Creamy Canned Chicken
Easy Canned Chicken Salad Recipe
This simple chicken salad made with canned chicken is perfect for quick lunches, meal prep, or a light dinner. It’s creamy, flavorful, and easy to customize with whatever you have on hand. Whether you serve it on bread, crackers, or a bed of lettuce, this classic recipe is always a hit.
Ingredients
2 (12.5 oz) cans chunk chicken breast, drained
1/3 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Chopped pickles or relish
Grapes (halved) or dried cranberries for sweetness
Chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans) for crunch
Diced apple for a fresh twist
Suggestion:
Add a high-quality canned chicken brand or a set of mixing bowls for meal prep convenience.
Instructions
Drain the canned chicken and place it in a medium bowl.
Use a fork to break apart any large chunks.
Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, celery, and red onion.
Stir gently until everything is well combined.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serving Ideas:
Serve on croissants or whole-grain bread.
Spoon over lettuce for a low-carb option.
Use as a filling for wraps or pita pockets.
Suggestion:
Include meal prep containers or reusable lunch boxes for easy storage.
Flavor Variations
1. Classic Southern Chicken Salad
Add chopped hard-boiled eggs, sweet pickle relish, and a pinch of paprika.
2. Buffalo Chicken Salad
Mix in buffalo sauce and a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles.
3. Mediterranean Chicken Salad
Add chopped olives, cucumber, feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil.
4. Healthy Greek Yogurt Version
Swap out mayonnaise for Greek yogurt, add lemon zest, and fresh dill.
Suggestion:
Feature spice blends or salad dressing shakers for quick flavor upgrades.
Seasoning Suggestions
Garlic powder
Celery salt
Dill weed
Smoked paprika
Lemon pepper
A touch of curry powder for a bold twist
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Suggestion:
Highlight a spice rack set or herb grinder for home cooks.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
(Based on 4 servings)
Calories: 220
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sugar: 1g
(Nutrition will vary based on add-ins and mayo type.)
Suggestion:
Add a digital food scale or nutrition tracker app
Final Tip
Canned chicken salad keeps well for 3–4 days in the refrigerator, making it a perfect meal prep option for the week. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
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