How To Make Classic Chicken Salad

★Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded

1/4 cup finely chopped celery

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)

Prepare the Chicken: If not using pre-cooked chicken, cook your chicken breasts or thighs until fully done. You can boil, bake, or grill them. Let them cool, then dice or shred into small pieces.
Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Mix well until smooth.
Add Veggies and Seasoning: Add the chopped celery, red onion, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to the mayonnaise mixture. Stir to combine.
Combine with Chicken: Add the diced or shredded chicken to the bowl. Mix everything together until the chicken is well-coated with the mayonnaise mixture.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the chicken salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want to add a bit more salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
Chill: For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired. Serve on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, with crackers, or however you like.

For added flavor, you can include ingredients like chopped apples, grapes, nuts, or dried cranberries.
Adjust the amount of mayonnaise based on your preference for creaminess.
This chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Enjoy!