“If you’re craving an easy, hearty, and delicious chicken salad, this Amish-style recipe is a must-try. With tender chicken, crunchy celery, hard-boiled eggs, and a creamy, tangy dressing, it’s the perfect make-ahead meal for sandwiches, wraps, or scooping onto a fresh salad. Simple, comforting, and full of flavor—just like the recipes passed down through generations.”

Why You’ll Love This Amish Chicken Salad

Simple Pantry Ingredients: Made with everyday staples you probably have on hand.
Creamy and Flavorful: The rich dressing has the perfect balance of tang and sweetness.
Great for Meal Prep: Make it ahead and enjoy it for lunches or quick dinners.
Versatile Serving Options: Delicious in sandwiches, wraps, or on its own.

How to Make Amish Chicken Salad

Start by cooking your chicken breasts until tender—either poached, baked, or using rotisserie chicken for convenience.

Let the chicken cool completely before shredding or dicing it into bite-sized pieces. While the chicken cools, boil the eggs until firm, then chop them finely.

In a large bowl, whisk together a creamy dressing of mayonnaise, mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Add the chicken, hard-boiled eggs, celery, and onions, stirring everything until well combined.

The salad should be creamy but not soupy, with every piece coated in the rich dressing.

Cover the bowl and chill the salad for a few hours, or better yet, overnight—this rest time allows all the flavors to meld together, making it extra delicious. 😊

Make Ahead Method

The Day Before: Amish chicken salad gets better with time, so it’s ideal to make it the night before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge to let the flavors blend perfectly.
Meal Prep Option: Cook and shred the chicken up to 2 days in advance and store it separately in the fridge. You can also boil and peel the eggs ahead of time. Then, simply mix everything together when you’re ready.
Quick Make-Ahead: If you only have a few hours, aim for at least 2 hours of chilling time—it’s enough to blend the flavors nicely.
Freezing Note: It’s best to avoid freezing, as the creamy mayo-based dressing can separate when thawed.

Pro Tips for the Best Amish Chicken Salad

Use Freshly Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works, but poaching your own in seasoned water gives extra flavor.
Shred or Dice? Shredded chicken gives a softer texture, while diced chicken provides a chunkier bite.
The Secret Ingredient – Hard-Boiled Eggs: They add richness and creaminess to the salad, making it truly Amish-style.
Don’t Skip the Chill: Refrigerating for at least 2 hours (ideally overnight) deepens the flavors.
Add Crunch: Use crisp celery and sweet onions for a satisfying texture.
Balance the Dressing: Taste before serving. If it feels too thick after chilling, stir in a splash of milk for a smooth, creamy texture.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Stir before serving if the dressing thickens.
Freezing: Not recommended due to the mayonnaise-based dressing.
Leftovers: Use leftovers in sandwiches, wraps, or on a bed of fresh lettuce for an easy lunch.

Tools For This Recipe

Large Pot: For cooking the chicken and eggs.
Mixing Bowls: For making the dressing and tossing everything together.
Whisk: For blending the dressing until creamy.
Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping celery, onions, and eggs.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient amounts.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! It’s a great time-saver. Just remove the skin and shred the meat.

Can I lighten this recipe?
Yes! Use light mayo or swap half the mayo for plain Greek yogurt to keep it creamy but lower in calories.

What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
White vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can work as a substitute.

How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 4 days in an airtight container—just give it a stir before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

Add Fruit: Stir in chopped apples or grapes for a sweet contrast.
Add Nuts: Walnuts or sliced almonds add crunch.
Make It Spicy: A pinch of cayenne or paprika adds a gentle kick.
Egg-Free Version: Simply omit the hard-boiled eggs if you prefer.
Low-Carb Option: Serve over lettuce wraps instead of bread.

Final Thoughts: Your Favorite Chicken Salad Recipe?

Amish chicken salad is creamy, hearty, and perfect for making ahead. Whether you serve it in a sandwich, on crackers, or straight from the bowl, it’s always a hit.

Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear how you liked it! Did you add your own twist? Share your thoughts in the comments—I can’t wait to hear from you! 😊