Have you ever craved Panera Bread’s famous chicken salad but didn’t want to make a trip to the restaurant? Good news—you can make it at home!
This Panera Bread Chicken Salad Recipe is fresh, creamy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or enjoying on its own, this copycat recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Customizable to suit your dietary needs.
- Perfect for meal prep—make it ahead and enjoy it throughout the week.
- Healthier than store-bought versions with fresh, wholesome ingredients.
- Great for gatherings—perfect for potlucks, picnics, and family meals.
- Budget-friendly—homemade means saving money compared to restaurant prices.
The Secret to Panera’s Chicken Salad Flavor
The secret behind Panera Bread’s signature chicken salad lies in its perfect balance of tender chicken, creamy dressing, crunchy almonds, and sweet grapes. The combination of Dijon mustard and lemon juice adds a subtle tanginess that enhances the overall flavor. The key is using high-quality, fresh ingredients to recreate that restaurant-style taste at home.
History of Chicken Salad
Chicken salad has been a staple in American cuisine for over a century. The first recorded chicken salad recipe dates back to the 19th century when leftover chicken was mixed with mayonnaise and seasonings to create a flavorful dish. Over time, various additions such as fruits, nuts, and fresh herbs have been incorporated, leading to beloved variations like the Panera Bread Chicken Salad we enjoy today.
Ingredients List
To recreate Panera’s signature chicken salad, you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (for crunch)
- 1/2 cup red grapes, halved
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions for Panera Bread Chicken Salad
- Swap chicken breast for rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Use cranberries instead of grapes for a tangy twist.
- Substitute almonds with pecans or walnuts for variety.
- Use avocado mayo for a healthier fat option.
- Add chopped apples for extra crunch and natural sweetness.
- Sprinkle fresh dill or parsley for added freshness.
Timing
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
If using freshly cooked chicken, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. If using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and bones before chopping.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice. Stir well until smooth.
Step 3: Add the Ingredients
To the dressing, add celery, red onion, grapes, and sliced almonds. Stir gently to combine.
Step 4: Fold in the Chicken
Add the chicken to the bowl and fold it into the mixture until evenly coated.
Step 5: Season to Taste
Add salt and pepper as needed. Adjust flavors by adding extra lemon juice or honey, if desired.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
For the best flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy in a sandwich, wrap, or over a bed of greens.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
Health Benefits of Panera Bread Chicken Salad
- High in Protein – Keeps you full and supports muscle health.
- Rich in Healthy Fats – Almonds and Greek yogurt provide heart-healthy fats.
- Low in Added Sugar – Only natural sweetness from grapes or honey.
- Gut-Friendly – Greek yogurt supports digestion and gut health.
- Gluten-Free – Naturally gluten-free when served without bread.
- Loaded with Antioxidants – Grapes and almonds contain essential vitamins and antioxidants.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lower-fat option.
- Replace almonds with sunflower seeds for a nut-free alternative.
- Opt for grilled chicken instead of rotisserie for less sodium.
- Add chopped kale or spinach for extra nutrients.
- Reduce mayonnaise and add a splash of olive oil for a heart-healthier option.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Sandwich: Serve on whole-grain bread with lettuce and tomato.
- Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves for a low-carb meal.
- Salad Bowl: Add a scoop to a fresh bed of mixed greens with extra almonds and grapes.
- Stuffed Avocado: Hollow out an avocado and fill it with the chicken salad.
- Crispy Crackers: Serve with whole-grain crackers for a quick snack.
- Pita Pockets: Stuff the chicken salad into whole wheat pita for an easy lunch.
- On Toasted Croissants: For an extra indulgent version, serve on a warm croissant.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-mixing: Stir gently to keep the texture intact.
- Skipping the chilling step: Allowing time to chill enhances the flavors.
- Using too much dressing: Start with less and add as needed.
- Not tasting before serving: Adjust seasonings after mixing.
- Using warm chicken: Let chicken cool before mixing to prevent watery salad.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Do not freeze, as the mayonnaise and yogurt will separate upon thawing.
- If meal prepping, store in individual portions for easy grab-and-go meals.
Conclusion
Now that you have the perfect Panera Bread Chicken Salad Recipe, you can enjoy this delicious dish anytime! Try it in different ways and customize it to your taste. Whether you enjoy it in a sandwich, on crackers, or in a wrap, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Let us know how your homemade version turns out in the comments below!
Panera Bread Chicken Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon
Ingredients
Chicken Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast diced or shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter option
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt for extra creaminess
- 1/2 cup celery finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion finely diced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds for crunch
- 1/2 cup red grapes halved
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey optional, for a touch of sweetness
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken – If using freshly cooked chicken, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. If using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and bones before chopping.
- Step 2: Mix the Dressing – In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice. Stir well until smooth.
- Step 3: Add the Ingredients – To the dressing, add celery, red onion, grapes, and sliced almonds. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 4: Fold in the Chicken – Add the chicken to the bowl and fold it into the mixture until evenly coated.
- Step 5: Season to Taste – Add salt and pepper as needed. Adjust flavors by adding extra lemon juice or honey, if desired.
- Step 6: Chill and Serve – For the best flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy in a sandwich, wrap, or over a bed of greens.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours.
Q: What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
A: Grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken all work well.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Simply replace Greek yogurt with extra mayonnaise or a dairy-free alternative.
Q: How can I make this recipe low-carb?
A: Use lettuce wraps instead of bread and replace grapes with chopped cucumbers.
Q: Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Chopped bell peppers, cucumbers, or shredded carrots make great additions.