This Million Dollar Chicken Salad is a creamy, tasty mix of chicken, crunchy veggies, and nuts. It’s the perfect blend of flavors that makes every bite delightful!
Whenever I make this, I can’t help but sneak a little while preparing. And honestly, it’s great on sandwiches or with crackers—you can’t go wrong!
I love how easy this salad is to whip up. Just mix everything in one bowl, and you have a delicious meal ready to impress friends or family!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken is essential. You can use rotisserie chicken for speed or leftover grilled chicken. If you need a healthier option, try using poached chicken breast, which is leaner.
Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess! If you’re looking for a lighter version, Greek yogurt is a great substitute. It’s tangy and still keeps that creamy texture.
Sour Cream: This ingredient offers a nice tang. You could swap it with plain yogurt, which will also keep it creamy and add a bit of flavor.
Celery: It gives a nice crunch. If you want to switch it up, diced apples or cucumbers add great freshness and crunch, perfect for a sweeter twist.
Green Onions: They bring a mild onion flavor. Chopped red or yellow onions work too, but use them sparingly as they are more potent in flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: The cheese adds richness. A sharp cheddar will enhance the flavor even more, but you can also use Pepper Jack for a spicy kick.
Bacon: This gives a smoky flavor. For a healthier version, use turkey bacon or skip it altogether and add smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.
Slivered Almonds: They add a nutty crunch. You could also try walnuts, pecans, or even sunflower seeds if you’re nut-free.
How Do I Mix Everything Without Making a Mess?
Mixing the ingredients properly ensures a delicious chicken salad! Start by combining the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, and sour cream in a large bowl. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together instead of stirring, which helps keep the chicken intact.
- Add diced celery, green onions, cheddar cheese, bacon, and almonds gradually to the bowl.
- Drizzle in the lemon juice and sprinkle salt and pepper.
- Use the folding technique again to combine all ingredients without squishing them.
- Cover and refrigerate as this allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
Mixing carefully is key to keeping the salad enjoyable to eat. Happy cooking!
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup celery, diced
- ½ cup green onions, sliced
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- ¼ cup slivered almonds
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Million Dollar Chicken Salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes in the fridge to chill and meld the flavors together. In total, you’ll be looking at around 40 minutes from start to finish, but the wait is well worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base:
Start by grabbing a large bowl. Add the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Use a spatula or a spoon to mix everything together really well, making sure the chicken gets fully coated in the creamy goodness.
2. Add the Crunchy Ingredients:
Next, it’s time to bring in some crunch! Add the diced celery, sliced green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and slivered almonds to your chicken mixture. These ingredients add texture and flavor, so mix until they are evenly distributed.
3. Season and Squeeze:
Now, drizzle in the lemon juice for a nice fresh kick. It brightens up the flavors! Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together one more time until it’s all well combined and creamy.
4. Chill Out:
Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step helps all those yummy flavors come together, making the salad even better!
5. Serve and Enjoy!
When you’re ready to serve, you can dish out the Million Dollar Chicken Salad on a bed of lettuce, make it into tasty sandwiches, or serve it with crackers as a delightful appetizer. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Substitute Greek Yogurt for Mayonnaise or Sour Cream?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt can be a healthier substitute for both mayonnaise and sour cream. It will add a tangy flavor and creamy texture. Just use the same amount as the recipe calls for, but keep in mind it may alter the taste slightly!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Chicken Salad?
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If it becomes a little dry, simply stir in a tablespoon of mayonnaise or yogurt to refresh it before serving.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, this chicken salad can be made a day in advance! Just prepare it as directed, cover it, and refrigerate. The flavors will develop even more overnight, making it taste even better the next day!
What Can I Use Instead of Almonds?
If you have nut allergies or simply prefer not to use almonds, try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a crunchy texture. You can also omit nuts entirely for a simpler version, and it will still be delicious!
