Cold chicken salad is great for quick lunches and last minute dinners! Thanks to a can of chicken, this simple meal is effortless to make with just a few budget ingredients.
Prep Time5 minutesmins
Course: dinner, lunch, Main Course
Keyword: budget meals, canned chicken, cold lunches, quick and easy
Servings: 1
Ingredients
1(12.5oz)can chunk chicken breast*read notes
⅓cupmayonnaise
⅓cupdiced celery
seasoning to taste(I use salt, pepper, & garlic powder)
soft sandwich bread or crackers
Instructions
Thoroughly drain the can of chicken and mix it with mayonnaise and diced celery. Season to taste keeping in mind that the chicken already has salt included.
Store in the fridge until ready to use or serve immediately with your favorite bread or crackers.
Notes
I buy the Kirkland Brand of canned chicken from Costco which I believe is slightly larger than some of the other 10 ounce brands. You may need to adjust the amount of mayo depending on the brand you buy.
Popular Seasoning Choices for chicken salad include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, and cayenne.
Want to upgrade your chicken salad? Here are some flavorful additions to try: pickles, cucumbers, salami, bacon bits, green onions, pecans, slivered almonds, walnuts, hot sauce, citrus juice, fresh herbs, grapes, raisins, dried cranberries, brown sugar, etc. Choose sweet OR savory and then go for it!
Watching your carbs? Try this cold chicken salad in a lettuce wrap, with cucumber slices, or with bell peppers. Anything crunchy pairs well with it!
You can also make this easy chicken salad with rotisserie or baked chicken. It's a great way to use up leftover chicken which usually isn't as good reheated anyway.
A few fresh additions you may consider in your sandwich include fresh sliced tomatoes and lettuce.