Ingles Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe : Easy & Flavorful

Craving a quick, flavorful, and protein-packed meal? My Ingles Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe is the perfect go-to dish when you want something wholesome yet easy to make. With tender rotisserie chicken, creamy mayo-sour cream dressing, crunchy celery, and the nutty bite of slivered almonds, this salad is a refreshing favourite that works for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep. Best of all, you can whip it up in minutes using leftover rotisserie chicken from Ingles.

Preparation & Mixing Instructions

Making this Ingles Rotisserie Chicken Salad is quick, easy, and perfect for busy days. Here’s how I put it together:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

If you’re using leftover Ingles Rotisserie Chicken, shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. For an extra burst of flavour, I like to lightly pan-fry the chicken in a bit of oil for about 5 minutes until it’s warm and slightly crispy on the edges.

Step 2: Chop the Veggies & Eggs

While the chicken is cooking, chop your onion, celery, and boiled eggs into small cubes. This adds crunch, freshness, and a touch of creaminess to the salad.

Step 3: Crush the Almonds

For that nutty texture, crush the slivered almonds gently with the back of a spoon or chop them roughly. This makes sure they blend in well without overpowering the salad.

Step 4: Mix Everything

Transfer the chicken to a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped onions, celery, and eggs. Then, fold in the mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Season & Add Extras

Sprinkle in black pepper, paprika, and salt to taste. If you love a bit of sweetness and tang, mix in the sweet-hot pickle relish. For an even richer flavour, I sometimes add a little shredded cheese.

Step 6: Chill & Serve

For the best taste, cover the bowl and chill your chicken salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavours to meld together beautifully.

Serving and Presentation

One of the best things about this Ingles Rotisserie Chicken Salad is its versatility. You can serve it in so many delicious ways, depending on the occasion. Here are my favourite serving styles:

• Classic Sandwiches: Scoop the chicken salad between two slices of soft bread or a buttery croissant for the perfect lunchtime treat.
  
• Wraps & Pita Pockets: For something lighter, stuff it into a tortilla wrap or pita pocket with fresh lettuce and tomatoes.
  
• Salad Bowls: Serve over a bed of crisp romaine lettuce or baby spinach for a healthy, low-carb option.
  
• Cracker Bites: For parties or quick snacks, spoon the chicken salad onto crackers or cucumber slices.
  
• Stuffed Avocados or Tomatoes: Hollow out an avocado or tomato and fill it with chicken salad for a refreshing, keto-friendly meal.
  

Variations and Flavour Twists

What I love most about this recipe is how easily you can customize it to fit your taste. Try these fun variations:

• Southern-Style: Add a touch of Dijon mustard and chopped pickles for a tangy, classic Southern flavour
  
• Fruit & Nut Delight: Mix in halved grapes, dried cranberries, or apple chunks for a sweet contrast to the savoury chicken.
  
• Herb Boost: Fresh parsley, dill, or chives can brighten up the flavours beautifully.
  
• Spicy Kick: Stir in a dash of cayenne pepper, jalapeños, or hot sauce for a little heat.
  
• Cheesy Twist: Shredded cheddar or feta crumbles make this salad extra creamy and indulgent.

Storage Instructions

Keeping It Fresh

To keep your Ingles Rotisserie Chicken Salad tasting fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3–4 days. Be sure to give it a gentle stir before serving, as the dressing can settle a bit.

Can You Freeze Chicken Salad?

I don’t recommend freezing this salad because the mayonnaise and sour cream dressing may separate when thawed, giving it a watery texture. Instead, prepare smaller batches that you know you’ll enjoy within a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make Ingles Rotisserie Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Yes! This chicken salad is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. In fact, letting it sit overnight helps the flavours mellow better.

2. How long does chicken salad last in the refrigerator?

When stored properly in an airtight container, chicken salad will last 3–4 days in the fridge. Always give it a quick stir before serving.

3. Can I freeze Ingles Rotisserie Chicken Salad?

I don’t recommend freezing it because the mayonnaise and sour cream dressing may separate and become watery when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

4. What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

If you prefer a lighter version, try substituting mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or light sour cream. This keeps the salad creamy while cutting calories.

5. What’s the best way to serve chicken salad?

This recipe is incredibly versatile! Serve it on croissants, sandwich bread, lettuce wraps, or over a bed of greens. It also makes a great dip for crackers or a filling for stuffed avocados.

6. Can I make this chicken salad healthier?

Absolutely. Reduce the mayonnaise, use light sour cream or yogurt, and add more crunchy veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers. You can also skip the almonds if you want a lower-fat version.

7. Can I use leftover chicken instead of rotisserie?

Yes, any cooked chicken works well. Rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful, but baked, grilled, or poached chicken can be used as substitutes.

Conclusion

This Ingles Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, creamy, crunchy, refreshing, and bursting with flavour. Whether you’re making a quick lunch, prepping for busy weekdays, or hosting a gathering, this versatile salad is always a winner. I love how simple it is to prepare, especially with Ingles rotisserie chicken, which saves so much time in the kitchen.

From sandwiches and wraps to healthy bowls and party bites, there are endless ways to enjoy it. Plus, with all the variations and flavour twists, you can make it your own every time.

So next time you grab a rotisserie chicken from Ingles, give this recipe a try. I promise, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen just like it.