This Million Dollar Chicken Salad is packed with juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and a creamy dressing that ties it all together. It’s super simple and bursting with flavor!
You can serve it on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or just eat it straight from the bowl (no judgment here!). I love making a big batch and enjoying it all week long!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works great here for convenience. If you’re cooking your own, poached or roasted chicken breast is perfect too. Leftover chicken from previous meals is a fantastic option!
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: This combination adds creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter version, swap out half the mayo with Greek yogurt. I love using a flavored mayo like garlic or avocado for extra taste!
Celery: This adds crunch. If you don’t have celery, diced cucumbers or bell peppers work nicely. Both will bring that refreshing crunch without changing the flavor too much.
Green Onions: These provide a great mild onion flavor. You can replace them with finely diced red onion for a sharper taste or chives for something milder.
Cheddar Cheese: A good sharp cheddar is my go-to for flavor. You can use any cheese you prefer, like Monterey Jack or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Salad Has the Right Consistency?
Getting the right texture for your chicken salad is key to enjoying it. When mixing, make sure you blend the mayo and sour cream thoroughly first. This creates a creamy base for all the ingredients.
- Start with your chicken: shred it finely to blend well with the other ingredients.
- When adding the veggies and cheese, fold them in gently to keep the salad light and fluffy.
- After mixing, taste and adjust seasoning as needed to elevate the flavors.
Letting the salad chill in the fridge for at least an hour allows the flavors to come together beautifully. Enjoy making your chicken salad just the way you like it!
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Salad:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional for Serving:
- Lettuce leaves
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful chicken salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s best to let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving, which allows all those yummy flavors to come together. Altogether, you’ll be ready to enjoy this salad in about 1 hour and 15 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base Ingredients:
Start by taking a large mixing bowl and adding the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Using a spoon or a spatula, mix everything until it’s well combined. This creates the creamy base of your chicken salad, so give it a good mix!
2. Add the Crunchy Veggies and Cheddar:
Now it’s time to make your salad a bit more interesting! Add in the diced celery, chopped green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and sliced almonds to the chicken mixture. Stir everything together gently until all the ingredients are evenly mixed. You want every bite to be delicious!
3. Season and Chill:
Next, sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste into your salad. Mix well again to ensure the seasoning is spread out nicely. For the best flavor experience, cover your bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This waiting time lets all the flavors meld together beautifully.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
After chilling, it’s time to serve your Million Dollar Chicken Salad! You can serve it on its own, over a bed of crisp lettuce, or even in sandwiches. Enjoy scooping it out and sharing with your family and friends!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Using store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred the chicken and use it in this salad as you would with any cooked chicken. It adds great flavor, plus you won’t have to cook!
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you want a healthier alternative or simply don’t like mayo, you can replace it with Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor. You could also try avocado or cottage cheese for a different twist. Just keep in mind that these substitutes will slightly change the taste and creaminess of the salad.
How Long Will This Chicken Salad Last in the Fridge?
Your chicken salad will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For best texture, avoid mixing in the lettuce if you plan to store it—add that just before serving!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Certainly! In fact, making it a day ahead can enhance the flavors. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. If you’re using ingredients like nuts or lettuce, consider adding them right before serving to keep them crunchy.
