Last Updated on August 26, 2025 by Allison Lancaster

This easy chicken salad with rotisserie chicken recipe is packed with flavor and simple ingredients. Perfect for meal prep, lettuce wraps, or sandwiches, it makes a quick lunch or healthy dinner ready in minutes.

If you’re searching for a quick lunch or easy dinner that doesn’t require turning on the oven, this chicken salad with rotisserie chicken recipe is your answer. It uses simple ingredients, comes together in minutes, and is packed with flavor. Whether you’re a fan of classic chicken salad recipes or looking for a new favorite way to use leftover chicken, this easy chicken salad checks all the boxes.

A small bowl of chicken salad with chopped celery and pecans, placed on a white towel with colorful stripes, next to a neat row of round crackers. A light blue cloth is in the background.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Salad with Rotisserie Chicken

This recipe has become one of our favorite ways to use store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken. It’s creamy, crunchy, and seasoned just right. I test recipes like this in my own kitchen as a busy mom who needs quick lunch options that still feel homemade. This one has earned a permanent place in my meal prep routine.

Here’s what makes it one of the best chicken salad recipes:

Versatile enough to serve in lettuce wraps, chicken salad sandwiches, or even pita bread
It’s a classic recipe with simple ingredients
A great way to use leftover chicken or dark meat from a whole chicken
Easy to prep ahead and store in an airtight container
Kid-friendly, adult-approved, and full of flavor

A hand dips a round cracker into a bowl of chunky chicken salad with visible celery and pecans, surrounded by more crackers and a teal cloth in the background.

Ingredients for Chicken Salad

A rotisserie chicken, mayonnaise, chopped celery, chopped pecans, sweet relish, onion powder, and black pepper are arranged in bowls and dishes on a marble countertop.

Optional additions: lemon juice, green onions, fresh herbs like parsley or dill, black pepper, or red onion
Cooked rotisserie chicken, chopped into bite-sized pieces
Pecans, coarsely chopped (optional)
Celery, finely chopped for a nice crunch
Mayonnaise (you can also try sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
Sweet pickle relish or dill relish for extra flavor
Celery salt and onion powder for seasoning

How to Make This Easy Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe

Remove meat from the rotisserie chicken and discard bones and skin. Chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
In a large bowl or mixing bowl, add all remaining ingredients and mix until everything is combined.
Give it a good stir and taste. Add black pepper, lemon juice, or more relish to your liking.
Cover and chill in an airtight container for at least two hours for best flavor.

Chopped cooked chicken and diced celery on a white cutting board, with a knife and a whole celery stalk beside them.

A glass mixing bowl with chopped celery, pecans, and relish, with a white spoon inside. Next to the bowl is a small glass dish filled with mayonnaise, all on a marble surface.

Tips for the Best Chicken Salad

Use a combination of white and dark meat for a more flavorful result.
Want some zing? Add a pinch of curry powder or a spoonful of Dijon mustard.
For extra crunch, try adding sunflower seeds or fresh vegetables like chopped bell peppers or cucumbers.
If you’re short on time, store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great substitute for freshly cooked chicken breasts.

How to Serve Chicken Salad

This healthy salad recipe is perfect for easy lunch ideas or light dinners. Some of our favorite ways to enjoy it include:

Served in lettuce cups or romaine lettuce leaves
On sandwich bread or croissants for chicken salad sandwiches
With crackers or fresh produce like celery sticks
Wrapped in Bibb lettuce for a low-carb meal
As a filling for pita bread or wrapped in a tortilla

Storage Tips

Store chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge.
It’s best enjoyed within 3–4 days.
Stir before serving the next day to bring back the creamy texture.
Not ideal for freezing due to the mayo, but you can freeze the cooked chicken alone for future use.

Can I Make This Ahead?

Absolutely. This easy rotisserie chicken salad recipe is perfect for meal prep. Make it the night before, store it in the refrigerator, and serve the next day. The flavors continue to develop and it tastes even better after a little time to chill.

Can You Freeze Chicken Salad?

You can freeze rotisserie chicken for up to 3 months and use it as you need it in your chicken salad. The rotisserie chicken salad has some ingredients like mayonnaise which can change texture when frozen, so I don’t recommend freezing this salad. If you still want to freeze it, don’t add the mayo. Add the mayo after defrosting to avoid the texture and taste change.

How Long is Chicken Salad Good For?

The great thing about rotisserie chicken salad is that you can make it ahead of time because it stays good for 3-5 days in the refrigerator. I always make some extra and store it in an air-tight container so I can enjoy the leftover chicken salad after a day or two.

Remember to stir all the ingredients nicely when you are using it again.

What Do I Serve With Chicken Salad?

We love eating this chicken salad by itself as a quick lunch or snack. You can also serve it with crackers, on a roll (check out our no-knead rolls here), on a sandwich or even topped on greens for a double chicken salad. Below are great sides that pair with this quick chicken salad recipe:

This homemade chicken salad recipe is a go-to for busy weekdays, school lunches, or when you need a quick weeknight meal. With simple ingredients, easy prep, and tons of flavor, it’s no wonder this is one of our favorite chicken salad recipes.

Try it once and you’ll understand why a lot of people call this the best chicken salad they’ve ever made. Whether you’re packing it for work, serving it at a picnic, or just need an easy lunch idea, this delicious chicken salad is sure to become a regular in your kitchen too.

Chicken Salad with Rotisserie Chicken Recipe

Yield: 8 Servings

Ingredients

6 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, deboned and coarsely chopped
1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped (optional)
2 stalk celery, chopped
1 cup mayonnaise
½ cup sweet relish
¼ teaspoon celery salt
¼ teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

Stir all ingredients together until completely blended.
Refrigerate for at least two hours or until ready to serve.
Serve on crackers, celery sticks, croissants, or your favorite bread.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 660Total Fat: 51gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 37gCholesterol: 220mgSodium: 1008mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 2gSugar: 5gProtein: 46g