The Ultimate Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe: Quick, Easy & Delicious!

Let’s be honest – we’ve all been there. It’s Wednesday night you’re exhausted from work and the thought of cooking an elaborate meal makes you want to crawl into bed. That’s where rotisserie chicken comes to the rescue! Today, I’m gonna share my absolute favorite way to transform that store-bought bird into something magical – a creamy, flavorful chicken salad that’ll make your tastebuds dance.

As someone who’s made this recipe approximately 473 times (okay slight exaggeration), I can promise you this it’s foolproof, quick, and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive in!

Why Rotisserie Chicken Salad Is My Go-To Meal

Before I share the recipe lemme tell you why I’m obsessed with rotisserie chicken salad

• Super time-saving – uses pre-cooked chicken
• Versatile – can be eaten in multiple ways (sandwiches, wraps, on greens)
• Healthy – packed with protein and veggies
• Budget-friendly – one chicken makes several meals
• No cooking required – perfect for hot summer days

The Secret Ingredient That Changes Everything

A lot of mayo is called for in most chicken salad recipes. But I have a better idea that will blow your mind: avocado! Yes, that creamy, tasty fruit (technically it is a fruit!) makes the best base for chicken salad. When mixed with a little yogurt, it makes this amazing creaminess without all the extra calories that come from using mayo alone.

Think of it as the beautiful love child of guacamole and chicken salad. And who wouldn’t want that?

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this amazing chicken salad, gather these ingredients:

• 1 pound rotisserie chicken meat (breast works best), chopped into small pieces
• 1 large ripe avocado
• 3 heaping tablespoons plain yogurt (regular or Greek)
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
• 1/3 cup red onion, diced
• Juice from 1 lime (optional but recommended)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• Sea salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to make the best chicken salad of your life? Let’s go!

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken

First things first – we need to get that chicken ready. Here’s what I do:

1. Remove all the meat from your rotisserie chicken
2. Focus on the breast meat (it’s leaner, but thigh meat works too if you prefer)
3. Chop it into small, bite-sized pieces
4. Measure out about 1 pound (this is roughly half a standard rotisserie chicken)

Tip: If you’re really in a hurry, you can even use drained canned chicken breast instead. In a pinch, it works, but it won’t taste as good.

Step 2: Create Your Creamy Base

This is where the magic happens:

1. In a large bowl, add your ripe avocado
2. Add 3 heaping tablespoons of plain yogurt
3. Mash and mix them together until well combined but still a little chunky

The texture should be smooth, but you should still be able to see some small avocado chunks. This makes the salad more interesting than just mayo that is smooth.

Step 3: Add Your Veggies & Seasonings

Now let’s add some crunch and flavor:

1. Add your chopped celery, diced bell pepper, and red onion to the bowl
2. Squeeze in the juice from one lime (this adds tanginess and keeps the avocado from browning)
3. Sprinkle in the onion powder and garlic powder
4. Add salt and pepper to taste

Step 4: Mix It All Together

1. Add your chopped rotisserie chicken to the bowl
2. Gently fold everything together until well combined
3. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed

And voilà! You’ve got yourself an amazing chicken salad that’s ready to eat immediately. No waiting, no cooking – just pure deliciousness.

Nutritional Benefits

For those of you counting macros or just trying to eat healthier, here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (recipe makes 4 servings):

Pretty impressive, right? High protein, low carb, and packed with healthy fats from the avocado.

Ways to Serve Your Chicken Salad

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are my favorite ways to enjoy it:

1. The Classic Sandwich

Layer it between two slices of whole wheat bread with some lettuce and tomato. Simple but SO good.

2. Lettuce Wraps

For a low-carb option, scoop it into large lettuce leaves. I prefer romaine or butter lettuce for this.

3. On a Bed of Greens

Turn it into a proper salad by serving it over mixed greens with some extra veggies.

4. Stuffed in a Pita

Warm up a whole wheat pita, cut it in half, and stuff each pocket with chicken salad.

5. Pinwheels

Spread it on a whole wheat tortilla, roll it up tightly, and slice into pinwheels for a party appetizer.

Common Questions About Rotisserie Chicken Salad

How long will this chicken salad last in the fridge?

Unfortunately, because of the avocado, this salad doesn’t have a super long shelf life. I recommend consuming it within 2-3 days. The lime juice helps prevent browning, but it’s definitely best enjoyed fresh.

Can I freeze chicken salad?

Sadly, no. This recipe doesn’t freeze well due to the avocado and yogurt. The texture would be completely different after thawing.

What if I don’t like avocado?

If you’re not a fan of avocado (though I can’t imagine why not!), you can substitute with traditional mayo. Use about 1/3 cup of mayo instead of the avocado and reduce the yogurt to 1 tablespoon.

Can I add other ingredients?

Absolutely! This recipe is super flexible. Some tasty additions include:

• Chopped apples for sweetness
• Grapes cut in half
• Chopped nuts for extra crunch (walnuts or almonds work great)
• Fresh herbs like dill or parsley
• A spoonful of Dijon mustard for tang

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Salad Every Time

After making this recipe countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks:

1. Use chicken that’s completely cooled – if the chicken is still warm, it’ll make the avocado and yogurt mixture too runny

2. Don’t overmix – gentle folding keeps everything chunky and texturally interesting

3. Season generously – chicken salad needs a good amount of salt and pepper to really shine

4. Let it sit for 30 minutes – if you have time, letting the flavors meld in the fridge for half an hour makes it even better

5. Choose a ripe but firm avocado – too soft and your salad will be mushy, too hard and it won’t blend well

Why This Recipe Is Better Than Store-Bought

I used to buy pre-made chicken salad from the deli counter, but once I started making this version, I never went back. Here’s why:

• Fresher ingredients – no preservatives or mystery ingredients
• Healthier profile – less fat, more protein, more fiber
• Customizable – adjust the seasonings to your preference
• Cost-effective – much cheaper to make at home
• Better texture – store-bought often has a weird uniform consistency

The Bottom Line

Making chicken salad with rotisserie chicken is one of the smartest kitchen hacks I know. It transforms an ordinary store-bought chicken into multiple delicious, healthy meals with minimal effort.

The avocado-yogurt base is a game-changer that makes this recipe stand out from traditional chicken salads. It’s creamy, tangy, and so satisfying that you won’t miss the mayo at all.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just need a quick dinner solution, this recipe has got you covered. Give it a try and I guarantee it’ll become a regular in your kitchen rotation!

So next time you’re at the grocery store, grab that rotisserie chicken and the few simple ingredients you need for this recipe. Your future hungry self will thank you!

What’s your favorite way to use rotisserie chicken? Drop me a comment below – I’d love to hear your ideas!

Ready to Try More Healthy Recipes?

If you enjoyed this rotisserie chicken salad recipe, check out some of my other healthy meal ideas on the blog. From protein-packed breakfasts to quick weeknight dinners, I’ve got tons of recipes that prove healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or complicated.

Happy cooking!