Tangy Chicken Pickle Delight

This hearty dill pickle chicken salad has become my ultimate lunch upgrade when I'm craving something both creamy and tangy. The combination of tender shredded chicken with crunchy dill pickles creates a perfect balance that makes regular sandwiches seem boring by comparison.

I first discovered this recipe when trying to use up leftover rotisserie chicken and some nearly forgotten pickles in the fridge. What started as kitchen improvisation has become my most requested dish whenever friends come over for lunch gatherings.

Ingredients

• Shredded cooked chicken: The foundation of our salad use rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor.
• Diced dill pickles: These provide the signature tangy crunch look for firm pickles with good snap.
• Minced red onion: Adds a sharp bite that balances the creaminess choose a fresh firm onion with no soft spots.
• Plain Greek yogurt: Creates creaminess with less fat than using all mayo opt for full fat for the best texture.
• Mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps bind everything together choose quality mayo for better flavor.
• Sweet pickle relish: Introduces a subtle sweetness that complements the tangy dill pickles.
• Fresh parsley: Brings brightness and color select bunches with perky unwilted leaves.
• Dijon mustard: Adds depth and complexity choose authentic Dijon for the best flavor profile.
• Dried chives: Provide a mild onion flavor that infuses the creamy dressing.
• Dried dill: Enhances the pickle flavor throughout the salad look for vibrant green dried dill.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables:

Begin by ensuring your chicken is completely cooled before shredding it into bite sized pieces neither too chunky nor too fine. Finely dice the pickles into approximately quarter inch pieces making sure to drain them thoroughly first so they dont make your salad watery. Mince the red onion into tiny pieces this ensures you get flavor without overwhelming bites of raw onion. Combine all these ingredients in a large mixing bowl allowing plenty of space for tossing.

Mix the Dressing Ingredients:

In a separate medium bowl combine Greek yogurt and mayonnaise whisking until completely smooth with no streaks remaining. Add sweet pickle relish ensuring any excess liquid is drained first. Incorporate Dijon mustard fresh parsley dried chives and dried dill whisking until the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the creamy mixture. Season with a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper remembering that the pickles will add saltiness too.

Combine Salad Ingredients and Dressing:

Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture using a flexible silicone spatula to scrape every bit of flavor from the bowl. Gently fold everything together using a lifting motion rather than stirring to maintain the texture of the chicken pieces. Continue folding until every piece of chicken is evenly coated with dressing and the mix ins are well distributed throughout. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes allowing the flavors to meld together and intensify.

Serve and Enjoy:

Scoop generous portions onto buttery croissants halves pressing slightly to help the salad adhere. Alternatively serve on toasted whole grain bread with crisp lettuce leaves or arrange atop butter crackers for easy appetizers. For a low carb option create lettuce cups using Boston or Bibb lettuce leaves. If serving as a plated salad add an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs over the top for visual appeal and brightness.

Bookmark

The secret to this recipe's incredible flavor is using both dried and fresh herbs. The dried dill infuses throughout the dressing while fresh parsley adds bright pops of flavor and color. My family particularly loves when I make this after Thanksgiving using leftover turkey instead of chicken – it's become our favorite way to transform holiday leftovers into something completely different.

Perfect Pickle Selection

The pickles you choose make a significant difference in this recipe. For the most authentic flavor, reach for kosher dill pickles that have a bright, garlicky tang rather than overly sweet varieties. I prefer the refrigerated pickle brands for their crunchier texture and fresher flavor. Always take the extra minute to pat your chopped pickles dry with paper towels before adding them to the mix – this prevents excess moisture from diluting your carefully crafted dressing. If you happen to have homemade pickles, they work beautifully here and add a wonderful artisanal touch to the finished salad.

Make It a Meal

Transform this simple chicken salad into a complete meal with thoughtful pairings. For a light lunch, serve alongside a cup of roasted tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food combination. When hosting friends, create a DIY sandwich bar with various breads, fresh greens, sliced tomatoes, and avocado so everyone can build their perfect sandwich. For a low-carb option, hollow out small cucumbers and fill them with the chicken salad for adorable, refreshing "boats" that disappear quickly at gatherings. My personal favorite serving suggestion is to spoon it over a bed of lightly dressed arugula with some halved cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of sunflower seeds for added crunch.

Storage Smart

To maximize the shelf life of your chicken salad, store it in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid rather than plastic, which can absorb flavors. Place it in the coldest part of your refrigerator, usually the back of the middle shelf. If you notice the salad drying out after a day or two, simply stir in a small spoonful of Greek yogurt to refresh the creaminess. For meal prep, consider portioning the chicken salad into individual containers along with separate servings of crackers or bread to prevent sogginess. This chicken salad actually develops deeper flavor after 24 hours in the refrigerator, making it an ideal make-ahead dish for busy households.

Recipe Q&A

→ What's the best type of chicken to use for this salad?

Rotisserie chicken is most convenient and flavorful - just remove the skin and shred. Poached boneless skinless chicken breasts work well too, as does leftover grilled chicken (trim away charred bits). Always let the chicken cool completely before mixing with other ingredients, but try to shred it while still slightly warm for easier preparation.

→ Can I make substitutions to the ingredients?

Absolutely! Try canned chicken, rotisserie chicken, tuna or turkey instead of shredded chicken. Replace Greek yogurt with all mayo or sour cream. Swap dill pickles for cucumbers (for less tang), red onion for sweet/green onions, and use fresh herbs instead of dried (use 3x the amount). Just maintain the same total quantity of creamy ingredients.

→ How should I serve this chicken salad?

This versatile salad works wonderfully on buttery croissants, toasted bread, or crackers. For a lighter option, serve over crisp lettuce with cherry tomatoes or in hollowed bell peppers. Pair with kettle-cooked potato chips for crunch or cucumber slices for freshness. For entertaining, offer a selection of breads and crackers for guests to create their perfect sandwich.

→ What are common mistakes to avoid when making this?

Using warm chicken can cause mayo and yogurt to separate - always let chicken cool completely. Insufficiently drained pickles lead to watery salad that won't stay on bread - pat them dry with paper towels. Serving immediately after preparation limits flavor development - let it chill 2+ hours or overnight. When meal prepping, store in an airtight container and stir before serving to remix any separated liquid.

→ How long does this chicken salad stay fresh?

The salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day as ingredients meld together. Give it a quick stir before serving as some liquid separation may occur. For food safety, don't leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours, and use ice packs when packing for picnics or lunches.

→ Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?

This is an excellent make-ahead dish! Prepare it a day before serving for even better flavor development. If making in advance for an event, consider adding a small additional splash of Greek yogurt or mayo just before serving to refresh the creaminess. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy within 4 days for optimal freshness.