Ultimate Deli-Style Chicken Salad

If you’re in the mood for a savory, classic chicken salad, this Ultimate Deli Chicken Salad delivers every time. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for lunches, picnics, or anytime you need a reliable, crowd-pleasing dish.

Ultimate Deli Chicken Salad

Ingredients

Gather everything you’ll need before starting:

Ingredient	Amount
Boneless chicken breasts, diced	500 g
Boneless chicken thighs, diced	300 g
Olive oil	2 tbsp
Sea salt	½ tsp
Black pepper	¼ tsp
Granulated onion	½ tsp
Mayonnaise	⅔ cup
Celery, diced	3 stalks
Additional salt & pepper	To taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a roasting pan with aluminum foil.

2. Season the Chicken
Place the diced chicken breasts and thighs in a bowl and toss with olive oil. Sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, and granulated onion, mixing until evenly coated.

3. Prepare for Baking
Spread the seasoned chicken evenly in the prepared roasting pan. Cover loosely with foil.

4. Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the thickest pieces reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

5. Cool the Chicken
Remove from the oven and let rest for about 10 minutes. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour.

6. Dice the Chicken
Once chilled, cut the chicken into pieces approximately ¼ inch long and ½ inch wide.

7. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, celery, and mayonnaise. Stir gently until evenly mixed.

8. Chill Again
Cover and refrigerate for 1–2 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to blend.

9. Adjust Seasoning
Taste before serving and add extra salt or pepper if needed.

10. Serve
Enjoy on sandwiches, wrapped in lettuce, over greens, or however you like.