Deli-Style Chicken Salad
A creamy, deli-style chicken salad made with tender shredded chicken, crisp celery, and a perfectly balanced blend of mayo and seasonings. It’s rich, flavorful, and ideal for sandwiches, wraps, or a quick, satisfying lunch.
- 500 grams approx. 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 300 grams approx. 0.6 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp sea salt plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper plus more to taste
- ½ tsp granulated onion
- ⅔ Cup high-quality mayonnaise
- 3 stalks celery finely diced
Prep the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken breasts and thighs in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Season evenly with granulated onion, black pepper, and sea salt.
Bake: Transfer the seasoned chicken to a baking dish. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F.
Cool Completely: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest in its juices for 10 minutes. Transfer the chicken to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour.
Dice the Meat: Once completely cold, use a sharp knife to dice the chicken breasts and thighs into ¼-inch by ½-inch bite-sized pieces.
Mix the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled diced chicken, finely diced celery, and mayonnaise. Stir gently until all ingredients are perfectly combined.
Marinate and Serve: Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours (or overnight for the best flavor). Before serving, taste and add a final pinch of sea salt and black pepper if desired. Enjoy!