This Easy Chicken Salad Snack Wraps or lettuce wraps recipe uses rotisserie or home poached chicken, mayo, greek yogurt, grapes, cranberries and much more!
Classic Creamy Chicken Salad
As I sit and ponder what to have for lunch, I watch a hummingbird feeding on a honeysuckle. I am awestruck at its size, beauty and, like other creatures in nature, I am astounded there’s no thinking involved in what it needs to sustain itself.
When it comes to food, we, as a species, have choice and variety and that’s a wonderful thing! Choosing what we eat can be joyful and planning a meal doesn’t have to be difficult.
In many parts of the world, lunch is the main meal of the day. It provides energy and gets us through the rest of the day.
Making this Classic Creamy Chicken Salad for lunch is easy and tastes just dreamy. I prepare it early in the day and have it ready for lunchtime.
It takes only 15-20 minutes to prep though and I would suggest making a little extra so it can be enjoyed for a couple of days.
Rarely do I order chicken salad from a restaurant. My homemade version is fresh, light and is not heavy on the mayo.
Serve it in on your favorite bread, roll, bun or cracker. Use a lettuce wrap or top it on a bed of greens with a side of order of vegetables or a salad.
Speaking of vegetables, I use celery, green onions and carrots but use your imagination and feel free to add any vegetables like. The sky’s the limit.
Crisp up a tortilla. You’d be surprised at how well these Easy Chicken Salad Snack Wraps hold together!
Tortillas come in different sizes and the small ones are perfect for kids as they’re easy to handle.
I used to serve them to Patrick when he came home on his lunch break from school. When he knew I was making them ahead of time, somehow a couple of his friends would show up with him sheepishly saying they had left their lunch at home.
They would try and look very serious but I knew it was a little white lie and that Patrick had been bragging about my chicken salad. It was a compliment really.
In my humble opinion, this chicken salad is creamy and nothing short of divine. Creamy is the operative word here and, adding a few different ingredients, sets this recipe apart from all the others.
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
Mayo, Sour Cream or Greek yogurt?
I’ve been making this recipe for a very long time and, it’s no secret, that mayo is at the heart of this recipe. What I’ve discovered is that by adding sour cream or Greek yogurt, gives this mixture more tang and flavor.
Greek yogurt is higher in protein and gives the chicken salad more depth.
The chicken can be shredded, chopped or cubed and can be cut into any size pieces you like. Decide for yourself what texture suits you best. Depending on the mood I’m in, I’ve done it all 3 ways and have never had a single complaint from anyone.
Chicken Salad Lettuce Wrap
For a lower carb option, wrap the chicken salad in lettuce. It’s a great alternative to bread and is less heavy.
Choosing lettuce is a healthier option that is less calories but is still very satisfying and oh so delicious.
I first discovered lettuce wraps at P.F. Chang’s and what a eureka moment that was! There was no denying they were really good, but I knew my own homemade chicken salad was fantastic and it gave me the idea that I could use it in the same way. Brilliant.
Iceberg lettuce is ideal and is the most popular as it is sturdy and crunchy, but you can use romaine as well.
Butterhead lettuce is another option. The leaves are large and soft so you might want to double up on the leaves to ensure the mixture holds well.
There are so many recipes that would go perfectly in a lettuce wrap. Our egg salad and tuna salad wraps are two examples that come to mind and they are wonderful.
But there’s no denying that the chicken salad lettuce wrap is the rock star and stands out above all the rest.
Rotisserie Chicken Salad Wrap Recipe
When I’m in a rush and don’t have time to make my own poached chicken, rotisserie chicken is the next best thing. Already cooked and seasoned, you can make this chicken salad recipe in just minutes.
Shred or dice thee chicken salad wrap, then freeze the rest so you will have it on hand for the next time.
Poaching
If you want tender, juicy chicken poaching it in your slow cooker is the way to go.
I poach both chicken breasts and thighs, then prepare them for freezing.
Once you shred, dice or slice the chicken, place inside resealable bags until needed.
Bag the breasts and thighs separately and keep a mixed bag on hand as certain recipes call for both.
Although Ken likes dark meat and I prefer white. To make things interesting, I will mix them together.
Quite frankly, when I make him this chicken salad mixed with both, he doesn’t even notice. At the end of day, it all comes to taste, right?
If you are looking for complete directions on how to poach chicken breasts and thighs on your stove top or slow cooker, have a look at my recipe for this terrific Slow Cooker Chicken Salad.
Listed there you will find easy instructions on how to prepare, shred, dice, slice and freeze your chicken!
Whether you poach the chicken yourself or use store-bought rotisserie chicken, the result will be one gorgeous chicken salad. I guarantee it.
Chicken Salad Wrap with Grapes and Cranberries
Thinking about my grandmother brings tears to my eyes. She was a wonderful lady and I miss her very much. She used to slice grapes and/or cranberries in the chicken salad depending on her mood. It gave the chicken salad a bit of crunch and a hint of sweetness.
What would a chicken salad wrap be without the mayo? It is the star of the show and, to give it some tang. Sour cream is lovely and Greek yogurt is packed with protein.
Together they enhance the flavor and gives it more depth. I wonder what grandma would have thought of that?
If you haven’t tried curry powder in this chicken salad recipe, you don’t know what you’re missing. Just a teaspoon will intensify the flavor and take you on a whole different chicken salad journey.
On another day try adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard, spice it up with a splash of hot sauce or a ¼ cup of jalapeno peppers (pickled or fresh). A little goes a long way.
And don’t get me started on the cheese! It’s kind of like the icing on the cake. Top it with American, Cheddar, Mozzarella, Provolone, Parmesan or Swiss. Feta and goat cheese would work well also. If you’re really adventurous, try blue cheese.
Grandma’s chicken salad inspired me to make my own and I think of her every time I make it.
Chicken Salad Recipe with Grapes
Putting grapes in chicken salad may be a foreign concept to some. Experience it yourself and you’ll see what I mean. The sweet and savory balance it out and tastes delightful.
When I make chicken salad with grapes, it takes me back to a different and time place. Sitting at her dining room table, grandma would say without the grapes, it’s not real chicken salad. I always had to agree.
Ingredients for Chicken Salad Snack Wraps
- rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken or poached chicken
- mayo
- cilantro
- carrot
- green onion
- celery
- sour cream or Greek yogurt
- hot sauce
- shredded cheese
- tortillas
- salt
- pepper
Options for Chicken Salad
The wonderful thing about chicken salad is that it can be different every time you make it! Aside from cooked chicken and mayo, check what ingredients you have on hand and use them up!
Basic Ingredients
- poached, cooked or rotisserie chicken
- mayo
- sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- carrots
- celery
- cilantro
- green onions
- hot sauce
- shredded cheese
- tortillas
- salt
- pepper
Options
- apples (chopped)
- avocado
- bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- cabbage (shredded)
- corn
- dates (pitted and chopped)
- grapes (sliced)
- cranberries or craisins
- cucumbers (chopped)
- ham (chopped)
- hard boiled eggs (chopped)
- hot sauce (splash)
- lemon juice (1 teaspoon)
- mustard (Dijon, honey, grainy or hot)
- nuts (chopped cashews, pecans, pistachios or walnuts)
- olives (black or green, chopped)
- onions (red, yellow, white or purple)
- peas
- pickles (dill or sweet)
- radishes
- raisins
- scallions
- sweet peppers
- tomatoes – ½ cup
- water chestnuts
- worcestershire sauce (splash)
- zucchini (chopped)
Herbs and Spices to consider
- basil
- chili powder
- chives
- cumin
- curry powder
- garlic powder
- mustard powder
- onion powder
- parsley
- red pepper flakes
- rosemary
- sage
- tarragon
- thyme
Options for Chicken Salad
As you can see the options for this Slow Cooker Chicken Salad recipe are so numerous, you can make it many times in several different ways.
To make life a little easier, I have created a list of suggestions to refer to.
Instead of thinking off the top of your head, the list may spark some new ideas to make the best chicken salad you’ll ever make.
The choices in making a dynamite chicken salad are almost endless. So, don’t be afraid to experiment. Share your ideas with me, and we can make that list grow. I’d love to hear your comments.
The wonderful thing about chicken salad is that it can be different every time you make it! Aside from cooked chicken and mayo, check what ingredients you have on hand and use them up!
How to Make Chicken Salad Snack Wraps
1. In a large bowl combine mayonnaise, cilantro, green onions, celery, carrots, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and hot sauce.
2. Add chicken and stir to coat.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Refrigerate in a sealed container or cover your bowl with plastic wrap until ready to use.
5. When you’re ready to make your snack wraps, prepare your workstation.
6. Set your tortillas in front of you.
7. Place chicken salad mixture in the middle of your tortilla.
8. Sprinkle cheese on top. Use as much or as little as you want.
9. Pick tortilla up, adjust the contents and form into the shape of a fat cigar.
10. Flip each end up over top of the filling and roll.
11. Place a few pieces of paper towel on a large enough plate to hold all of your tortillas and set aside.
12. Place seam-side down until you are finished rolling them all up.
13. Place a large skillet over medium heat.
14. Coat with cooking spray and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.
15. Next, grab each rolled tortilla. This part can be a bit messy
16. Place, seam side down on your skillet.
17. After a minute or two, flip your tortilla to brown the other side.
18. Keep checking that your tortilla is as brown as you want it.
19. Repeat this process until all of your wraps are browned and crisp.
20. Transfer to serving plate and slice in half if desired. Enjoy!
How to Cook Chicken for Chicken Salad
In making this easy chicken salad, use any chicken you desire. For convenience sake, I often use rotisserie chicken, but poached chicken breasts and thighs are great options too!
Check out our Slow Cooker Chicken Salad to see the best method of poaching chicken breasts. Both slow cooker and stove-top instructions are included.
I make my own poached chicken breasts, chicken thighs and a mixture of both. Then I store them in resealable bags in my freezer until needed.
Poaching raw chicken is easier than you might think. The process is simple and so much cheaper than buying a rotisserie chicken.
By having portioned and frozen chicken on hand, it’s convenient and makes meal planning a breeze. Shredded, diced or sliced, it’s ready to go.
How Long Does Chicken Salad Last?
If your chicken is fresh the day you make it, your chicken salad will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Can you Freeze Chicken Salad?
Absolutely you can! But only freeze the chicken as mayonnaise doesn’t freeze well.
When you’re ready to make your chicken salad, remove from the freezer, defrost, add mayonnaise and anything else you desire.
Works like a charm every time.
Storing and Serving Chicken Salad
Be sure to keep chicken salad cool, especially when bringing it to a picnic or party. Use freezer packs if you need to transport your chicken salad to any kind of gathering. Better to be safe than sorry!
Chicken Wraps Recipes
I love making chicken wraps of all kinds. Such an easy idea and a fabulous way to use up ingredients in your fridge! I have included a few delicious examples below.
Easy Crispy Chicken Salsa Wraps
Easy Chicken Bacon Caesar Salad Wraps
More Easy Lunches To Try
Cheesy Honey Mustard Turkey Roll Ups
Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels
Easy Baked Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
Easy Smoked Salmon Tortilla Roll Ups
The Best Toasted Reuben Sandwich
There’s no getting away from it. These creamy, savory Easy Chicken Salad Snack Wraps are classic and a pleasure to make. Try them. You’ll see what I mean.
Please take a moment to check out our video!
Easy Chicken Salad Snack Wraps Video
Easy Chicken Salad Snack Wraps
This Easy Chicken Salad Snack Wraps or lettuce wraps recipe uses rotisserie or home poached chicken, mayo, greek yogurt, grapes, cranberries and much more!
Ingredients
- 1 rotisserie chicken, skin discarded, meat shredded into bite-sized pieces (about 3 cups, or a little more)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, fresh, chopped
- 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/3 cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup celery ribs, diced
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or greek yogurt
- 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheese, your favorite variety
- 8 medium tortillas
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
Instructions
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In a large bowl combine mayonnaise, cilantro, green onions, celery, carrots, sour cream or greek yogurt, and hot sauce. Add chicken and stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate in a sealed container or cover your bowl with plastic wrap until ready to use.
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When you are ready to make your snack wraps prepare your workstation. Set your tortillas in front of you. Arrange chicken salad in the center third of your tortilla, right in the middle. Sprinkle cheese on top. As much or as little as you want. Pick tortilla up and adjust contents into the shape of a fat cigar. Flip each end up over top of the filling and roll. Place seam side down until you are finished rolling them all up.
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Place a large skillet over medium heat. This part can get a bit messy. Place a few pieces of paper towel on a large enough plate to hold all of your tortillas and set aside. Place your salt and pepper shaker nearby. Next, grab each rolled tortilla. Coat with cooking spray and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. Place, seam side down on your skillet. After a minute or two you have to flip your tortilla to brown the other side. Keep checking that your tortilla is as brown as you want it. Repeat this process until all of your wraps are browned and crisped. Transfer to serving plate and slice in half if desired. Enjoy!
I made these yesterday for lunch. They are amazing! At first I wondered if the hot sauce would be too much (I love spicy food but my husband does not) and the level of flavor the hot sauce imparted was perfect – just right. Not spicy, but certainly not bland. What a great idea to fry the rollups as well. I used an electric skillet and turned them to fry them all sides, and they turned out amazing. A little crispy, how nice! I put ramekins of blue cheese dressing to dip the wraps into while eating, ranch would work great, too…
I forgot to add that I made these for the second time and they turned out even better when I used the electric skillet.
Brilliant! Thank you for taking the time to let us all know! Take care and enjoy the rest of your day! Karin
I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to comment. These wraps are a long time favorite around here and I am glad you enjoyed them as well! You truly made my day. Hopefully you find some other recipes on this site that you enjoy just as much! All the best. Karin
Loved how easy this recipe came together! I made extra so we could have it around for lunches during the week. My husband really enjoyed it, too.
So happy to hear you liked these snack wraps as much as we do! I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to let me know! Hopefully you find some other recipes on this site that you enjoy just as much! Take care and all the best! Karin
WE HAVE MADE YOUR CHICKEN WRAPS AND THEY ARE (AWESOME) AND WE ARE HAVING THEM FOR LUNCH AGAIN TOMORROW!!!
You made my day! So happy to hear you enjoyed them! I absolutely love this recipe. Glad I am not the only one! I really appreciate you taking time out of your day to comment! Hopefully you find some other recipes on our site that you enjoy just as much! All the best. Karin