Crunchy Chicken Salad with Mayo and Cold Fried Chicken

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A satisfying chicken salad mixing creamy mayo with crunchy cold fried chicken pieces for a delightful texture contrast. This chicken-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 10 minutes pairs mayonnaise, celery, finely chopped, red onion, finely diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Serves 4 Chicken cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper, stirring well to form the dressing.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cups bite-sized pieces of cold fried chicken (skin removed), 1/2 cup finely chopped celery, and 1/4 cup finely diced red onion to the bowl.
  3. Step 3: Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly in the mayo dressing, ensuring the chicken pieces retain some crunch.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for a bright finish.
  5. Step 5: Refrigerate for 15 minutes before serving chilled on sandwiches or over a bed of greens.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crunchy Chicken Salad with Mayo and Cold Fried Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Crunchy Chicken Salad with Mayo and Cold Fried Chicken?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep mayonnaise from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crunchy Chicken Salad with Mayo and Cold Fried Chicken?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crunchy Chicken Salad with Mayo and Cold Fried Chicken for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Crunchy Chicken Salad with Mayo and Cold Fried Chicken?

Chicken sandwiches & wraps like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes