Rotisserie Chicken Salad is the ultimate shortcut dish for a satisfying lunch, quick supper, or stellar party snack. There’s something so inviting and homey about this creamy, tangy salad – every bite blends juicy rotisserie chicken with crunchy veggies and a tangy dressing that pulls it all together. Quick to make and bursting with flavor, it’s a go-to recipe you’ll want on repeat whenever you have leftover rotisserie chicken in the fridge or need a meal-prep winner!

Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Rotisserie Chicken Salad relies on simple pantry and fridge staples, each picking up the flavors and giving the salad its signature craveable taste and texture. From juicy chicken to crisp, fresh vegetables and a creamy, tangy dressing, every ingredient earns its keep!

Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: Ready-cooked and shredded for ultimate convenience, it makes this salad extra savory and easy.
Diced Celery: Adds a fresh, crisp crunch in every forkful — don’t skip it!
Diced Red Onion: For a pop of color and subtle bite; soak briefly in cold water if you prefer a milder onion flavor.
Pickle Relish: Brings a tangy-sweet burst that brightens up the whole salad beautifully.
Plain Greek Yogurt: Lightens up the dressing while adding creaminess and a subtle tang.
Mayonnaise: The classic base for chicken salad, contributing rich body and traditional flavor.
Pickle Juice: A splash of extra pickle juice ties everything together and locks in moisture.
Dijon Mustard: Gives gentle heat and depth—just a tablespoon transforms the whole mix!
Salt and Pepper: Season to your taste to balance flavors and bring out the best in each ingredient.

How to Make Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Step 1: Shred the Chicken

Start by pulling apart your rotisserie chicken (or cooked chicken breast), removing skin and bones. For that classic deli-style Rotisserie Chicken Salad texture, pulse the chicken in a food processor a few times—this breaks it into smaller, tender bits. If you prefer chunkier salad, simply shred by hand or with two forks. Transfer the chicken to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Add the Veggies and Flavors

Toss the diced celery and red onion right into the bowl with the chicken. These veggies add color and crunch—every scoop should have a perfect mix of those crisp textures with the succulent chicken.

Step 3: Mix in the Creamy Dressing

To the chicken and veggies, add pickle relish, Greek yogurt, mayo, Dijon mustard, and pickle juice. Season everything with a generous pinch of salt and some cracked black pepper. This creamy dressing is both light and tangy, balancing the richness of the chicken. Gently stir or fold the mixture together until every morsel is coated in flavor.

Step 4: Chill (or Not) and Serve

You can enjoy your Rotisserie Chicken Salad right away for a super fresh, room-temp meal. But if you have the patience, pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling melds the flavors, making each bite even more delicious. Enjoy it cold or at room temperature, whatever pleases your palate!

How to Serve Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Garnishes

For the perfect finishing touch, sprinkle your chicken salad with chopped fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives. Add a few extra cracks of black pepper, or top with sliced pickles for an extra zing. A sprinkle of smoked paprika or toasted sliced almonds can also take it to the next level.

Side Dishes

Pair your Rotisserie Chicken Salad with a handful of crisp crackers, pita chips, or tucked into a warm croissant for a cafe-style lunch. It also shines next to leafy green salads, juicy tomato slices, or a simple bowl of soup for a cozy, well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform this salad by serving it inside hollowed-out avocados or scooped onto cucumber rounds for bite-sized party snacks. Spread it on toasted sourdough for an open-faced sandwich, or tuck it into lettuce cups for a refreshing, low-carb lunch. It’s endlessly adaptable—let your imagination guide you!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Rotisserie Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious and fresh for up to 3 days. Give it a gentle stir before serving again, as some slight separation is normal.

Freezing

While freezing is technically possible, the mayonnaise and dairy in the salad tend to separate and become watery upon thawing. For best results, enjoy freshly made or refrigerated Rotisserie Chicken Salad instead of freezing.

Reheating

Rotisserie Chicken Salad is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you do prefer it warm, heat gently and briefly on low power in the microwave—just enough to take the chill off, so you don’t dry out the chicken or separate the dressing.

FAQs

Can I use just mayonnaise instead of mixing with Greek yogurt?

Absolutely! If you like the classic taste and extra creaminess, go all-in with mayonnaise. Greek yogurt simply adds lightness and a little tang, but it’s very flexible to your preferences.

What’s the best way to shred rotisserie chicken for salad?

The quickest, tidiest method is to pulse the chicken in a food processor for a deli-inspired texture. No processor? No problem—use two forks or clean hands to pull the meat into bite-sized shreds.

How can I make Rotisserie Chicken Salad spicy?

Add a pinch of cayenne, a splash of hot sauce, or some diced jalapeño to jazz things up. You can also swap in spicy pickles or jalapeño relish for even more kick.

Is Rotisserie Chicken Salad healthy?

Thanks to the mix of Greek yogurt with mayo and all those fresh veggies, this salad is lighter than many traditional versions. You can make it even healthier by using all yogurt, reducing mayo, or adding extra veggies.

Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Definitely! Use a dairy-free yogurt or simply skip the yogurt and use your favorite dairy-free mayo alternative. The rest of the ingredients work perfectly with those swaps.

Final Thoughts

If you love fuss-free meals with tons of flavor, you have to try this Rotisserie Chicken Salad. It’s endlessly adaptable, perfect for meal prep, and comes together in a flash. Gather your ingredients and whip up a bowl—I promise, you’ll want to make it again and again!