Chicken Salad

 Deli-Style Chicken Salad: A Creamy, Crunchy Classic You’ll Crave

When it comes to comfort food that’s light yet satisfying, Deli-Style Chicken Salad stands at the top of the list. This iconic dish delivers juicy, tender chicken, a creamy mayo dressing, and the satisfying crunch of fresh celery—perfect for a quick lunch, a hearty sandwich filling, or a crowd-pleasing picnic favorite. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or need a simple dish that’s bursting with flavor, this recipe is everything you love about classic deli fare made fresh in your own kitchen.

Why This Deli-Style Chicken Salad Is Irresistible

Unlike store-bought versions that can taste bland or overly processed, this homemade version uses a blend of white and dark meat chicken for the perfect texture and depth of flavor. It’s lightly seasoned, well-balanced, and incredibly versatile. Plus, with just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create a salad that tastes like it came straight from your favorite deli counter.

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Ingredients and Their Purpose

500 grams boneless chicken breast (diced): Provides lean, firm texture and mild flavor to absorb seasonings.

300 grams boneless chicken thigh (diced): Adds moisture, richness, and deeper flavor for a balanced bite.

2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sauté the chicken, adding flavor and ensuring it cooks evenly without drying out.

½ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.

¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the overall flavor profile.

½ teaspoon granulated onion: Gives a mild, savory note without overpowering the dish like raw onion might.

⅔ cup mayonnaise: The creamy base that binds the salad together—choose a good-quality mayo for best results.

3 stalks celery (diced): Offers a crisp texture and refreshing bite to contrast the rich, creamy dressing.

Additional sea salt and black pepper, to taste: Allows for seasoning adjustments once all ingredients are combined.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken breast and thigh. Sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, and granulated onion. Stir occasionally and cook until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown—about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from heat and let the chicken cool completely before assembling the salad.

> Pro Tip: Don’t crowd the pan—cook in batches if needed to get a nice sear on the chicken instead of steaming it.

2. Prepare the Dressing Base

In a large mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise. Stir until smooth and creamy. This will be the rich, flavorful base that coats every bite of chicken.

3. Assemble the Salad

Once the chicken has cooled, add it to the bowl with the mayonnaise. Add the diced celery and gently fold everything together until well mixed. Taste and adjust with additional sea salt and black pepper as needed.

> Pro Tip: For even more flavor, refrigerate the salad for 1–2 hours before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully.

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Why Everyone Loves This Chicken Salad

Balanced flavors of lean and juicy chicken

Fresh crunch from celery

Creamy texture without being heavy

Quick and easy to make, yet tastes gourmet

Customizable with add-ins like chopped pickles, grapes, or nuts

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Serving Suggestions

Serve it chilled in a croissant or on toasted sourdough bread for a hearty sandwich.

Spoon it onto a bed of mixed greens for a protein-packed salad.

Offer it with crackers or cucumber slices as a light appetizer or snack.

Make it into lettuce wraps for a low-carb lunch option.

> Pro Tip: Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or fresh parsley for a deli-style presentation.

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Final Thoughts

This Deli-Style Chicken Salad recipe is your go-to for flavor-packed simplicity. With wholesome ingredients, customizable elements, and unbeatable taste, it’s a dish that delivers every time. Whether for weekday lunches, weekend picnics, or last-minute guests, this chicken salad proves that the best meals are the ones that feel familiar—but taste exceptional.

Make it once, and it’ll become a staple i

n your kitchen. Try it today, and discover why it’s a timeless classic worth making from scratch.