Tender roasted chicken, crunchy pecans, sweet dried cranberries, and crisp vegetables come together in a creamy Greek yogurt dressing to create this refreshing Cranberry and Pecan Chicken Salad. It’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, meal prep, or serving with crackers for a light and satisfying lunch.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
- Calories: Approximately 360 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup plain 0% Greek yogurt (2% works well too)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¾ cup celery, diced
- ½ cup red onion, diced
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about ½ large lemon)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
Step 2: Roast the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper.
Place them in a shallow baking dish and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Allow the chicken to cool slightly.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
While still warm, shred the cooked chicken using:
- Two forks
- A hand mixer
- Or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment
Step 4: Prepare the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Shredded chicken
- Greek yogurt
- Mayonnaise
- Diced celery
- Diced red onion
- Dried cranberries
- Chopped pecans
Step 5: Add the Lemon Juice
Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the mixture.
Stir until everything is evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Enjoy as:
- Sandwiches
- Croissants
- Wraps
- Lettuce cups
- Cracker topping
- Meal-prep lunches
Tips
- Soak diced red onions in cold water for 5–10 minutes before mixing to mellow their sharp flavor.
- Toast the pecans for a deeper, nuttier taste.
- Let the salad chill before serving for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it moist and tender.
Variations
Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad
Add 1 diced Honeycrisp apple for extra sweetness and crunch.
Extra Protein
Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
Healthier Version
Replace all the mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt.
Sweet & Savory
Add halved seedless grapes for a classic chicken salad twist.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Do Not Freeze: The creamy dressing may separate after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving substitute.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely. It tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
What can I serve it with?
Serve it on croissants, toasted bread, wraps, lettuce leaves, crackers, or over a fresh green salad.
Can I substitute walnuts for pecans?
Yes. Walnuts or sliced almonds both work well in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
Cranberry and Pecan Chicken Salad is a fresh, creamy, and flavorful classic that’s perfect for lunches, picnics, potlucks, or easy meal prep. The combination of juicy chicken, sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, crisp celery, and tangy Greek yogurt dressing creates a delicious balance of textures and flavors that you’ll want to make again and again.
