I often find myself looking for quick and tasty lunch ideas, and chicken salad is always a winner. It’s so versatile, and you can easily change up the taste with just a few different items. Today, I’m excited to share two chicken salad recipes that I really enjoy making.
Whether you like a little kick or something sweet and tangy, these easy chicken salad recipes are perfect for busy days. You can make them ahead of time for sandwiches, wraps, or just to eat with crackers. Let’s get cooking!
Jump to Recipe:
Quick and Easy Honey Hot Chicken Salad
This chicken salad offers a fantastic balance of sweet and spicy, making your everyday lunch much more exciting. It’s very simple to put together with common ingredients you might already have.
I find this recipe great for meal prep, as it holds up well in the fridge for a few days. You’ll love the kick! 
Key Ingredients & Tips for Honey Hot Chicken Salad
- Chicken Prep: Using leftover cooked chicken or a rotisserie chicken makes this recipe super fast. Just shred it well.
- Spice Level: You can easily adjust the amount of hot sauce to fit how much heat you prefer. Start with less and add more if you like.
What You Need for Honey Hot Chicken Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce (like sriracha or buffalo sauce)
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 15 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2-3 servings
How to Make Honey Hot Chicken Salad
Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, honey, and hot sauce. Stir everything together until it is smooth and well mixed. This will be the creamy base for your chicken salad.
Step 2: Combine and Chill
Add the shredded or diced chicken and chopped celery to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together until the chicken is fully coated. Taste and add salt and pepper as you like. For best results, chill the chicken salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
📝 Final Note
This honey hot chicken salad is great on toasted bread, in lettuce cups, or served with your favorite crackers. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Making Easy Honey Mustard Chicken Salad
If you enjoy the classic taste of honey mustard, you will really like this chicken salad recipe. It brings together sweet honey with tangy mustard for a comforting and flavorful meal.
This is another simple recipe that works well for quick lunches or light dinners. I often make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week. 
Key Ingredients & Tips for Honey Mustard Chicken Salad
- Mustard Choice: Use Dijon mustard for a sharper taste, or yellow mustard for a milder, more classic honey mustard flavor.
- Adding Crunch: Finely diced red onion or water chestnuts can add extra crunch and a little sharpness to your salad.
What You Need for Honey Mustard Chicken Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 10 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2-3 servings
How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, and Dijon mustard until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. This forms the creamy and flavorful honey mustard dressing.
Step 2: Mix and Serve
Add the shredded or diced chicken and the chopped red onion (if using) to the bowl with the dressing. Gently mix everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to your preference. Serve immediately or chill for a bit to let the flavors blend even more.
📝 Final Note
This easy honey mustard chicken salad is fantastic in sandwiches, on top of green salads, or as a dip with pretzels. Keep it fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
