Chicken salad with rotisserie chicken offers a convenient, flavorful, and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you serve it on a bed of greens, use it as a sandwich filling, or enjoy it on its own, the depth of flavor from the rotisserie chicken makes this dish stand out. From quick weekday lunches to a light dinner, this recipe is perfect for any occasion.
What Makes Chicken Salad with Rotisserie Chicken Special?
The convenience of using a rotisserie chicken cannot be overstated. Not only does it save cooking time, but it also ensures that your chicken salad will be moist and flavorful. The spices used in rotisserie chickens, such as garlic, lemon pepper, or herbs, add a depth of flavor that elevates your salad. No additional seasoning is needed, although you can adjust the flavor profile to your liking.
Benefits of Using Rotisserie Chicken
- Time-saving: Skip the cooking step and go straight to preparing your salad.
- Flavor-packed: The seasoning of the rotisserie chicken enhances the overall taste of your dish.
- Moist and tender: The cooking process of rotisserie chicken ensures that the meat remains juicy, making it ideal for salads.
- Versatile: You can use rotisserie chicken in a variety of dishes beyond salads, such as soups, sandwiches, or tacos.
Ingredients for Chicken Salad with Rotisserie Chicken
To make the best chicken salad with rotisserie chicken, it’s important to focus on fresh ingredients. The following ingredients work in harmony to create a flavorful, nutritious meal.
Main Ingredients
- Rotisserie Chicken: 3 cups, shredded or chopped.
- Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup for creaminess.
- Greek Yogurt: 1/4 cup for a tangy, lighter option.
- Celery: 1/2 cup, diced for crunch.
- Red Onion: 1/4 cup, finely chopped for sharpness.
- Grapes or Cranberries: 1/2 cup for sweetness.
- Parsley: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped for freshness.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon for acidity.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Mixed Greens or Lettuce: For serving.
Optional Ingredients
For those who like to get creative with their chicken salad, you can add any of the following ingredients:
- Avocado: Adds healthy fats and a creamy texture.
- Chopped Nuts: Almonds or pecans for added crunch.
- Mustard: For a zesty kick.
- Pickles: Diced for a tangy bite.
- Dried Fruits: Apricots or raisins for more sweetness.
how to make chicken salad with rotisserie chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by removing the skin from the rotisserie chicken and shredding the meat into bite-sized pieces. You can use both white and dark meat, depending on your preference. The rotisserie chicken’s seasoning will add flavor to your salad, so no extra seasoning is required at this stage.
Step 2: Chop the Vegetables
Finely chop the celery, red onion, and any other vegetables you wish to include. The vegetables should add texture and crunch, so make sure they are fresh and crisp.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This mixture creates a creamy dressing that complements the rotisserie chicken. For a lighter version, you can substitute the mayonnaise with more Greek yogurt or use a low-fat mayo option.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add the shredded chicken, chopped vegetables, and grapes or cranberries to the dressing. Toss everything together until well combined, ensuring that the dressing coats all the ingredients.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. You can serve the salad over a bed of mixed greens, in a sandwich, or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Chicken Salad with Rotisserie Chicken Variations
Classic Chicken Salad with Rotisserie Chicken
The classic version includes just a few basic ingredients: chicken, mayonnaise, celery, and seasoning. This recipe can be modified to suit your taste by adding grapes for sweetness or nuts for crunch.
Buffalo Chicken Salad
If you enjoy a little heat, try turning your chicken salad into a spicy dish by adding buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles. This variation is perfect for those who love bold flavors.
Avocado Chicken Salad
For a creamy, healthy alternative, replace some or all of the mayonnaise with mashed avocado. This version offers a dose of healthy fats and is perfect for those on a keto or low-carb diet.
Nutritional Information: Chicken Salad with Rotisserie Chicken
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional value of a typical serving of chicken salad with rotisserie chicken (based on a serving size of 1 cup):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Vitamin A | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 8% |
| Calcium | 6% |
| Iron | 10% |
Health Benefits of Chicken Salad with Rotisserie Chicken
Chicken salad with rotisserie chicken is a great option for those looking to enjoy a balanced meal. The combination of lean protein from the chicken and healthy fats from ingredients like avocado or olive oil-based dressings make it a nutritious option.
Protein-Packed Meal
With over 28 grams of protein per serving, this dish is excellent for those looking to maintain or build muscle mass. Protein also helps keep you fuller for longer, making this salad a satisfying meal choice.
Low-Carb Option
Chicken salad is naturally low in carbohydrates, especially if you skip the bread or use lettuce wraps. This makes it a great option for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
The vegetables and herbs used in this dish provide a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K, which are essential for immune function and overall health.
Tips for Storing and Serving Chicken Salad with Rotisserie Chicken
Chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to stir it well before serving to redistribute the dressing.
For a fresh twist, you can serve your chicken salad in different ways:
- In a sandwich with whole-grain bread.
- In lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- As a topping for mixed greens or in a pita pocket.
Final Thoughts
Chicken salad with rotisserie chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that can be adapted to suit any palate. The combination of creamy dressing, crunchy vegetables, and tender chicken makes it a meal worth savoring. With the convenience of rotisserie chicken, you can prepare this salad in no time and enjoy a nutritious, delicious meal. Whether for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this chicken salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Chicken Salad Recipe with Rotisserie Chicken
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This quick and flavorful chicken salad uses tender rotisserie chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, it’s easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite ingredients. Serve it on greens, in a sandwich, or as a low-carb option in lettuce wraps.
Ingredients
- 3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup grapes or cranberries
- 2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Mixed greens or lettuce, for serving
Instructions
Shred the Chicken: Remove the skin from the rotisserie chicken and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
Chop Vegetables: Dice the celery, red onion, and any other vegetables you want to include (like avocado or pickles).
Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, chopped vegetables, and grapes or cranberries to the bowl. Toss everything together until evenly coated in the dressing.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving. Serve over mixed greens, in a sandwich, or in lettuce wraps.
Notes
For a quick and satisfying meal, this chicken salad with rotisserie chicken is perfect. It’s easy to customize with your favorite add-ins, making it a versatile and healthy option for lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 00
- Category: Chicken Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg