This gourmet chicken salad comes together in minutes using shredded rotisserie chicken, crisp celery, red onion, and a creamy-tangy dressing. It’s perfect for meal prep, making about a quart to keep in the fridge for sandwiches, salads, or even as a dip for fresh veggies throughout the week.
In my tutorial, I piled it high on a toasted sweet Hawaiian roll, but it’s just as delicious over greens, tucked into a sandwich, or scooped with crackers.
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Quick Chicken Salad with a French Twist
Chicken salad is a classic comfort food, but this version takes it a step further by drawing inspiration from French ingredients that elevate the flavor without straying too far from the familiar.
Dijon mustard, capers, and a splash of white wine vinegar add a briny, tangy note that balances perfectly with the creamy mayonnaise and fresh lemon juice. The result? A chicken salad that feels gourmet yet approachable, turning simple store-bought rotisserie chicken into something special.
Try It On
This recipe isn’t just about flavor; it’s also about versatility. Smear it on crackers, toasted bagels, sweet Hawaiian rolls, or even tuck it into wraps and sandwiches. It’s quick to make, easy to store, and perfect for weekly meal prep that doesn’t taste like “leftovers.”
Why You’ll Like It
- Elevates store-bought chicken: into something homemade and special.
- French-inspired flavors: with a familiar chicken salad base.
- Quick and efficient: ready in 15 minutes with a rotisserie shortcut.
- Perfect for meal prep: makes a quart to last through the week.
- Versatile serving options: spread on crackers, rolls, bagels, or over greens.
Chef Kitchen Tip: If you do a lot of meal prep, consider investing in a KitchenAid stand mixer, learn more under Equipment. Not only does it make shredding chicken for this recipe effortless, but with so many attachments available, it’s perfect for batching prep, from cooking just for yourself or for the whole family.
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- Cook's Notebook: Cooking Tips and Tutorials
- How to Shred Chicken | Easy Methods for Meal Prep
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Ingredients with Steps
To make this chicken salad, shred a rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large bowl with diced celery and red onion for crunch.
Whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, capers, white wine vinegar, seasonings, and fresh lemon juice to create a creamy, tangy dressing, then toss it with the chicken mixture until evenly coated. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. It yields approximately 1 quart and will remain fresh for up to 5 days.
Alternative Steps! If you watch my tutorial, you'll see I did it all in the KitchenAid stand mixer.
Culinary Glossary
This section concisely defines key ingredients and techniques related to this Rotisserie Chicken Salad post to enhance understanding and improve cooking skills.
- Rotisserie Chicken: A store-bought, pre-cooked whole chicken, often seasoned and roasted on a rotating spit.
- Capers: Pickled flower buds with a salty, briny bite that add tangy flavor to salads and dressings.
- All-Purpose Seasoning: A blend of herbs and spices designed to complement a variety of savory dishes.
- Creole Seasoning: A bold spice mix from Louisiana cuisine, often containing paprika, cayenne, garlic, onion, and herbs.
White Vinegar vs. White Wine Vinegar. White vinegar is a strong, sharp-tasting vinegar made from grain alcohol, commonly used for pickling, cleaning, and recipes that need high acidity. White wine vinegar, on the other hand, is milder and made from fermented white wine, offering a fruitier, more nuanced flavor that complements dressings, sauces, and gourmet recipes such as chicken salad.
Instructions with Pictures
Follow the instructions and cooking tips below using the Rotisserie Chicken Salad step-by-step picture guide.
Shred the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces using the KitchenAid stand mixer.
Small dice celery for added crunch.
Small dice and add red onion for color and flavor.
For the creamy texture, add organic mayo.
To give the tart flavor that cuts through the creaminess, add Dijon mustard.
Add capers to add a touch of saltiness that rounds out the flavors.
Add white wine vinegar compared to white vinegar since it is slightly more delicate, while still giving that acidic flair.
Add your favorite poultry or all-purpose seasoning. Here you can control the salt by choosing a salt-free blend.
Adding a Cajun Seasoning like Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning will give it that kick of heat that makes this perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or a dip for crispy vegetable sticks.
To round off the whole chicken salad and to give a boost of freshness, add fresh-squeezed lemon juice.
Quickly combine all with the KitchenAid paddle. Be sure not to overmix.
Easily store in your favorite food storage container to snack on throughout the week.
Equipment
Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe with ease:
- Cutting board & chef’s knife – For dicing celery, onion, and prepping the chicken.
- Large mixing bowl – To combine the shredded chicken with the dressing.
- Small mixing bowl – For whisking the dressing ingredients together.
- Whisk – Helps emulsify the mayo, Dijon, and vinegar into a smooth dressing.
- Measuring cups & spoons – For accurate portions of mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, and seasonings.
- Airtight container – Essential for storing the salad; keeps it fresh for up to 5 days.
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment (optional) – A quick way to shred the rotisserie chicken if you don’t want to do it by hand.
Kitchen Must-Haves Reviews
Find a collection of my reviews of kitchen equipment that I have purchased or recommend. Kitchen Must-Haves - Find other tools I use here.
Review: I’ve had my KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer for over a decade, and it’s still going strong. This thing is truly built to last. Whether I’m kneading dough, whipping egg whites, or blending a batch of felato base, it handles everything effortlessly. What makes it essential in my kitchen isn’t just the motor power or durability, it’s the versatility. With so many available attachments (like the pasta roller, food grinder, and slicer/shredder), it’s more like a multifunctional kitchen hub than just a mixer. If you're serious about cooking or baking, this is an investment that will earn its keep over and over again. Highly recommend.
My Review: I love the clean, classic look of this Pyrex 3-piece glass mixing bowl set. It’s a staple in my kitchen. Pyrex is known for its durability, and these bowls definitely live up to that reputation. I use them for everything from mixing batters to storing leftovers, and the fact that they’re microwave-safe makes them super multifunctional. They’re also easy to clean and stack nicely in the cabinet. The only reason this isn’t a five-star for me is because I always have that little fear of breaking them when I’m using or storing them, even though they’re made to last.
My Review: First of all, I love the look of these Walfos silicone whisks. The sleek design instantly caught my eye. They’re sturdy, heat-resistant, and perfect for mixing in non-stick pans without scratching. A dependable, stylish set that gets regular use in my kitchen.
My Review: These Pyrex Freshlock containers are the closest match to my favorite Ikea version, shallow, stackable, and built for everyday use. The shallow design is especially helpful for food safety, allowing hot meals to cool down faster before refrigerating. They don’t stain, the airtight locking lids seal in freshness, and they work beautifully for both hot and cold storage. Plus, they’re freezer-, microwave-, and dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
Storage Instructions
Learn how to store leftovers so they stay fresh and flavorful properly.
Refrigerator: Transfer the chicken salad into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. For the freshest taste and texture, press a piece of parchment or plastic wrap directly against the surface of the salad before sealing the lid. This helps minimize air exposure and keeps the dressing from separating.
Meal prep tip: Divide the salad into individual portions using small containers or jars. This makes it easy to grab-and-go for lunches, snacks, or quick dinners without having to open and reseal the entire batch.
Avoid freezing: Mayonnaise-based salads don’t freeze well because the dressing tends to separate when thawed, leaving the chicken watery and the texture unappealing. Stick to refrigerating only.
Keep it cold: Always return the chicken salad to the fridge within 2 hours of serving. If you’re taking it to a picnic, pack it in a cooler with ice packs to keep it food-safe.
Refreshing the salad: If the chicken salad looks a little dry after sitting for a few days, stir in a teaspoon of mayonnaise, yogurt, or even a squeeze of lemon juice to bring it back to life before serving.
Substitutions
Find easy ingredient swaps to accommodate dietary needs or what you already have on hand in your pantry.
Dairy-Free
- Yay! This recipe is already dairy-free.
Gluten-Free
- Bonus! This recipe is also gluten-free.
Vegetarian
- There are no alternative options to make this recipe vegetarian yet.
Convenience
- Rotisserie chicken: Use 4 cups cooked chicken breasts or thighs (boiled, baked, or poached).
- Celery: Swap with cucumber, fennel, or even diced bell pepper for crunch.
- Red onion: Use yellow onion, green onions, or shallots if that’s what you have.
- Organic mayonnaise: Regular mayo works fine; Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used for a lighter option.
- Dijon mustard: Substitute with yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard for a different flavor.
- Capers: Try chopped green olives or pickles for a briny bite.
- Organic white wine vinegar: Apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, or lemon juice make great swaps.
- All-purpose seasoning: Use garlic powder + onion powder + a pinch of paprika if you don’t have a blend.
- Fresh lemon juice: Bottled lemon juice in a pinch, or substitute with lime juice.
- Tony Chacheres Creole Seasoning: Cajun seasoning, Old Bay, or even a dash of chili powder and paprika.
Change Heat Level - Modify the recipe's heat level to your liking and learn more about the Scoville Scale and Chili Pairings.
5 Cooking Tips
Cook's Notebook is your Cooking Tips Resource Guide. Become a better home cook with tips to help you cook more efficiently. Learn more about How to Shred Chicken | Easy Methods for Meal Prep.
- Shred while warm: Rotisserie chicken is easiest to shred when it’s still slightly warm; the meat pulls apart more easily and stays juicier.
- Use a stand mixer for speed: If making a large batch, toss the chicken into a KitchenAid with the paddle attachment on low for quick, even shredding.
- Dice veggies finely: Small, even cuts of celery and red onion blend better into the salad and make each bite balanced.
- Chill before serving: Let the chicken salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Portion right away: Divide into single-serve containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or to help the salad last longer by minimizing repeated exposure to air.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here, you will find a list of common questions that I have answered. If you have questions, please write them in the comment section below.
Yes! While rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor from its seasoning, you can easily use boiled, baked, or poached chicken breasts or thighs. Aim for about 4 cups of shredded chicken to match the recipe.
Stored properly in an airtight container, chicken salad will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. For food safety, avoid leaving it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
It’s not recommended to freeze chicken salad since mayonnaise and vinegar don’t thaw well, they tend to separate and turn watery. If you’d like to prep ahead, freeze just the shredded chicken, then mix in the dressing when ready to serve.
Swap mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt or a mix of half mayo and half yogurt. You’ll still get a creamy texture but with extra protein and fewer calories. You can also cut back slightly on the mayo and add a splash more lemon juice for brightness.
Chopped green olives, dill pickles, or even relish make great alternatives if you don’t have capers on hand. Each will add a briny kick that balances the creamy dressing.
Turn up the heat by adding extra Creole seasoning, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a bit of hot sauce to the dressing. This gives the chicken salad a bold, spicy kick while maintaining its classic creamy base.
Yes! It’s actually better if you make it at least a few hours in advance. The flavors deepen as it chills, making it perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or as a dip for crackers and veggies at gatherings.
Chicken Recipes
Looking for other chicken recipes like this? Try these:
- Finger-Licking Chicken Wing Recipes You’ll Crave All Year
- Jerk Fajita Trio: 3 Must-Try Recipes for a Spicy Weeknight Cook-Up
- Air Fryer Chicken and Pork Belly Tacos | Easy & Crispy
- Easy Sheet Pan Jerk Chicken Fajitas | Oven-Roasted Yum
Quick Meal Prep Ideas
Looking for other quick recipes like this? Try these:
- Batch‑Prep Aromatics & Staples on Sunday Roundup
- Mirepoix: The Classic French Flavor Base Every Home Cook Should Batch-Prep
- How to Make Ata Gige Paste – A Nigerian Aromatic Base for Cooking
- Garlic and Ginger Paste: A Flavor Shortcut Every Home Cook Needs
📖 Recipe
Quick Gourmet Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 1 whole rotisserie chicken
- 2 ribs celery finely diced
- ½ small red onion finely diced
- ½ cup organic mayonaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon capers whole or chopped
- 2 teaspoons organic white wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon all-purpose seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Tony Chacheres Creole Seasoning adjust to taste
- ½ fresh lemon juiced
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl optional
- Whisk optional
Instructions
- Save Time in the Kitchen: Read the instructions thoroughly, then gather and prep all your ingredients before cooking! Learn Prepping Tips.
- Prep the Chicken: Shred the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the Crunch: Stir in diced celery and red onion.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or straight into the mixer, add or whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, capers, vinegar, seasonings, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss until evenly coated if a mixing bowl was used.
- Chill & Store: Transfer to an airtight container. Makes about 1 quart and keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Notes
- On a toasted sweet Hawaiian roll for a slightly sweet and savory bite.
- Over a fresh greens salad with extra capers and lemon zest.
- Packed into a hearty sandwich or wrap.
- Served as a dip with veggie sticks or crackers.
Nutrition
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Chef Maika Frederic
Chef and Educator
Haitian-American chef and educator Maika Frederic blends bold flavors with approachable recipes. With a background in both professional kitchens, classrooms, and children therapy as a trained chef, former teacher and technician she brings a thoughtful, inclusive touch to every dish. Through her platform, Just Maika Cooking, she shares diverse meals and practical tips to empower home cooks of all ages and levels.
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