Deli-Style Chicken Salad

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Deli-Style Chicken Salad: A Creamy, Flavorful Classic

Deli-style chicken salad is a timeless recipe that combines tender chicken with a creamy dressing, crunchy vegetables, and just the right touch of seasoning. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or a simple salad bowl, it’s a versatile dish that feels both homemade and gourmet. Unlike basic chicken salad, deli-style chicken salad achieves that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and creaminess that makes it irresistible.

Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to making this classic dish at home.

Why You’ll Love Deli-Style Chicken Salad

Quick and easy: Ready in about 20 minutes if you have cooked chicken on hand.
Customizable: Add grapes, apples, celery, or nuts for extra flavor and crunch.
Perfect for meal prep: Great for sandwiches, crackers, or salads.
Crowd-pleaser: A favorite for picnics, lunches, and potlucks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
½ cup mayonnaise (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt (for extra creaminess)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ cup celery, finely chopped
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
¼ cup sweet pickle relish or chopped pickles
Optional mix-ins: diced apples, grapes, toasted pecans, or chopped fresh herbs (like parsley or dill)

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If you don’t already have cooked chicken, poach or roast chicken breasts until fully cooked. Allow them to cool slightly, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces. The texture of the chicken is key—it should be tender but not mushy.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper.