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Deli-Style Chicken Salad: Creamy, Flavorful, and Perfect for Any Occasion
If you’ve ever savored the irresistible chicken salad from a deli, you know it has a special charm. Creamy, tangy, and loaded with tender chicken and flavorful add-ins, deli-style chicken salad is versatile enough for sandwiches, wraps, or a simple scoop over fresh greens. Making it at home is surprisingly easy and allows you to customize it to your taste. Let’s dive into a step-by-step guide to create your own deli-style chicken salad that rivals your favorite deli.
Ingredients
To make about 4–6 servings, you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (adjust for creaminess)
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional, adds tang)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish (or finely chopped pickles)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- Optional add-ins: chopped hard-boiled eggs, grapes, apples, walnuts, or dried cranberries
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start with cooked chicken. You can poach, roast, or use leftover rotisserie chicken. Remove skin and bones, then shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. The key to a great deli-style texture is a mix of small and medium pieces—not too chunky, not too fine.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. This is the heart of the flavor, so get it just right.
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