Prepare the Chicken:

If you haven’t already, cook the chicken. You can boil, bake, or grill the chicken breasts. Once cooked, allow them to cool.

Shred the chicken with two forks or dice it into small pieces, depending on your texture preference.

Mix the Base Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and mayonnaise. Start with a smaller amount of mayonnaise and add more as needed to reach your desired creaminess.

Add Crunch and Flavor:

Mix in the finely chopped celery. This will add a nice crunch and freshness to the salad.

If using, add the optional ingredients like nuts or dried cranberries/grapes for added texture and a hint of sweetness.

Season:

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Here, you can also add any additional seasonings you like, such as a dash of garlic powder, onion powder, or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zing.

Combine:

Stir all the ingredients together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning or mayonnaise as necessary.

Chill:

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least an hour. This step helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Serve:

Enjoy your chicken salad on a bed of greens, sandwiched between slices of bread, or as a filling for a wrap. Garnish with additional nuts or fresh herbs if desired.