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Chicken Salad Recipe

A creamy, crunchy chicken salad made with rotisserie chicken, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, celery, and a honey Dijon dressing. Ready in 20 minutes and perfect for lunch or make-ahead meal prep.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Appetizer, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 312

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups rotisserie chicken diced
  • 0.5 cup pecans coarsely chopped, toasted
  • 0.33 cup dried cranberries
  • 2 stalks celery thinly sliced, about 1/2 cup
  • 0.25 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp sour cream light works fine
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1.5 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1.5 tsp poppy seeds optional
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl for dressing
  • Dry skillet for toasting pecans
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Place the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and lightly golden. Watch closely to prevent burning. Remove from heat, let cool, then coarsely chop.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the diced rotisserie chicken, cooled toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and sliced celery. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and lemon juice until smooth.
  4. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir gently until everything is well coated. Season with salt and pepper starting with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Taste and adjust as needed.
  5. Serve immediately on croissants with lettuce, with sliced apples and crackers, or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Notes

Best served after chilling for 30 minutes or overnight as flavors deepen. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. Does not freeze well. Pecans can be swapped for sliced almonds, walnuts, or pistachios. Nutrition calculated without bread or crackers.