Easy Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe (Costco Copycat)

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This Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe is a must-have for an easy lunch or summer gatherings like picnics and potlucks. Plus, making chicken salad with rotisserie chicken is a huge time saver! Grab all the simple ingredients needed to make this homemade chicken salad! 

titled collage for classic chicken salad recipe


 

Do you love easy lunch ideas? I know I do! I love making this classic recipe on hot summer days, and it’s such a simple way to whip up a quick weeknight meal.

A lot of people love the flavor of this creamy chicken salad, and I’d have to agree. 

I think that this amazing salad would be great for a baby shower lunch, picnics, or a healthy salad recipe for a quick lunch.

Being able to use leftover rotisserie chicken really cuts down on meal prep and is actually one of my favorite ways to not waste food. 

I’ll save even more time by buying a store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own chicken, and then using that for this meal and a few others. 

And I love that you can enjoy this easy chicken salad as a tasty lunch with lettuce wraps for a low carb option, or on bread – your choice.

Add a bit of avocado and boom – you’ve created a delicious avocado chicken salad as well! 

I also keep this simple chicken salad recipe light by adding fresh vegetables as the side dish. I might have a slight obsession with this easy meal – but hey, why not?

It has a good depth of flavor and is a healthy recipe to feed myself and the family. It just might be your new favorite, too! 

chicken salad recipe ingredients on counter

Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe

Made with a beautifully seasoned creamy sauce, juicy shredded chicken, zesty lemon juice, and toasted almonds, this classic chicken salad recipe is bound to be a family favorite.

Starting with a rotisserie chicken saves you time and gives you lots of vibrant flavor. 

It doesn’t matter if you are in the mood to be lazy or just need a quick meal, rotisserie chicken will always save the day.

Looking for more salads? We have everything from pasta salads to fresh veggie salads — and my famous cheesecake salads, of course!

combining creamy chicken salad in bowl

Classic Chicken Salad Tips and Tricks

  • No rotisserie chicken? No problem! Swap it for 2 large cooked chicken breasts instead. It will still be tender and delicious.
  • Don’t forget the dark meat. I know it’s tempting to just use white meat, but the leg and thigh are where most of the flavor is. Shred it off the bones and add it in!

  • In a hurry? If you don’t have time to chill rotisserie chicken salad, you can eat it right away. 

    The flavor will be more robust if you do have time to put it in the fridge, but it’s not required.
  • Toasting the almonds. To give the almonds an extra crunch and deeper flavor, toast them. 

    Bake for 5-8 minutes at 350 degrees or toss in the microwave for 30-second intervals for a total of 2 – 2 ½ minutes.
  • Slice the celery thin. Keeping the celery small will give you a nice crunch, but it won’t overwhelm your classic chicken salad.
  • Add some variety! You can easily swap the Dijon mustard for yellow mustard. 

    You can add extra scallions for some added heat, or leave the almonds out completely. This rotisserie chicken salad recipe is completely customizable!
overhead: bowl of chicken salad with celery and herbs

Serving Suggestions

While this rotisserie chicken salad recipe is amazing as a chicken salad sandwich, there are plenty of other creative ways you can serve it.

If you do serve it as a sandwich, it’s great when topped with lettuce and tomatoes.

Put classic chicken salad on a platter with mini bell peppers, crackers, pretzels, or crunchy breadsticks. Eat it like a dip!

Or, place a dollop of rotisserie chicken salad in the center of a large piece of lettuce or tortilla then roll it into a wrap.

It also makes a really tasty topper for a veggie salad!

Rotisserie Chicken Salad FAQ

Do I have to shred the chicken?

While I typically shred it, you can certainly chop it if you prefer. The way you cut the meat won’t affect the flavor of chicken salad with rotisserie chicken, just the texture.

Can I add additional seasonings? 

Sure! Adding more seasonings is a great way to add some extra pizzazz to this classic chicken salad recipe. Paprika, onion powder, and anything else you like will work.   Fresh herbs are a great addition as well. Freshly chopped chives or dill are pretty delicious options.

How do you store leftovers?

Leftover chicken salad with rotisserie chicken should be kept in a tightly sealed container in the fridge. It will last for 3 to 4 days.

bowl of chicken salad made with rotisserie chicken

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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chicken salad on toasted bread

classic chicken salad on toasted bread with lettuce

Easy Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe (Costco Copycat)

Donna Elick
My Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe is great for an easy lunch or picnic meal. Make chicken salad with rotisserie chicken to save time!
5 stars from 2 reviews
Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Method Mixed
Servings 2 – 4

Ingredients
 

  • 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup toasted almond slivers, optional
  • 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped scallion, optional

Instructions
 

  • Add all of the ingredients to a medium mixing bowl and mix until combined.
  • Chill for 1 hours for best flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 1020cal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 86g | Fat: 73g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 312mg | Sodium: 2036mg | Sugar: 1g | Fiber: 2g | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 1mg

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
titled collage for homemade chicken salad recipe

Originally published August 2021, updated and republished May 2024

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3 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Absolutely loved this recipe! The chicken salad was so easy to make and tasted amazing. Perfect for lunch.

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