Famous LOADED Chicken Salad Recipe

If you’re searching for a true showstopper packed with flavor, texture, and a wonderful mix of savory and creamy, the Famous LOADED Chicken Salad will win your heart immediately. This isn’t your average chicken salad — we’re talking juicy rotisserie chicken, crisp turkey bacon, crunchy celery, sharp cheddar, and a blend of creamy sour cream and mayo, all tossed together for a dish that’s as indulgent as it is versatile. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re scooping it onto crackers, piling it onto a fresh sandwich, or simply sneaking forkfuls out of the fridge.

Famous LOADED Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Famous LOADED Chicken Salad couldn’t be more straightforward, but each one adds something unique—crunch, creaminess, smokiness, or a little spark of sharp flavor. Together, they create the over-the-top deliciousness this salad is known for.

  • Chicken: Rotisserie works beautifully for juicy, tender pieces, but any cooked, shredded or cubed chicken will do.
  • Celery: Finely chopped for the essential refreshing crunch in every bite.
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Shredded so it can melt slightly into the mixture, giving that signature savory tang.
  • Crispy turkey Bacon: Crumbled for smoky, salty pops throughout the salad—don’t skip this!
  • Sour Cream: Lends extra creaminess and a tang that lifts all the other flavors.
  • Mayonnaise: The classic chicken salad binder that adds luxurious texture.
  • Yellow Onion: Diced extra fine for mellow sweetness and a bit of bite.
  • Green Onions: Sliced for color and a fresh, mild oniony flavor.
  • Salt & Pepper: Season to taste for just the right balance—start with a little, and adjust as you go.

How to Make Famous LOADED Chicken Salad

Step 1: Gather and Prep All Your Ingredients

First things first: get everything chopped, shredded, and prepped so that assembling your Famous LOADED Chicken Salad is quick and seamless. This step really makes the process joyful rather than chaotic, and it means every bite of your salad will be perfectly balanced. Chop the celery, onions, and green onions, shred your cheese, crumble the turkey bacon, and cube or shred that juicy chicken.

Step 2: Combine Chicken, Veggies, Cheese, and turkey Bacon

Grab your biggest mixing bowl and toss in the chicken, celery, both kinds of onions, crispy turkey bacon, and shredded cheddar. Stir gently to distribute everything, and already you’ll see how loaded (in the most delicious way!) this salad will be. The vibrant colors and textures signal just how special this recipe is.

Step 3: Mix in the Creamy Dressings

Add the mayonnaise and sour cream straight on top of your chicken mixture. There’s no need to mix them separately; simply dollop them right in, then use a big spoon or spatula to fold and coat everything. The combo of sour cream and mayo gives this Famous LOADED Chicken Salad serious richness — trust me, you’ll love every creamy mouthful.

Step 4: Season to Perfection

Sprinkle in salt and pepper, starting with about 1/4 teaspoon of each. Give it a good mix, then taste. This is your moment to adjust the flavors to your liking. Want it a little zestier? Add a touch more pepper. Remember, the turkey bacon and cheddar already bring saltiness, so season with care until it’s just right for you.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

For optimal flavor, cover your salad and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld into each other wonderfully. When you’re ready, give it a quick stir, then dive in — it’s finally time to put your Famous LOADED Chicken Salad on center stage!

How to Serve Famous LOADED Chicken Salad

Famous LOADED Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Taking just a quick moment to garnish your Famous LOADED Chicken Salad can make it feel extra special. Sprinkle over a few reserved green onions, extra crispy turkey bacon bits, or even a little extra sharp cheddar just before serving. Not only does it look mouthwatering, but it gives inviting pops of color and flavor in every bite.

Side Dishes

This hearty salad pairs up wonderfully with all sorts of sides. Try it with crisp vegetable crudites, classic potato chips, or buttery crackers for scooping. A fresh green salad or a simple tomato-cucumber salad balances out the richness of the dish while staying light and vibrant on the table.

Creative Ways to Present

The versatility of Famous LOADED Chicken Salad is part of its magic. Scoop it into halved avocados for a fancy lunch, spoon onto toasted bread for an open-faced sandwich, or tuck it into crisp lettuce wraps for a gluten-free option. You can even mound it inside hollowed-out tomatoes for a colorful picnic delight — it’s as impressive looking as it is tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Famous LOADED Chicken Salad tasting its best, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and fabulous for up to 3 days. Give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute any dressing that may have settled.

Freezing

While this salad is best enjoyed fresh for that perfect creamy texture, you can freeze it if needed. Be aware that the dressing may separate a bit after thawing, but a good stir can help bring it back. Freeze in airtight containers for up to one month, and thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to serve.

Reheating

This Famous LOADED Chicken Salad is absolutely meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat it. If you’d like to try it warm (which melts the cheese and gives a spreadable texture), microwave for just 15-20 seconds, but beware that the dressing may thin out slightly.

FAQs

Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of rotisserie?

Absolutely! Any cooked chicken you have on hand will work, whether it’s poached, grilled, or roasted. Rotisserie chicken adds extra flavor, but don’t hesitate to use what you’ve got — the Famous LOADED Chicken Salad is all about flexibility and convenience.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

If you’re out of sour cream or simply prefer another option, plain Greek yogurt makes a great substitute. It delivers a similar creamy tang, keeps the salad light, and adds a bit of protein.

Is it possible to make the Famous LOADED Chicken Salad dairy-free?

You sure can! Swap the cheddar cheese for your favorite dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based sour cream and mayo. The salad will still have plenty of delicious flavors and texture — just as satisfying as the original.

Does the salad stay crisp if made ahead?

Yes, this Famous LOADED Chicken Salad holds up very well for a day or two in the fridge. The celery and onions help keep things crisp, though after a few days, the veggies may soften slightly. For max crunch, you can stir in fresh celery or turkey bacon just before serving.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Totally! While sharp cheddar is classic for its bold taste, feel free to try Monterey Jack, Colby, shredded mozzarella, or a combo of your favorites to suit your palate.

Final Thoughts

This Famous LOADED Chicken Salad is a recipe that never gets old — it’s always the first thing to disappear at get-togethers and makes even the simplest lunch feel utterly special. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes your own go-to for any occasion. Dig in and enjoy all that flavor in every bite!

Print

Famous LOADED Chicken Salad Recipe

This Famous LOADED Chicken Salad is a delicious and hearty dish perfect for any occasion. Packed with chicken, turkey bacon, cheese, and a creamy dressing, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

  • Author: nova
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Salad:

  • 2 Cups chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie works well)
  • 1 Cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1 Cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ Cup crispy turkey bacon, crumbled
  • ¼ Cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ Cup sour cream
  • ¼ Cup yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 Green onions, sliced
  • Salt & Pepper, to taste (about 1/4-1/2 tsp each)

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: Place the chicken, celery, onions,turkey bacon, and cheese in a large bowl. Add mayonnaise and sour cream.
  2. Mix Well: Stir everything until evenly coated and distributed.
  3. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste, typically ½-1 tsp of each.
  4. Serve: Enjoy on toast, in an avocado, tomato, lettuce wrap, with crackers, or your preferred serving style.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 540mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Chicken Salad, Loaded Chicken Salad, Salad Recipe, Easy Salad, Chicken Recipe

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