Willow Tree Chicken Salad Recipe (Better Than Store-Bought!)
A creamy, comforting chicken salad with deli-style flavor — made right at home! This copycat Willow Tree chicken salad is simple, satisfying, and perfect for sandwiches or meal prep.
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Saucepan (for boiling chicken)
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Forks or Hand Mixer
- Spatula
Ingredients
For the Chicken Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast shredded finely
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise preferably full-fat
- 1/4 cup celery finely chopped
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp lemon juice optional, for brightness
Instructions
- Cook the chicken breast by boiling or poaching until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Let it cool slightly, then shred using forks or a hand mixer.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sugar, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix until well blended.
- Fold in the shredded chicken and finely chopped celery. Mix gently until everything is evenly coated and creamy.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
- Serve in sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or enjoy by the spoonful. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Video
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the shredded chicken in the seasoning mix before adding mayo. You can also substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.