Name: Everything Bagel Chicken Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream; 1–2 tsp everything bagel seasoning (to taste); 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped; 1/4 cup red onion or green onions, chopped; 1 tbsp lemon juice; Salt and black pepper, to taste

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken salad is quick to make, versatile, and packed with flavor. The everything bagel seasoning adds a unique blend of garlic, onion, sesame, and poppy seeds that makes each bite crave-worthy. It’s a great make-ahead option for lunches, picnics, or meal prep. Plus, it’s customizable—you can keep it classic or add your favorite mix-ins for extra texture.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
Mayonnaise
Greek yogurt or sour cream
Everything bagel seasoning
Celery
Red onion or green onions
Lemon juice
Salt and pepper

Directions

Place the cooked chicken in a large mixing bowl.
Add mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lemon juice, and everything bagel seasoning.
Stir in chopped celery and onion for crunch and flavor.
Mix until well combined, adjusting seasoning to taste.
Chill for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Serve in sandwiches, lettuce wraps, on bagels, or with crackers.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Use rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and convenience.
Swap mayo for all Greek yogurt to make it lighter.
Add diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or apples for extra crunch.
Mix in shredded cheese for a heartier version.
Make it spicy with a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.

Storage/Reheating

Store chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing. This recipe is best served cold, so reheating is not necessary.

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?

Yes, canned chicken works, but fresh or rotisserie chicken gives the best texture and flavor.

What kind of chicken is best for chicken salad?

Cooked chicken breast or thighs both work well. Thighs add extra juiciness, while breasts are leaner.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free yogurt or stick with mayo as the base.

How do I keep chicken salad from getting watery?

Drain any excess liquid from the chicken and avoid overmixing watery vegetables like cucumbers.

Is this recipe low-carb?

Yes, the salad itself is low-carb. Just serve it with lettuce wraps or low-carb crackers instead of bread.

Can I freeze chicken salad?

It’s not recommended since mayonnaise and yogurt don’t freeze well and will separate when thawed.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, this salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours as the flavors blend together.

Can I use flavored Greek yogurt?

Plain Greek yogurt works best. Flavored varieties would alter the taste.

What can I serve with chicken salad?

It’s delicious with bagels, croissants, sandwich bread, crackers, pita chips, or fresh veggies.

How much everything bagel seasoning should I use?

Start with about 1–2 teaspoons and adjust to taste—it depends on how bold you like the flavor.

Conclusion

Everything Bagel Chicken Salad is a flavorful and easy recipe that transforms a classic dish into something special. With its creamy texture, crunchy add-ins, and savory seasoning, it’s perfect for quick lunches, meal prep, or entertaining. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep it on repeat in your weekly rotation.