If you love anything pickle-related, this creamy pickle chicken salad is about to become your new obsession. It’s loaded with juicy shredded chicken, crunchy dill pickles, fresh herbs, and a creamy, tangy dressing that hits every flavor note perfectly.
This isn’t your average chicken salad. The pickles bring a bold, briny crunch, while the creamy base balances everything out into a crave-worthy, scoopable dish that’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, crackers, or straight from the bowl.
It’s quick, budget-friendly, and ideal for meal prep—making it one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again.
More Pickle Recipes You’ll Love
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with bold dill pickle flavor
- Creamy, crunchy, and perfectly balanced
- Ready in under 20 minutes
- Great for sandwiches, wraps, or lettuce cups
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
- ¾ cup dill pickles (finely chopped)
- ¼ cup red onion (finely diced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1–2 tablespoons pickle juice (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
How to Make Creamy Pickle Chicken Salad
1. Prep the Ingredients
Chop your pickles, red onion, and fresh dill. Shred or dice your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
3. Combine Everything
Add the chicken, pickles, onion, and dill into the bowl. Toss until everything is evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
4. Chill (Optional but Recommended)
For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
5. Serve
Serve on toasted bread, croissants, wraps, crackers, or over a bed of lettuce.
Tips for the Best Pickle Chicken Salad
- Use rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and convenience
- Finely chop pickles so you get flavor in every bite
- Add pickle juice gradually to control tanginess
- Let it chill before serving for deeper flavor
- Adjust creaminess with more mayo or yogurt as needed
Variations
Spicy Pickle Chicken Salad
Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Crunchy Add-Ins
Try celery, green onions, or chopped almonds for extra texture.
Low Carb Option
Serve in lettuce wraps or stuffed into avocado halves.
Extra Protein Boost
Mix in chopped hard-boiled eggs.
What to Serve With
Creamy Pickle Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 SERVINGS 1x
Description
This creamy pickle chicken salad is loaded with tender shredded chicken, crunchy dill pickles, fresh herbs, and a tangy, creamy dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or easy meal prep lunches.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
- ¾ cup dill pickles (finely chopped)
- ¼ cup red onion (finely diced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1–2 tablespoons pickle juice (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add shredded chicken, chopped dill pickles, red onion, and fresh dill.
- Add mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, and garlic powder.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Stir everything together until well combined and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning or pickle juice as needed.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes for best flavor (optional but recommended).
- Serve on sandwiches, wraps, crackers, or over lettuce.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works great for quick prep
- Add pickle juice gradually to control tanginess
- For extra crunch, add chopped celery
- Tastes even better after chilling
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Prep Time: 15 MINUTES
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Salad
- Cuisine: American
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Stir before serving.
FAQ
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes! Just drain well and break it up before mixing.
What kind of pickles work best?
Classic dill pickles work best, but you can also use garlic pickles for extra flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely—this recipe actually tastes better after chilling.
Can I freeze chicken salad?
No, the creamy dressing doesn’t freeze well.
Final Thoughts
This creamy pickle chicken salad is proof that simple ingredients can create seriously crave-worthy meals. It’s fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to throw together, making it perfect for busy days, meal prep, or last-minute lunches.
If you’re already a fan of pickle-packed recipes, this is one you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation.
