What Makes This Recipe So Good
Chicken salad is one of those quintessential summer dishes. I mean, yes, of course, you can have chicken salad any time of year. But there’s something about it that just says summer. Maybe it’s how light and creamy and refreshing it is… or how easy it is to make. Whatever it is, we’ve doubled down on the summer vibes by combining classic chicken salad with rich, smoky, sweet BBQ flavors. And it’s REALLY REALLY REALLY GOOD.This recipe is so easy to make, and you can make it even easier by using already-cooked chicken. I like to use Costco’s rotisserie chicken when I’m in a pinch because it’s DELICIOUS, cost-effective, and all you have to do is shred it. If you’re Whole30 or keto, though, you’ll want to avoid the Costco rotisserie. They use sugar in their brine.You can absolutely mix up some BBQ chicken salad ahead of time, making it perfect for party prep or just your every-week meal prep. Just refrigerate it in an airtight container until you’re ready to enjoy it.
Chef’s Tips
You can serve your BBQ chicken salad right away and it will be absolutely delicious. BUT. If you’ve got time, I recommend letting it chill in the fridge at least 30 minutes before you serve it. That window gives the flavors a chance to really meld together and deepen, making things even more amazing.So what’s the best way to serve it? Depends on what you like! If you’re having the chicken salad as your meal, I’d opt for burger buns, lettuce cups, or even a scoop or two of chicken salad on top of a mixed greens salad. If you plan to put it out as an appetizer or dip, include some buttery crackers, bacon chips, and sticks of celery. Just need a light snack? Don’t hesitate to enjoy it all on its own.Before you serve the chicken salad, give it another quick dusting of dry rub. Trust me.Don’t forget food safety! We’ve got chicken and mayo here, so don’t let your chicken salad sit out for more than 2 hours at room temperature. Taking this to a potluck or cookout? If you’re outdoors and it’s hotter than 90° Fahrenheit outside, the chicken salad should only sit out for 1 hour, MAX.
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