This Easy Million Dollar Chicken Salad is a creamy, tasty mix that will make your lunch special! With juicy chicken, crunchy celery, and flavorful seasonings, it’s a hit!
I love how quick it is to whip up! Just toss everything in a bowl and serve it on a bed of greens or in a sandwich. Perfect for impressing friends or just treating yourself! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken is the star here. Rotisserie chicken makes it super easy! If you need a substitute, canned chicken works in a pinch, or use turkey for a twist.
Celery: Adds crunch and a fresh taste. If you’re not a celery fan, try diced bell peppers or cucumbers instead. They’ll keep that crisp texture!
Cheddar Cheese: The sharp flavor of cheddar is essential. If you want a milder taste, go for Monterey Jack or even mozzarella. Vegan cheese is also an option if you want a dairy-free salad.
Bacon: Crumbled bacon gives that salty kick. For a healthier twist, turkey bacon or bacon bits can replace it. If you prefer vegetarian, leave it out or substitute with smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness!
Banana: Slivered almonds add a great crunch. You can switch to walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds if you want a different nutty flavor or texture.
What’s the Best Way to Mix Everything Together?
Getting the right mix is key to making this salad delicious. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a big bowl for enough space to toss everything.
- Combine dry ingredients (chicken, celery, cheese, nuts, bacon, and onions) and mix gently to avoid breaking everything down.
- In a smaller bowl, mix the dressing ingredients until smooth. This ensures the sugar dissolves well!
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mix and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Letting it chill in the fridge for an hour helps all those flavors blend perfectly. This is one of my favorite tips—trust me, it makes a difference!
Easy Million Dollar Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour to chill in the refrigerator. This cooling time is key to letting all those delicious flavors come together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Chicken Base:
In a large mixing bowl, add your shredded cooked chicken, finely chopped celery, shredded cheddar cheese, slivered almonds, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions. Use a spatula or a big spoon to mix them gently until everything is well combined!
2. Preparing the Dressing:
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, white vinegar, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well blended to create a smooth dressing. This will bring all the flavors together nicely!
3. Combining Everything:
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Gently stir everything together until all the ingredients are well coated in that tasty dressing. Take your time and be careful not to break up the chicken too much!
4. Chilling the Salad:
Once it’s all mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 1 hour. This waiting time allows those flavors to blend beautifully!
5. Serving Your Salad:
When you’re ready to serve, scoop the salad onto a lovely bed of greens, make sandwiches, or serve it with your favorite crackers. Enjoy your creamy, crunchy, and flavorful Million Dollar Chicken Salad!
This salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or a delightful lunch treat just for you! Enjoy! 🍽️
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken is perfect for this salad. Just make sure it’s shredded or diced into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing!
Can I Make This Chicken Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, it’s great for meal prep! You can make it up to two days in advance. Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again, as the dressing might separate a bit.
Can I Customize the Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences. You can add grapes or apples for sweetness, swap the almonds for walnuts, or use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version!
