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Panera Bread Chicken Salad Recipe

Garlic cheese bread sliced and served on a wooden board with marinara sauce and parsley garnish.

Recreate the famous Panera Bread chicken salad recipe at home with this quick and easy copycat version. Made with tender shredded chicken, crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and a creamy, tangy dressing, this salad is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or enjoying on its own. It’s a healthy, protein-packed meal that you can prep in minutes!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Salad:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced)
  • 1 stalk celery (finely diced)
  • 1 cup red grapes (halved)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)

Optional Add-ins:

  • ¼ cup toasted almonds or walnuts (for crunch)
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or tarragon (for extra flavor)
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries (for sweetness)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Chicken: Cook and shred (or dice) the chicken breast. If using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and shred the meat.
  • Chop the Ingredients: Finely dice the celery and halve the grapes.
  • Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  • Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, celery, and grapes. Pour the dressing over the mixture and stir until well coated.
  • Chill & Serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve as a salad, sandwich filling, or in a wrap.

Notes

  • For a healthier version: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo.
  • For extra crunch: Add toasted nuts or seeds.
  • For meal prep: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

 

  • Low-carb option: Reduce the grapes and add more celery.

Nutrition

Keywords: Panera Bread chicken salad, chicken salad recipe, Panera chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, easy chicken salad, homemade Panera salad