Panera Bread Chicken Salad Recipe

If you’ve ever craved the perfect balance of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy dressing, Panera Bread’s chicken salad likely comes to mind. This dish has a way of turning a simple meal into something memorable, and the good news is—you can recreate it right in your kitchen!

Making your own Panera Bread-inspired chicken salad at home lets you enjoy the same delicious flavors while tailoring the recipe to suit your preferences. Whether you’re planning a quick lunch, prepping for the week, or hosting a casual gathering, this recipe has you covered. Let’s dive in and learn how to make this beloved dish from scratch.

Why Recreate the Panera Bread Chicken Salad at Home?

There’s something uniquely satisfying about homemade dishes. With this recipe, you get to enjoy all the flavors of Panera’s classic chicken salad while controlling the ingredients and freshness. Here’s why you’ll love making it yourself:

Healthier Ingredients: You can opt for organic chicken, fresh produce, and even tweak the dressing to be lighter or more flavorful.
Cost-Effective: A single serving at a restaurant can add up, but making a big batch at home saves money and ensures there’s plenty to go around.
Customizable: Whether you prefer it tangy, slightly sweet, or loaded with extras like grapes and nuts, this recipe adapts to your tastes.

Ingredients for Panera Bread Chicken Salad Recipe

Before you start, it’s important to have all your ingredients prepped and ready. Each element brings its own unique flavor and texture to the dish, ensuring a perfect balance.

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Cooked chicken breast	2 cups (shredded)	Grilled or baked, per preference.
Celery	1/2 cup (diced)	Adds a refreshing crunch.
Red onion	1/4 cup (diced)	Optional for a sharper flavor.
Mayonnaise	1/2 cup	Adjust to your desired creaminess.
Dijon mustard	1 tbsp	Adds a subtle tang.
Lemon juice	1 tbsp	Freshly squeezed for brightness.
Salt and pepper	To taste	Enhances and balances flavors.
Optional Add-ons	e.g., grapes, nuts	For extra sweetness or crunch.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Panera Bread Chicken Salad

Recreating this recipe at home is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to achieve a flavor-packed chicken salad that rivals the original.

1. Preparing the Ingredients
   Start by cooking your chicken. Grilled or baked chicken breast works best, as it provides a tender and juicy texture. Once cooked, let it cool before shredding or dicing it into bite-sized pieces.

Dice the celery and red onion into small, uniform pieces. If you’re adding grapes or nuts, prepare those as well by slicing the grapes in half or chopping the nuts for a finer texture.

2. Mixing the Dressing
   In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Mix thoroughly until the dressing achieves a silky and consistent texture. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
3. Assembling the Salad
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, celery, and red onion. Drizzle the dressing over the ingredients and gently mix until all components are well covered.

If you’re including optional add-ons like halved grapes or chopped nuts, fold them in carefully to avoid crushing them.

4. Serving Suggestions
   To enhance the flavor, refrigerate the chicken salad for at least an hour before serving. This allows the ingredients to meld together, enhancing the taste.

Serve the salad on sourdough bread for a hearty sandwich, in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option, or alongside crackers for a light snack.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken Salad

Elevate your chicken salad with these expert tips:

Use Rotisserie Chicken: Short on time? Rotisserie chicken offers a quick and flavorful alternative to cooking chicken from scratch.
Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad rest in the fridge helps the flavors develop and ensures a refreshing bite.
Add Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley or dill can bring an extra layer of freshness.
Experiment with Texture: Mixing in walnuts, almonds, or even crispy bacon bits can add a delightful crunch.

Nutritional Breakdown

This recipe strikes a balance between being indulgent and nutritious. Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving:

Calories: ~300
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fats: 22g

FAQs About Panera Bread Chicken Salad Recipe

Can I Use Canned Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, canned chicken can work in a pinch, but fresh or rotisserie chicken will deliver the best texture and flavor.

How Long Does Chicken Salad Stay Fresh in the Fridge?

Keep your chicken salad in a sealed, airtight container in the refrigerator, where it can stay fresh for up to three days. Always check for freshness before serving.

What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt or mashed avocado can replace mayonnaise without compromising creaminess.

Can I Freeze Chicken Salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze chicken salad due to the mayonnaise-based dressing, which can separate and affect the texture when thawed.

Recreating Panera Bread’s chicken salad at home is not only easy but also incredibly rewarding. You get to enjoy the same iconic flavors while customizing the dish to fit your preferences. Whether you’re preparing it for a family meal, a picnic, or meal prep, this recipe is sure to impress.

Gather your ingredients and give this recipe a shot—you’re sure to love it! Be sure to share your thoughts and experiences with friends or in the comments. Your next favorite lunch is just a bowl away.