Easy Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe (Ready in Minutes!)

↓ Jump to Recipe

Have you ever stood in your kitchen staring at a rotisserie chicken, wondering how to transform it into a satisfying meal? This rotisserie chicken salad recipe is your answer. Starting with pre-cooked chicken saves valuable time while delivering maximum flavor. The combination of tender rotisserie chicken with crisp vegetables and a perfectly seasoned creamy dressing creates a versatile dish that works for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making chicken salad with rotisserie chicken isn’t just convenient—it’s genius. The slow-roasted, seasoned meat adds depth of flavor that plain poached chicken simply can’t match. Plus, the moist texture of rotisserie chicken means your salad stays juicy and delicious, never dry. This Costco rotisserie chicken salad (or from any grocery store) transforms an ordinary supermarket purchase into a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Rotisserie Chicken Salad Ingredients

The Main Components

1 rotisserie chicken (about 5 cups of pulled chicken)
1 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced onion
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt

Optional Add-ins for Flavor Variation

1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or tarragon)
1/4 cup diced red bell pepper for color and crunch
1/4 cup halved red grapes for sweetness
2 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds or chopped pecans
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

How This Chicken Salad Is Different

Rotisserie chicken salad highlights store-bought roasted chicken for deeper flavor and faster prep. It’s more savory than standard chicken salad recipes.

How to Make Chicken Salad with Rotisserie Chicken

Preparing the Chicken

Remove all the meat from the rotisserie chicken, discarding the skin and bones (or save them for homemade stock).
Shred or chop the chicken meat into bite-sized pieces, aiming for uniform size for the best texture in your finished chicken salad.
Place the prepared chicken in a large mixing bowl and set aside.

Mixing the Salad

In a separate medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, poultry seasoning, and salt. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
Add the diced celery and onion to the bowl with the rotisserie chicken.
Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the chicken and vegetables, then gently fold everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations for the Best Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Texture Adjustments

For a creamier chicken salad, add an additional 2-3 tablespoons of mayonnaise or mix in 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt.
If your chicken salad seems too thick, thin it with a splash of buttermilk or an extra squeeze of lemon juice.
For extra crunch, add water chestnuts, diced apple, or chopped walnuts.

Flavor Variations

Greek-style: Mix in 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, 2 tablespoons chopped Kalamata olives, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano.
Curry chicken salad: Add 1-2 teaspoons of curry powder, 1/4 cup golden raisins, and 2 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds.
Southwest: Incorporate 1/4 cup corn kernels, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin.
Herb garden: Add 2 tablespoons each of freshly chopped dill, parsley, and chives for a bright, herbaceous flavor.
Cranberry walnut: Mix in 1/3 cup dried cranberries and 1/4 cup toasted chopped walnuts for sweet-savory balance.

Time-Saving Tips

Prepare this rotisserie chicken salad recipe up to 2 days ahead for meal prep.
Use pre-chopped vegetables from the produce section to minimize chopping time.
Make a double batch and use it throughout the week for quick lunches and snacks.

Salad Dressings That Pair Well With Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Complementary Homemade Dressings

Creamy Yogurt Ranch Dressing: The tangy, herby notes of this lighter ranch variation complement the rotisserie chicken’s savory flavor without overwhelming it. The yogurt base adds probiotic benefits while cutting down on fat compared to traditional ranch.
Lemon Vinaigrette: If serving your chicken salad over greens, this bright, citrusy dressing enhances the lemon notes already present in the rotisserie chicken salad recipe while adding a refreshing contrast to the creamy base.
Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing: The slight sweetness and acidity of apple cider vinegar cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise base, creating a balanced bite when drizzled over a chicken salad lettuce wrap.
Creamy Avocado Dressing: This nutrient-dense option pairs wonderfully if you’re serving your chicken salad in a more deconstructed style, with the avocado’s creaminess echoing the mayonnaise while adding healthy fats and a beautiful color.

What to Serve With Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Main Meal Ideas

This versatile chicken salad with rotisserie chicken works beautifully in multiple presentations:

Sandwiches on croissants, sourdough, or whole grain bread
Stuffed in pita pockets with fresh greens
Wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option
Scooped onto a bed of mixed greens for a complete salad meal
Stuffed into hollowed tomatoes or avocado halves for an elegant presentation

Side Dishes That Complement

For a complete meal, pair your rotisserie chicken salad with:

Crispy Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts for a nutritious vegetable side
Fresh fruit salad with seasonal berries and melons
Kettle chips or vegetable crisps for crunch
Light vegetable soup like tomato basil or butternut squash
Simple green salad with a complementary vinaigrette

Storage Tips for Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Keeping It Fresh

Proper storage is key to maintaining the flavor and safety of your homemade chicken salad with rotisserie chicken:

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Do not leave the salad at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour if the ambient temperature is above 90°F).
If making ahead for meal prep, consider storing the dressing separately from the chicken and vegetables until ready to serve.
For best flavor, take the chicken salad out of the refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off.
Never freeze chicken salad with mayonnaise, as it will separate and become watery when thawed.

FAQs About Rotisserie Chicken Salad

How long does rotisserie chicken salad last in the refrigerator?

When properly stored in an airtight container, this rotisserie chicken salad recipe will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Always check for any off odors or appearance before consuming leftovers.

Can I use light mayonnaise or another substitute in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute light mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, or a combination of both to reduce calories. Keep in mind that using all Greek yogurt will result in a tangier flavor profile and slightly different texture.

Is Costco rotisserie chicken good for making chicken salad?

Absolutely! Costco rotisserie chickens are known for being large, juicy, and well-seasoned, making them perfect for chicken salad. Their size also provides excellent value, often yielding enough meat for a double batch of this recipe.

How can I make this rotisserie chicken salad recipe healthier?

To create a lighter version, replace half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, add more vegetables like shredded carrots or diced bell peppers, and serve over greens instead of bread. You can also use the white meat only if you’re watching fat intake.

Final Thoughts on Making Chicken Salad with Rotisserie Chicken

A Versatile Kitchen Staple

This rotisserie chicken salad recipe proves that delicious food doesn’t need to be complicated. By starting with a store-bought rotisserie chicken, you’re already halfway to a meal that’s greater than the sum of its parts. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and creamy dressing creates a satisfying dish that works for casual lunches, elegant luncheons, or quick weeknight dinners.

What makes this recipe truly special is its adaptability. Once you master the basic method of how to make chicken salad with rotisserie chicken, you can customize it endlessly to suit your taste preferences and what you have on hand. The next time you pick up a rotisserie chicken at the grocery store, remember this recipe and transform that convenient purchase into a homemade dish your family will request again and again.

Other Salads to Try

Authentic Turkish Shepherd Salad (Çoban Salatası)

A refreshing, vibrant traditional Turkish salad featuring crisp vegetables and a simple lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect as a side dish or part of a mezze spread.

Fresh Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Creamy Dressing

A crunchy, flavorful salad featuring broccoli, cauliflower, bacon, and dried cranberries in a creamy homemade dressing.

broccoli cauliflower salad recipe featured

Roasted Cauliflower Potato Salad (Keto-Friendly)

A delicious low-carb alternative to traditional potato salad featuring roasted cauliflower, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy dill dressing.