For years, I thought truly great chicken salad was best left to the pros. All I wanted was the kind of salad you scoop from a deli container, piled high on rye, creamy with just the right amount of crunch. Every bite had that unmistakable balance of richness and tang, the kind of flavor that made you wonder, How do they do it?

Lucky for us, I’ve cracked the code. The secret? Finely shredded chicken that drinks up the dressing, turning every bite into something smooth and luscious. A touch of Dijon for that signature deli zing, a little yogurt to keep things light, and suddenly, I’m back on the streets of New York, standing in line at my favorite spot, waiting for that first perfect bite. Only this time, I’m making it at home – no waiting required!

😍 Why You’ll Love This Deli-Style Chicken Salad

You know that perfectly creamy, flavorful chicken salad you get from a classic New York deli – the kind that’s just as good piled onto rye bread as it is straight from the container with a fork? This is that, but better. It’s got just the right balance of tang from Dijon and yogurt, crunch from fresh celery and red onion, and a luscious texture that clings to every bite without being heavy.

The secret? Shredding the chicken just right. Instead of chunky, uneven pieces, this version is finely shredded for a melt-in-your-mouth texture that soaks up all the flavor. It makes for the perfect deli-style consistency, without any mystery ingredients or unnecessary fillers.

What I love most is its versatility. Need an easy lunch? Scoop it onto toasted sourdough with crisp lettuce. Want a light, protein-packed snack? Wrap it up in lettuce cups or serve it alongside crackers. Meal prepping for the week? This one stays fresh and delicious for days, making it a lifesaver for busy weeks. However you serve it, this chicken salad is a simple, satisfying classic.

🗒️ Ingredients

Cooked chicken breasts – The heart of the salad: tender, juicy, and ready to soak up all the creamy, tangy goodness.

Celery – Adds that essential crunch, because no one wants a mushy chicken salad.

Red onion – A little bite, a little sweetness, and a pop of color to keep things interesting.

Kosher salt & fresh cracked black pepper – The non-negotiables for seasoning, because bland chicken salad is just not an option.

Mayonnaise – The silky base that makes everything luscious and spoon-worthy.

Plain yogurt – Lightens things up with a little tang, balancing out the richness (Greek yogurt makes it extra thick and dreamy).

Dijon mustard – The secret ingredient that gives this salad its signature deli-style zing.

Fresh parsley (optional) – A little extra brightness if you’ve got it on hand – never a bad idea!

👩‍🍳 How to Make NY Deli-Style Chicken Salad

🔪  If using rotisserie chicken, let it cool first. Tear the breasts once or twice and toss them into a stand mixer. Let it run until the chicken is finely shredded – this is the key to that signature deli-style texture. No mixer? Just use two forks to shred by hand.

🥣 Transfer the shredded chicken to a large bowl and add the minced celery, red onion, mayonnaise, yogurt, Dijon mustard, and parsley (if using).

🧂 Sprinkle in kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper. Give it a toss, then taste and adjust as needed.

❄️ Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. If you can wait longer, even better!

🥪 Scoop onto toasted sourdough, tuck into a wrap, or enjoy straight from the bowl with a fork – no judgment here!

🥳 Enjoy!

🎩 Tips and Tricks

• Cold chicken shreds best. If you’re using freshly cooked chicken, let it cool completely before shredding – it makes for a finer, fluffier texture that holds onto the dressing beautifully.
• The stand mixer hack is a game-changer. Tossing the chicken into a stand mixer gives you that ultra-fine, deli-style shred with zero effort. If you don’t have one, two forks or even your hands work just fine.
• Don’t skip the chill time. Letting the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) helps the flavors meld and makes it taste even better.
• Adjust as you go. Every chicken breast is different in size, so start with the lower amount of yogurt and mayo, then add more if needed to get your perfect consistency.
• Season at the end. The flavors intensify as the salad sits, so give it one last taste before serving and add a pinch more salt and pepper if needed.

🤲 Substitutions

• No chicken breasts? Use rotisserie chicken for extra flavor or swap in shredded turkey – it works just as well.
• Out of celery? Try diced cucumber for a fresh crunch or chopped green apple for a touch of sweetness.
• No red onion? Shallots or scallions will give you a milder bite, or leave them out if you prefer a softer flavor.
• Mayo not your thing? Use all yogurt for a tangier, lighter version, or try mashed avocado for a creamy, dairy-free option.
• No Dijon mustard? A little yellow mustard will do the trick, though Dijon adds that signature deli-style zing.
• No parsley? Fresh dill or chives bring a different but equally delicious herby note.

This salad is super forgiving – mix and match ingredients based on what you have, and it’ll still be delicious!

📓 Best served with

• Toasted sourdough or rye bread
• Crackers or toasted pita chips
• Bagels or bagel crisps
• Stuffed into a halved avocado
• Sliced cucumbers or bell pepper scoops
• Over a bed of mixed greens

👝 How to Store Leftover Deli-Style Chicken Salad

For the best flavor and freshness, store your NY Deli-Style Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 5-6 days – just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

If you like your chicken salad extra creamy, you might find that it thickens as it sits. A quick fix? Stir in a spoonful of yogurt or mayo before serving to freshen it up.

Can you freeze it? Technically, yes – but I don’t recommend it. The mayo and yogurt can separate when thawed, changing the texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the fridge!

For easy meal prep, portion it into smaller containers so you can grab and go throughout the week. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or quick scoops with crackers!

🧠 Common Questions