along with the lemon juice.
• Make the dressing first – Making the dressing first ensures a smooth chicken salad. Trust me on this!
• Chill time – Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. This enhances the overall taste.

Easy Deli Chicken Salad – A Classic Deli-Style Recipe

Allie Hagerty

Deli chicken salad, a classic dish, made with everyday ingredients. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, and side dishes!

5 from 5 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Time to Chill 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Lunch

Servings 6 servings

Equipment

• measuring spoons
• measuring cups
• Knife
• cutting board
• large mixing bowl
• whisk
• silicone spatula

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup diced celery finely diced
• 1/4 cup diced red onion finely diced
• 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast shredded/pulled

Instructions

 

• Combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined, creating a flavorful dressing.
• Add the finely chopped celery to the dressing. Then, gently fold in the finely diced red onion.
• Finally, add the shredded chicken breast to the bowl. Mix the chicken salad until everything is evenly coated by the dressing.
• Once all the ingredients are combined, taste the salad and adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference.
• Chill the chicken salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve your deli chicken salad on its own, in a sandwich, as a lettuce wrap, or with your preferred accompaniment.

Notes

• Make the dressing first – Making the dressing first ensures a smooth chicken salad. Trust me on this!
• Chill time – Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. This enhances the overall taste.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 393kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 25gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 17gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 88mgSodium: 788mgPotassium: 471mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 81IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Chicken, lunch

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