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Willow Tree Chicken Salad Recipe

Willow Tree Chicken Salad Recipe

This creamy Willow Tree Chicken Salad Recipe is a simple deli-style copycat made with tender chicken, mayonnaise, celery, onion, and a touch of brown sugar. Perfect for sandwiches, crackers, wraps, or quick meal prep lunches.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound cooked chicken breast shredded or chopped
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise full-fat works best
  • 3 tablespoons celery finely minced
  • 3 tablespoons onion finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar balances flavor
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder optional
  • 1 pinch salt adjust to taste
  • 1 pinch black pepper freshly ground preferred

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing bowl Large size preferred
  • 1 Cutting board For chopping vegetables
  • 1 Sharp knife For fine mincing
  • 1 Spoon or spatula For mixing
  • 1 Food processor Optional for texture
  • 1 Airtight container For chilling and storage

Method
 

Step 1
  1. Cook the chicken breasts in lightly salted water until fully cooked, about 15 minutes. Let the chicken cool slightly before shredding or chopping.
    Willow Tree Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 2
  1. Finely mince the celery and onion. Smaller pieces help create the classic creamy deli-style texture.
    Willow Tree Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 3
  1. Place the chicken into a large mixing bowl and add mayonnaise. Stir gently until evenly coated.
    Willow Tree Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 4
  1. Add minced celery, onion, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into the bowl.
    Willow Tree Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 5
  1. Mix everything together carefully until creamy and fully combined. Do not overmix or the chicken can become mushy.
    Willow Tree Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 6
  1. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for atleast 1 hour before serving for the best flavor.
    Willow Tree Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 7
  1. Serve chilled on sandwich bread, croissants, crackers, or lettuce wraps.
    Willow Tree Chicken Salad Recipe

Notes

  • Full-fat mayonnaise gives the closest deli-style flavor and texture.
  • Rotisserie chicken can be used for a faster version.
  • This chicken salad tastes even better the next day after chilling overnight.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Add crispy bacon or dried cranberries for extra flavor variations.