Dill Pickle Chicken Salad -

Name: Dill Pickle Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Ingredients: 4 cups chopped rotisserie chicken meat; 1 to 1½ cups chopped crisp dill pickles; 1 small bunch green onions (thinly sliced); For the Creamy Dressing; 6 –8 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon dill pickle juice; 3/4 teaspoon dried dill; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and black pepper (to taste)

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This bold Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is creamy, tangy, simple to make, and full of zesty pickle flavor and texture. It comes together in just minutes for the perfect quick lunch, snack or entertaining.

dill pickle chicken salad in grillos container

If you’re a lover of bold pickle flavor like we are, this easy chicken salad recipe is about to become your new obsession. This Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is a tasty twist on the classic recipe, but heavy on pickles! Packed with mouthwatering flavor and so simple to make in 15 minutes, it’s perfect for quick lunches, meal prep and entertaining.

We love making this Dill Pickle Chicken Salad during busy weeks when we need something quick that’ll fill us up and is full of exciting flavor — life gets busy, and we all deserve something delicious! Made with tender chicken, creamy mayonnaise, tangy and crisp, crunchy pickles — this Chicken Salad with Dill Pickles hits every flavor and texture note, and bonus: it actually tastes better the next day, so leftovers are a dream.

If you like this pickle idea, try some of our other pickled-flavored recipes. Our Fried Pickle Dip is always a crowd-pleaser and this zesty Dill Pickle Ranch Pasta Salad is a delicious twist on a classic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Packed with Dill Pickle Flavor: This is not your basic chicken salad! With a combination of pickle juice, fresh dill, and crunchy pickles, this recipe is packed with layers of texture and flavor.
Easy to Make: With a super simple process and just a few easy ingredients, this chicken salad comes together in no time, with ease.
Great for Meal Prep: Make this chicken salad in advance — the flavors deepen as it chills, so it’s ideal for make-ahead lunches or entertaining spreads.
High-Protein and Satisfying: This is sure to fill you up without weighing you down — it won’t leave you wanting for more!
Versatile: Serve it any way you’d like. This chicken salad is delicious so many ways — it’s perfect on a sandwich, wrap, with crackers, or in lettuce cups.

Ingredients

Scroll down to the recipe card for the exact recipe ingredients.

For the Chicken Salad:

Rotisserie Chicken: A delicious and easy store-bought shortcut. We like to keep these on hand at all times
Dill Pickles: Tangy, zesty, crunchy and bold — the star ingredient.
Green Onions: For a mild onion flavor (and pop of color!) that pairs perfectly with the pickles.

For the Creamy Dressing:

Cream Cheese: Rich and smooth for an ultra- creamy texture. Soften this beforehand.
Mayonnaise: Creamy and tangy, a must for any delicious chicken salad.
Dill Pickle Juice: For an extra burst of bright, zesty, pickle flavor.
Dried Dill: Brings even more classic pickle taste to the chicken salad.
Garlic Powder: Aromatic seasoning for more flavor.
Salt & Pepper: Seasoning is key, taste and adjust as needed.

How to Make Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

1. Add the chopped rotisserie chicken, chopped dill pickles, and sliced green onions to a large mixing bowl.

chicken, pickles and green onions in bowl

2. In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.

3. Add mayonnaise, dill pickle juice, dried dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined and creamy.

4. Spoon the dressing over the chicken mixture.

5. Stir until evenly coated.

6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. The chilling time allows the dill pickle flavor to fully infuse into the chicken.

Expert Tips

Use Rotisserie Chicken: It’s delicious, easy to use, convenient, and a great time-saving shortcut.
Don’t Skip the Pickle Juice: Just a splash adds even more extra flavor
Let it Chill: Let the chicken salad set up in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving, so the flavors meld and develop.
Adjust Mayonnaise: Use as much or as little as you’d like, based on how creamy you like your chicken salad.
Add extra dill for a fresh herb boost
Add Extra Dill: To reinforce that classic, zesty, dill pickle flavor.
Chop Finely: Dice all the ingredients on the smaller side, and in uniform, similar sizes. This ensures you get a little bit of everything in each bite.
Use a Hand Mixer to Shred the Chicken: Place warm cooked chicken breasts in a large mixing bowl and use a hand mixer on low speed. In just seconds, the chicken will shred perfectly into fine, even pieces — no forks required. Not only does this save time, but it also creates the ideal texture for creamy chicken salad because the smaller shreds hold onto the dressing better.
- You can even use the hand mixer again after adding the dressing to quickly combine everything for an ultra-creamy dill pickle chicken salad with evenly distributed flavor.

Variations

Use Greek Yogurt: Swap out mayonnaise and use full-fat Greek Yogurt for a thick, cool and creamy flavor and texture.
Add Hard-Boiled Eggs: Dice them up and mix them in for even more protein and added flavor.
Make it Spicy: Add in diced fresh or pickled jalapeños for an extra kick.
Use Sweet Pickles: Not the traditional flavor, but give them a try for a different flavor twist.

What to Serve with Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

This creamy chicken salad is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with almost anything. It’s delicious served as part of a larger spread, too. Here are our favorite ways to enjoy it, and easy sides to enjoy it with.

Serve on Sandwich bread, Croissants or in a Wrap for a classic sandwich.
Spoon into Lettuce Wraps
Serve with Crackers or Pita Chips
Add to a Salad Bowl

Serve alongside these ideas for a tasty spread:

How to Store Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

Store leftover chicken salad in airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Give it a stir to refresh before serving.

We don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the texture and dressing can change once frozen and thawed. Enjoy it fresh!

It’s actually best to make this salad in advance. The flavors deepen after a few hours in the refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best chicken to use?

Shredded rotisserie chicken works best for flavor and texture, but baked or poached chicken breasts also work well.

Can I make it lighter?

Yes — swap in Greek Yogurt for the mayonnaise, or use a combination of Greek Yogurt and mayonnaise for a slightly lighter, just as delicious version.

How long does it last?

Properly stored in an airtight container, it will last 3–4 days.

Can I use relish instead of pickles?

Sure, you’ll get a similar pickle flavor, but not the same crunchy texture. It certainly works in a pinch though.

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