Some dishes demand an ingredient list longer than your last grocery receipt and the patience of a saint—this cranberry apple chicken salad isn’t one of them. It’s the kind of meal that comes together fast, disappears even faster, and somehow makes you feel like you’ve got life figured out—even if you’re eating it straight from the mixing bowl.
With tender chicken, crisp apples, tart cranberries, and a creamy dressing that ties it all together, every bite is sweet, tangy, and perfectly crunchy. Whether you’re stuffing it into a buttery croissant, scooping it onto a bed of lettuce, or just piling it high on your favorite bread, it’s the kind of “make it once enjoy it all week” meal that gives you more time to do what actually matters—like finally finishing that book, taking a breath between errands, or just sitting down with a plate of something good.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy – Comes together in just 15 minutes with simple ingredients.
Perfect for leftovers – A great way to use up pre-cooked chicken or even leftover turkey from the holidays.
Sweet and savory balance – Tart cranberries, sweet apples, and creamy dressing make this irresistible.
Meal-prep friendly – Stays fresh in the fridge for days and gets even better over time.
Versatile serving options – Serve it in lettuce cups, over a bed of lettuce, or as a chicken salad sandwich.
Essential Equipment
- Large mixing bowl – For combining all the ingredients easily.
- Sharp knife – To dice the crunchy apples, celery, and pecans.
- Cutting board – A stable surface for chopping ingredients.
- Small whisk – To mix the dressing smoothly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Rotisserie chicken – Shredded or chopped for easy prep.
- Crunchy celery – Adds freshness and texture.
- Chives or green onions – For a mild, oniony bite.
- Garlic – Just a bit for depth of flavor.
- Toasted pecans – For crunch and nuttiness.
- Dried cranberries – Adds natural sweetness and chewiness.
- Honeycrisp apple – Crisp, sweet, and perfect for balancing flavors.
- Real mayonnaise – Creamy and rich, the base of the dressing.
- Fresh lemon juice – Brightens everything up.
- Fresh thyme – Earthy and aromatic.
- Kosher salt & black pepper – To bring out all the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
- Shred or chop the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Dice the celery, chives (or green onions) into fine pieces.
- Mince the garlic and fresh thyme for added flavor.
- Toast the pecans in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, then roughly chop.
- Dice the Honeycrisp apple into small cubes, leaving the skin on for extra crunch and color.
Mix the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, celery, chives, garlic, pecans, cranberries, and apple.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, thyme, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir well to coat evenly.
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Chef Secrets & Pro Tips
- For the best crunch, add the apples right before serving to keep them from softening.
- Want extra creaminess? Mix in a little Greek yogurt with the mayo.
- If your cranberries are too sweet, soak them in warm water for 5 minutes to soften and reduce the sugar intensity.
- For a lighter version, swap mayo for avocado or a vinaigrette-style dressing.
Serving Suggestions
- On a sandwich – Serve between two slices of your favorite bread.
- In lettuce cups – A low-carb, refreshing way to enjoy it.
- On a bed of greens – Perfect as a light, delicious meal.
- With crackers – Serve as an appetizer or snack.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! This is a great recipe for using up leftover turkey after Thanksgiving.
What type of apple is best?
I love Honeycrisp apples, but Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness.
How long does this last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for 3-4 days.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Just swap the mayo for a dairy-free version or mashed avocado.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Make ahead: Prep the salad and store the dressing separately for the freshest texture.
This creamy cranberry apple chicken salad is the kind of dish that turns meal prep into a lifesaver, makes even a rushed lunch feel homemade, and saves you from another takeout night. Whether you’re tossing together leftover roast chicken or grabbing a rotisserie chicken on the way home, it’s an easy, no-fuss favorite that’s equal parts creamy, crunchy, and just the right amount of sweet and tangy. Keep a batch in the fridge, and good luck waiting until it actually makes it to a plate.
More Quick & Easy Family Favorites
If you love a quick and satisfying meal like this Cranberry Apple Chicken Salad, here are a few more family-friendly favorites that come together fast without sacrificing flavor. These recipes are hearty, comforting, and packed with flavors the whole family will love—perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need something easy and delicious.
Chicken Spaghetti – A creamy, cheesy classic loaded with tender chicken, spaghetti noodles, and a rich, velvety sauce. Pure comfort food with a Tex-Mex twist!
Sloppy Joes – Sweet, tangy, and just messy enough to be fun, these classic Sloppy Joes are made with seasoned ground beef simmered in a bold tomato-based sauce, piled high on soft buns.
Ramen Pork Chow Mein – Take a break from takeout with this quick stir-fried noodle dish featuring savory pork, crisp veggies, and ramen noodles tossed in a bold, umami-packed sauce.
Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni – Everything you love about a cheeseburger, but in pasta form! Ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and tender macaroni make this a one-pot wonder.
Sticky Miso Chicken Thighs – These juicy, flavor-packed chicken thighs are coated in a sweet, salty, and umami-rich miso glaze, then baked until caramelized and sticky perfection.
Crunchy Ground Beef Tacos – Crispy taco shells stuffed with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and all your favorite toppings. A quick, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s always a hit.
Before You Get Started! If you whip up this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a review and rating to let me know how it turned out. Your feedback helps keep the kitchen running and allows me to keep sharing free recipes with y’all!
Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken shredded or chopped
- 1 cup celery finely diced
- ½ cup fresh chives or green onions, finely diced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ½ cup pecans toasted and roughly chopped
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 Honeycrisp apple cored and diced (about 1 cup)
- 1½ cups real mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
- Shred or chop the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces.4 cups rotisserie chicken
- Dice the celery and chives (or green onions) into fine pieces for added crunch and mild onion flavor.1 cup celery, ½ cup fresh chives
- Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, then roughly chop.½ cup pecans
- Dice the Honeycrisp apple into small cubes, leaving the skin on for texture and color.
Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced celery, chives, garlic, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and diced apple.1 cup dried cranberries
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, thyme, salt, and black pepper until smooth.1½ cups real mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir well until evenly coated.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled on a bed of mixed greens or as a sandwich filling with croissants or whole-grain bread.
- Wrap in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
- Enjoy with crackers or stuffed inside an avocado for a light lunch.
Notes
- Chicken Alternative – Use poached or grilled chicken breasts instead of rotisserie chicken.
- Nut-Free Option – Omit the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
- Mayonnaise Substitute – Swap half or all of the mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Apple Varieties – Honeycrisp adds sweetness and crunch, but Granny Smith or Fuji apples work well too.
- Herb Variations – Fresh parsley or tarragon can replace thyme for a different flavor profile.
- Place 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a slow cooker with ½ cup chicken broth.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until fully cooked.
- Shred the chicken, let it cool, and follow the remaining steps to prepare the salad.
- Add 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts and ½ cup chicken broth to the Instant Pot.
- Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes with a natural release of 5 minutes.
- Remove, shred the chicken, and let it cool before mixing with the other ingredients.
Nutrition
*Nutrition information is automatically calculated based on ingredient data and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient options are provided, the first listed is used for calculation. Optional ingredients and garnishes are not included in the nutrition analysis.
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Great Recipe. Fresh and tasty!
That’s music to my ears! Appreciate you stopping by and sharing!