Easy Canned Chicken Salad Recipe
This canned chicken salad recipe is the ultimate solution for busy days when you need a protein-packed meal fast. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a creamy, satisfying dish that works equally well for sandwiches, wraps, or salads.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (12.5 oz) chicken breast, drained (or 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 2 tbsp red onion, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Drain canned chicken and shred with a fork.
- Mix: In a bowl, combine chicken, mayo, celery, onion, mustard, and spices. Stir until creamy.
- Chill: Refrigerate for 30 minutes (optional but recommended for flavor blending).
- Serve: Enjoy on bread, crackers, or greens. Garnish with parsley!
Perfect Pairing: Serve with toasted sourdough or stuffed into avocado halves!
Nutritional Information
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbs | 3g |
Tips & Variations
- Add crunch: Toss in chopped apples or walnuts.
- Spicy twist: Mix in sriracha or diced jalapeños.
- Meal prep: Stores in the fridge for 3 days.
Why This Canned Chicken Salad Recipe Works
✅ 1. Pantry-Staple Chicken Salad Solution
This easy chicken salad with canned chicken transforms pantry staples into a gourmet meal. The canned chicken provides quality protein without fresh meat prep, making it perfect for quick lunches.
✅ 2. Perfect Chicken Salad Texture Balance
The combination of creamy dressing with crunchy vegetables creates the ideal canned chicken salad consistency. Shredded chicken absorbs flavors better than chunks for maximum taste.
✅ 3. Quick Chicken Salad Meal Prep
This simple chicken salad requires no cooking – just mix and serve! Perfect for meal prep as flavors improve when chilled.
✅ 4. Customizable Canned Chicken Recipe
Adapt this easy chicken salad with yogurt instead of mayo, extra veggies, or spices. A versatile base recipe for endless variations.
✅ 5. Best Ways to Serve Chicken Salad
Enjoy this canned chicken salad recipe in sandwiches, lettuce cups, or with crackers. Works for keto, gluten-free, or low-carb diets.
Chef’s Tip: For the best chicken salad, let it chill 30+ minutes before serving to develop flavors.
Canned Chicken Salad FAQs
Drain well and pat dry, then mix with flavorful ingredients like mayo, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and fresh herbs. For extra texture, add diced celery, onions, or apples.
No, rinsing removes flavor. Just drain thoroughly and optionally pat dry with paper towels to remove excess liquid.
The basic version requires just: (1) canned chicken, (2) mayonnaise, (3) celery, and (4) seasonings (salt/pepper). Our recipe adds extra flavor boosters!
It can be! Using light mayo or Greek yogurt boosts nutrition. Canned chicken provides lean protein (just watch sodium content). Pair with veggies for a balanced meal.
Ready to Make This Easy Canned Chicken Salad?
Now that you’ve discovered how simple and delicious this canned chicken salad recipe is, it’s time to put it to the test! Perfect for meal prep, quick lunches, or light dinners.
Tag us @MetaSavory with your chicken salad creations!