The Ultimate Creamy Chicken Macaroni Salad: Your Go-To Recipe for Perfect Picnics & Easy Dinners
Get ready to discover the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion! This **best chicken macaroni salad recipe** combines tender chicken, al dente macaroni, and a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables, all tossed in a rich, creamy, and incredibly flavorful dressing. Whether you’re planning a summer picnic, a casual backyard barbecue, a potluck, or simply looking for a quick and easy dinner solution, this simple rotisserie chicken salad delivers on taste and convenience. It’s a versatile dish that works wonderfully as a hearty side or a satisfying main course, guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends.
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If you’re a fan of satisfying cold pasta salads, you’ll definitely want to explore my other delicious creations. Beyond this fantastic chicken macaroni salad, you’ll love my Rotisserie Chicken Salad for another chicken-based delight, my Vegan Couscous Salad with Charred Corn for a lighter, plant-based option, and my Shrimp Macaroni Salad With Cajun Spices for a seafood twist with a kick!
Why This is The Best Chicken Macaroni Salad Recipe You’ll Ever Make
Ever since perfecting my shrimp macaroni salad, I’ve been eager to create another macaroni salad recipe that can truly shine as both a delightful side dish and a fulfilling main course. And I’m thrilled to share that this is it – the **best chicken macaroni salad recipe**! It’s incredibly simple to prepare, wonderfully versatile, and consistently receives rave reviews from everyone who tries it. This recipe isn’t just about combining ingredients; it’s about creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
What makes this **creamy chicken macaroni salad** stand out is its unparalleled ease of preparation. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights or when you need a reliable dish for a large gathering without spending hours in the kitchen. The secret to its simplicity lies in using pre-cooked chicken. You can effortlessly use leftover shredded chicken, as I often do, or make it even quicker with the convenience of a store-bought rotisserie chicken or even canned chicken. After that, it’s merely a matter of boiling your chosen pasta, chopping a few fresh vegetables, and mixing everything together in one large bowl. That’s truly how simple it is!
This **easy chicken macaroni salad** strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and a fresh, vibrant dish. The tender macaroni acts as a fantastic canvas, absorbing the creamy, tangy dressing, while the crisp vegetables add a refreshing crunch and bursts of flavor. It’s a complete meal in itself, packed with protein and wholesome goodness. Let’s dive into the essential ingredients you’ll need to bring this delightful **cold chicken macaroni salad** to life.
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Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Chicken Macaroni Salad
Creating a truly memorable **chicken macaroni salad** begins with selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to build the perfect base for this **rotisserie chicken macaroni salad**:
- Ditalini pasta: While you can certainly use any small, shaped pasta you prefer—like classic elbow macaroni, shells, or cavatappi—ditalini is my personal favorite for this **cold chicken macaroni salad**. Its small, tube-like shape perfectly cradles the creamy dressing and mixes beautifully with the other ingredients, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Remember to rinse it thoroughly after cooking to prevent starchiness!
- Celery: The addition of crisp, finely chopped celery is non-negotiable for me in a **macaroni salad with chicken**. Its refreshing crunch provides a fantastic textural contrast to the soft pasta and tender chicken, adding a vital element that elevates the entire dish.
- Red onion: I adore the bold, slightly piquant flavor that finely diced red onion brings to this salad. It’s a wonderful complement to the richness of the dressing, much like how it enhances this Italian potato salad. If you prefer a milder taste, white or yellow onion can be used as a substitute, but red onion truly adds a vibrant kick.
- Red bell pepper: Beyond adding a beautiful pop of color, the red bell pepper contributes a subtle hint of sweetness and another layer of refreshing crunch, making the salad more dynamic and appealing.
- Green onions: Also known as scallions, green onions offer a fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens the salad without overpowering it. While we’re already using red onion, the distinct, delicate taste of green onions adds another dimension. Feel free to adjust the amount or omit if you prefer.
- Fresh parsley: A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley is key for its vibrant color and herbaceous, fresh flavor. You can also experiment with other fresh herbs you love, such as cilantro for a more zesty profile, or dill for a classic, aromatic touch.
- Shredded chicken breast: This is the star protein of our **chicken macaroni salad**. I highly recommend using readily available sources like tender meat from a store-bought **rotisserie chicken** for ultimate convenience. Leftover cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast works perfectly, providing a great way to repurpose meals. For an even quicker assembly, about three 5-ounce cans of good quality canned chicken can be a fantastic shortcut, just ensure it’s well-drained.
Then, to create the unbelievably rich, tangy, and savory dressing that truly makes this **macaroni and chicken salad** unforgettable, you’ll need these key components:
- Mayonnaise: The cornerstone of any classic creamy pasta salad, mayonnaise provides the luxurious, smooth base. I highly recommend a good quality, full-fat mayonnaise for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- Sour cream: Adding a touch of sour cream introduces another layer of creaminess along with a delightful, cool tangy element that balances the richness of the mayonnaise. It’s a secret ingredient for depth!
- Dijon mustard: A crucial flavor enhancer, a touch of Dijon mustard brings a subtle pungency and complexity that cuts through the creaminess and brightens the entire dressing. For added texture and a gourmet touch, consider using a whole-grain Dijon.
- Fresh lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is essential for brightening the flavors and adding a zesty tang that lifts the entire salad, preventing it from feeling too heavy.
- Garlic powder: For a consistent and bold garlic flavor throughout the dressing, garlic powder is my go-to. It infuses the dressing with that beloved aromatic punch.
- Cayenne powder: If you appreciate a little warmth and subtle kick, a dash of cayenne powder is a fantastic addition. Adjust the amount to your personal spice preference, or omit if you prefer a milder profile.
- Chicken bouillon powder: THIS is the real secret ingredient that elevates this **chicken macaroni salad recipe** to another level! The chicken bouillon powder profoundly deepens the savory chicken flavor throughout the entire dish. While you can certainly omit it or use a bit of chicken stock for a less concentrated effect, I truly believe it makes a significant difference in boosting that rich, umami chicken taste.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste. Always start with a little and add more as needed, tasting as you go to achieve perfect balance.
Simple Equipment for an Effortless Chicken Macaroni Salad
One of the many joys of preparing this **simple chicken macaroni salad** is that it requires minimal specialized equipment. You likely already have everything you need in your kitchen! Once your fresh vegetables are prepped and finely chopped, and your incredibly creamy and flavorful dressing is whisked to perfection, you’ll simply need a few basic tools to bring it all together. A large, sturdy mixing bowl will be your main vessel for combining all the delicious ingredients. Pair that with a reliable wooden spoon or a pair of salad servers to gently toss everything until it’s perfectly coated and harmoniously blended. A good quality whisk is useful for the dressing, and a cutting board and sharp knife for your veggies are, of course, essential. That’s it! No fancy gadgets, just wholesome ingredients and a few standard kitchen items for a truly satisfying meal.
Expert Tips & Frequently Asked Questions for Perfect Chicken Macaroni Salad
Achieving the perfect **creamy chicken macaroni salad** is simple with a few insider tips and answers to common questions. Here’s how to ensure your salad is always moist, flavorful, and a true delight:
This is a crucial tip for keeping your **macaroni salad moist**! The secret lies in properly preparing your pasta. After cooking the macaroni according to package directions, make sure to rinse it thoroughly with cold water. Rinsing the pasta effectively removes excess starch, which is a common culprit for drawing moisture out of the dressing. By washing away this starch, you’ll significantly minimize the absorption of your delicious creamy dressing, ensuring your **cold chicken macaroni salad** remains perfectly moist and flavorful, even after chilling.
Absolutely! I am a huge proponent of including celery in this **chicken macaroni salad recipe**. The crisp, refreshing crunch of finely diced celery provides a delightful textural contrast to the soft macaroni and tender chicken. It adds a freshness that brightens the overall flavor profile. If you’re not particularly fond of celery, you can certainly omit it, but I highly recommend trying it at least once to experience the fantastic contrast it brings to this **creamy chicken macaroni salad**.
The beauty of this **rotisserie chicken macaroni salad** is its adaptability when it comes to pasta! Any small, shaped pasta works wonderfully. Classic options like elbow macaroni, cute shells, or spiral cavatappi are all excellent choices that capture the dressing beautifully. My personal preference, however, is ditalini, as its small tubes are perfect for this style of salad. For those looking for a gluten-free option, you can easily use chickpea pasta (or any other gluten-free small pasta) and simply omit the chicken bouillon powder if you need to adhere strictly to gluten-free dietary needs.
Flexibility is key when it comes to the chicken in this **macaroni salad with chicken**! I typically use about 1 to 1½ cups of leftover cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, which is a fantastic way to utilize what you already have. For maximum convenience and flavor, picking up a **rotisserie chicken** from your local supermarket is an absolute game-changer; it’s already perfectly cooked and seasoned. If you opt for canned chicken, which is incredibly handy for a quick assembly, you’ll need approximately three 5-ounce cans, ensuring they are well-drained. Each option provides delicious results, making this recipe highly adaptable to your schedule and preferences.
And for another great recipe that uses cooked chicken, try this Dorito chicken casserole!
Oh, absolutely! This **easy chicken macaroni salad** is one of those dishes that truly benefits from a little time to meld its flavors. The rich, creamy, and subtly tangy dressing needs time to fully penetrate the macaroni, chicken, and crunchy vegetables. Letting it sit, chilled, for up to 24 hours before serving allows all those wonderful ingredients to get to know each other, resulting in a much more cohesive and incredibly delicious salad. Just remember my tip about rinsing the macaroni to ensure it stays perfectly creamy and doesn’t dry out overnight!
When properly stored in an airtight container, your delightful **chicken macaroni salad** will remain fresh and delicious for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping throughout the week or for enjoying leftovers after a gathering. Always ensure it’s kept chilled to maintain its quality and food safety.
Several factors can contribute to a dry macaroni salad, but they are all easily remedied! First, ensure you haven’t overcooked your pasta; slightly undercooking it (al dente) allows it to continue absorbing dressing without becoming mushy. Second, and critically, you may have forgotten to rinse off the excess starch before adding your pasta to the mixture. This starch can absorb a surprising amount of liquid, leading to a dry salad. Finally, always check the container where your **creamy chicken macaroni salad** is being stored to make sure it’s genuinely airtight. A loosely covered container allows moisture to evaporate, resulting in a less creamy texture. Following these steps will help you achieve a consistently moist and perfect salad.
This **versatile chicken macaroni salad** is fantastic on its own as a light lunch or a quick dinner, but it also makes an incredible accompaniment to many dishes. It pairs beautifully with grilled burgers, hot dogs, barbecued ribs, or grilled chicken at a summer cookout. For a more complete meal, serve it alongside fresh fruit, a simple green salad, or some toasted bread. Its creamy, savory profile makes it a refreshing contrast to spicier main dishes as well.
Absolutely! This **chicken macaroni salad recipe** is very forgiving and open to customization. Feel free to get creative with your additions. Some popular choices include:
- Hard-boiled eggs: Diced hard-boiled eggs add extra protein and a classic deli-style flavor.
- Sweet relish: For a touch of sweetness and tang, sweet pickle relish is a beloved addition to many macaroni salads.
- Pickles: Chopped dill pickles or bread-and-butter pickles can add a lovely briny crunch.
- Peas or corn: Frozen peas or corn (thawed) can boost the vegetable content and add sweetness.
- Olives: Sliced black or green olives can add a salty, briny depth.
- Different cheeses: Cubed cheddar or a sprinkle of Parmesan can enhance the savory notes.
Just remember to adjust the seasoning if you add a significant amount of extra ingredients.
If you try this delightful **chicken macaroni salad recipe**, I would be absolutely thrilled if you could leave a star review rating and a comment below! Your feedback is incredibly valuable and it’s wonderful to hear about your culinary successes. And don’t forget to share your amazing creations with me by tagging @chenee_today on Instagram! Happy cooking!
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- Boursin Pasta – Tiktok Viral Recipe
📖 Recipe Card: Easy Chicken Macaroni Salad
Chicken Macaroni Salad
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15 minutes
15 minutes
Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
American
12 servings
265kcal
Chenée Lewis
Equipment you may need
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salad spoons
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mixing bowls
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whisk
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cutting board
Ingredients
- 8 oz (227 g) ditalini pasta – uncooked
- ½ medium red bell pepper – chopped
- ½ cup (80 g) red onion – chopped
- 1 celery stalk – chopped
- 2 green onions – chopped
- 2 teaspoon (1 g) fresh Italian parsley – chopped
- 1¼ cup (280 g) mayonnaise
- ¼ cup (58 g) sour cream
- 2 tablespoon (30 g) dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoon (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon (3 g) garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon (1 g) cayenne pepper – or to taste
- 1 teaspoon (2 g) chicken bouillon powder – optional
- 1½ cup (140 g) cooked chicken breast – shredded
- sea salt and cracked black pepper – to taste
Instructions
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Cook ditalini according to package directions until al dente. Immediately rinse with cold water and drain thoroughly to remove excess starch and prevent it from becoming sticky.8 oz ditalini pasta
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed pasta with the chopped red bell pepper, red onion, celery, green onions, and fresh parsley. Toss gently to ensure all the vegetables are evenly distributed. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the dressing.8 oz ditalini pasta, ½ medium red bell pepper, ½ cup red onion, 1 celery stalk, 2 green onions, 2 teaspoon fresh Italian parsley
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In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, cayenne powder (if using), and chicken bouillon powder (if using). Continue whisking until the dressing is completely smooth and all ingredients are well combined, creating a creamy and aromatic mixture.1¼ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, 2 tablespoon dijon mustard, 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
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Pour the creamy mayonnaise mixture over the pasta and vegetable blend in the large bowl. Using a wooden spoon or salad servers, stir gently until all ingredients are thoroughly coated with the dressing. Next, add your shredded chicken and toss again until the chicken is evenly incorporated throughout the salad. Season generously with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed for a perfect balance of flavors.1½ cup cooked chicken breast, sea salt and cracked black pepper
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For the best flavor and texture, cover the chicken macaroni salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or ideally for 4-24 hours before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to deepen and meld, resulting in a much more delicious and cohesive salad.
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Notes
Chicken: For this versatile **macaroni salad with chicken**, I typically use about 1 or 1½ cups of leftover cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast. However, for utmost convenience, you can easily use meat from a store-bought **rotisserie chicken**. If you prefer canned chicken for a super quick prep, you’ll need about three 5-ounce cans, ensuring they are well-drained.
Nutrition
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