This Easy Million Dollar Chicken Salad is creamy and packed with tasty ingredients like chicken, celery, and crunchy nuts. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying snack!
Every bite feels like a million bucks! I love enjoying it in a sandwich or right out of the bowl—it’s just that good. 😋 Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for convenience! You can poach chicken breasts or use leftovers from a previous meal as well. If you’re vegetarian, consider using chickpeas or a meat substitute for a similar texture.
Mayonnaise: This gives the salad that creamy texture. If you want a lighter option, swap half for Greek yogurt. It adds protein and a nice tang!
Sour Cream: Adds richness to the salad. Plain yogurt can replace it if you’re looking for lower-fat options or dairy substitutes.
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its flavor, but feel free to use Monterey Jack or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re lactose intolerant.
Almonds: Sliced almonds add a nice crunch, but walnuts or pecans work just as well. You can omit them for a nut-free version!
How Do You Achieve the Best Flavor Balance?
Mixing the dressing is key to bringing out those flavors! Start by whisking together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice. The lemon juice gives a fresh zing that brightens the salad. Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder for depth!
- Once your dressing is smooth, fold in the chicken and veggies gently so you don’t break them down.
- Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. A small tweak can make a big difference!
- Letting it sit in the fridge for an hour allows the flavors to combine beautifully. Trust me, this step is worth it!
Easy Million Dollar Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or poached)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (toasted if desired)
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 3 green onions, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour of chilling time in the fridge. So, in total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. The chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it taste even better!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well until smooth and creamy. This mixture will be the flavorful base of your chicken salad!
2. Combine the Ingredients:
Now, add the shredded chicken, finely chopped celery, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced almonds, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions to the dressing. All these ingredients bring different textures and flavors to the dish—trust me, it’s going to be delicious!
3. Mix it Up:
Gently fold all the ingredients together until they are evenly mixed. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the chicken and veggies intact for a nice texture in your salad.
4. Season to Taste:
Taste your mixture and season it with salt and black pepper to your liking. This step is important because it enhances all the flavors, making the salad irresistible!
5. Chill Before Serving:
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to a sealed container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling allows the flavors to blend and makes the salad creamier!
6. Serving Suggestions:
When you’re ready to serve, enjoy the salad chilled on a bed of crisp lettuce, as a filling in a sandwich, or with some tasty crackers. You’ll find that every bite is just awesome!
This creamy, crunchy chicken salad is not only easy to make but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s packed with flavor and texture! Enjoy! 🥗✨
FAQ for Easy Million Dollar Chicken Salad
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds lots of flavor. Just shred it into bite-sized pieces and it’s ready to go!
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
You can lighten it up by using Greek yogurt instead of some or all of the mayonnaise and sour cream. This will add creaminess while reducing calories and boosting protein!
What Can I Substitute for Nuts?
If you have nut allergies or prefer not to use them, you can simply omit the almonds. For crunch, try adding sunflower seeds or extra celery instead!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again!
