2025 Delicious Jersey Mike’s Chicken Salad Recipe Guide

Jersey Mike’s chicken salad has earned its reputation as a hearty, flavorful, and comforting dish loved by sandwich enthusiasts nationwide. Known for its creamy texture and well-balanced flavor, this recipe combines tender chicken, creamy mayonnaise, crunchy celery, and light seasonings to create a filling salad that works perfectly on sandwiches, wraps, or even served solo with crackers.

Whether you’re a loyal Jersey Mike’s fan or simply love homemade Jersey Mike’s chicken salad, learning how to make this recipe at home can bring restaurant-style flavor straight to your kitchen. The best part is that it’s budget-friendly, customizable, and easy to prepare with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

How to Make Jersey Mike’s Chicken Salad?

Making Jersey Mike’s chicken salad is straightforward and rewarding. It begins with perfectly cooked chicken breast, which is then shredded or diced to achieve a tender bite. The chicken is combined with mayonnaise, fresh celery , and a touch of seasoning to balance flavors and create creaminess. Once mixed thoroughly, the salad is chilled to allow the flavors to meld together. From here, you can serve it on soft bread, as a wrap, or over greens for a lighter option.

Key Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by cooking boneless, skinless chicken breasts until they are fully tender but not overdone. Boiling or poaching is best to keep them moist and juicy. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly so it’s easier to handle. After cooling, shred the chicken using two forks or dice it into small, bite-sized cubes. This ensures that every piece blends well with the creamy dressing and evenly distributes flavor.

2. Chop the Vegetables

Next, finely chop fresh celery to create small, uniform pieces that add both texture and crunch to the Jersey Mike’s chicken salad. Consistency in size matters because large chunks can overpower the balance of flavors in each bite. Make sure the celery is washed properly and any tough strings are removed before chopping. Using a sharp knife helps create clean cuts. The freshness of the celery enhances the salad’s overall crispness and provides that signature Jersey Mike’s-style crunch.

3. Mix the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. The mayonnaise provides a creamy base, while the lemon juice adds a tangy brightness that lifts the flavors. Onion and garlic powders give depth without overpowering the chicken. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and lump-free, ensuring all ingredients are well combined. The result should be a balanced dressing that will coat the chicken and vegetables evenly.

4. Add the Chicken

Once the dressing is prepared, carefully fold in the shredded or diced chicken. Take your time to ensure that each piece is fully coated with the creamy mixture. Avoid mixing too roughly, as this may break the chicken into smaller pieces and create a mushy texture. Folding gently ensures the chicken retains its structure while still absorbing all the flavors. The goal is to achieve an even distribution of the dressing without losing the salad’s hearty and satisfying bite.

5. Incorporate the Celery

Now it’s time to mix in the finely chopped celery. Add the celery gradually and fold it in gently so the chicken pieces don’t get crushed. The celery adds both a crisp crunch and a refreshing contrast to the creamy dressing, which balances the richness of the mayonnaise. Make sure the celery pieces are spread evenly throughout the mixture, so every serving gets that satisfying texture. This step creates the signature bite that makes Jersey Mike’s chicken salad so appealing.

6. Adjust Seasonings

Taste your chicken salad mixture before chilling, and then adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences. If it feels too bland, add a pinch more salt or pepper. For extra brightness, a little more lemon juice can be added without making the salad watery. This step ensures that your Jersey Mike’s chicken salad has the right balance of creaminess, tang, and savory notes. Remember, flavors intensify as the salad chills, so keep adjustments subtle and avoid over-seasoning at this stage.

7. Chill Before Serving

Transfer the Jersey Mike’s chicken salad mixture into a bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling is important because it allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more balanced and delicious taste. It also helps firm up the salad, making it easier to scoop and spread on bread or wraps. Avoid serving immediately, as the difference in flavor and texture after chilling is significant and worth the short wait.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Once chilled, remove the Jersey Mike’s chicken salad from the refrigerator and give it a light stir before serving. Scoop it generously onto slices of fresh bread for a hearty sandwich, roll it in a tortilla wrap with lettuce and tomato, or spoon it over crisp salad greens for a lighter option. The versatility of Jersey Mike’s chicken salad makes it ideal for quick lunches, family picnics, or meal prep. Enjoy its creamy, savory, and refreshing flavors with every bite.

Tips for a Perfect Jersey Mike’s Chicken Salad

• Use freshly cooked chicken for the best flavor.
• Chill the salad before serving to enhance the taste.
• Don’t overdo the mayonnaise—keep it creamy but not heavy.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
• Use sharp knives to finely dice vegetables for consistency.

What to Serve With

1. Fresh Sandwich Bread

One of the most classic ways to enjoy Jersey Mike’s chicken salad is by serving it between two slices of fresh bread. Whether you choose soft white bread, hearty multigrain, or even a crusty baguette, the creamy salad pairs beautifully with the soft texture of bread. Add lettuce, tomato slices, or even cheese to elevate the flavor. This combination creates a satisfying deli-style sandwich that’s perfect for lunches, picnics, or a quick and filling dinner.

2. Wraps

For a portable and lighter alternative, roll the Jersey Mike’s chicken salad into a tortilla wrap. Use flour, whole wheat, or spinach tortillas, and layer them with lettuce, tomato, and even thinly sliced cucumbers for extra crunch. Wraps make the chicken salad easier to handle on the go while keeping it flavorful and fresh. They’re a great choice for packed lunches, quick snacks, or healthy dinners. The soft tortilla holds the creamy filling perfectly, making each bite balanced and enjoyable.

3. Crackers

If you’re looking for a simple yet tasty appetizer, pair the Jersey Mike’s chicken salad with buttery crackers. The salty, crisp bite of crackers complements the creamy texture of the salad, making it a perfect snack for parties or casual gatherings. You can portion the chicken salad into a serving bowl and let guests scoop it onto their favorite crackers. This pairing also works well for an easy afternoon snack, offering a quick and convenient way to enjoy chicken salad without bread.

4. Fresh Greens

For a low-carb and refreshing option, serve Jersey Mike’s chicken salad over a bed of crisp, fresh greens. A mix of romaine, spinach, and arugula works well, adding both flavor and nutrition. The creaminess of the salad contrasts beautifully with the crunchy, fresh vegetables, creating a well-rounded meal. You can also add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or shredded carrots to make the dish even more colorful and filling. This option is perfect for those who want a lighter yet satisfying meal.

5. Pasta Salad

Balance the richness of Jersey Mike’s chicken salad with the tangy and refreshing flavors of a pasta salad. A side of pasta mixed with vegetables, olive oil, or vinaigrette creates a bright contrast to the creaminess of the chicken. The combination offers a complete meal that is both hearty and flavorful. This duo works especially well for family gatherings, picnics, or potlucks, as both dishes are easy to prepare in advance and serve together. It’s a comfort food pairing that never fails.

6. Fruit Salad

The natural sweetness of fresh fruit salad pairs perfectly with the savory and creamy notes of Jersey Mike’s chicken salad. Combine seasonal fruits such as grapes, melon, strawberries, and pineapple for a refreshing side dish that balances the richness of the main recipe. The juicy fruits cleanse the palate, making each bite of chicken salad feel lighter and more refreshing. This combination is ideal for summertime meals, brunch spreads, or even healthy lunches. Together, they create a colorful, balanced, and satisfying meal.

Ingredient Substitutes

1. Chicken

If you don’t have chicken breast on hand, rotisserie chicken makes an excellent substitute. It’s already cooked, flavorful, and saves time in the kitchen. Simply remove the skin, shred the meat, and fold it into the dressing. The seasoning from rotisserie chicken adds an extra depth of flavor that can elevate the overall taste of your Jersey Mike’s chicken salad. This option is especially convenient for busy weeknights or last-minute meals when you need something quick, hearty, and delicious.

2. Mayonnaise

For a healthier and lighter alternative to mayonnaise, Greek yogurt works wonderfully. It provides the same creamy texture while adding a boost of protein and cutting down on fat. Its slight tanginess also balances the richness of the chicken, giving the salad a refreshing twist. You can use plain Greek yogurt or mix it with a little mayonnaise for the best of both worlds. This substitute is perfect for those who prefer a nutritious version without sacrificing flavor.

3. Celery

If celery isn’t available or preferred, diced cucumber can easily replace it. Cucumbers bring a similar crunch and refreshing taste to the salad while adding a touch of juiciness. They work especially well if you’re looking for a milder flavor compared to celery’s strong bite. Be sure to dice the cucumber finely and pat it dry with a paper towel to avoid excess moisture in the salad. This substitution makes the Jersey Mike’s chicken salad equally crisp and enjoyable.

4. Lemon Juice

When lemon juice isn’t available, white wine vinegar serves as a reliable substitute. It provides the same level of acidity needed to brighten the flavors of the Jersey Mike’s chicken salad. Just a small splash can cut through the richness of mayonnaise and balance the creamy texture. White wine vinegar has a slightly sharper flavor than lemon juice, so start with less and adjust to taste. This alternative ensures the salad still has that refreshing tang that makes it flavorful.

5. Seasonings

If you run out of garlic powder, don’t worry—fresh garlic can easily take its place. Just mince a small clove and mix it into the dressing. Fresh garlic has a stronger, more robust flavor, so a little goes a long way. It gives the chicken salad a punch of aroma and savory depth without altering the creamy balance.

Just mince a small clove and mix it into the dressing. Fresh garlic has a stronger, more robust flavor, so a little goes a long way. It gives the chicken salad a punch of aroma and savory depth without altering the creamy balance. This substitution works well for those who enjoy bold, authentic flavors in their dishes, making the salad even more appetizing.

6. Herbs

Parsley adds freshness to Jersey Mike’s chicken salad, but if you don’t have it, dill is a great alternative. Dill has a slightly tangy and aromatic flavor that blends beautifully with creamy dressings and chicken. Its unique taste enhances the overall profile of the salad, making it taste brighter and more flavorful. You can use fresh or dried dill depending on availability. This substitute is perfect for those who want a twist on the classic flavor while still keeping it light and fresh.

Nutritional Facts (Per Tablespoon)

Final Thoughts

Jersey Mike’s chicken salad is more than just a sandwich filler—it’s a versatile, flavorful, and satisfying dish that works for any occasion. By combining tender chicken, creamy mayonnaise, crunchy celery, and light seasonings, you can recreate this beloved recipe in your own kitchen. The best part is its flexibility: serve it in sandwiches, wraps, or even as a light salad on greens. 

With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can enjoy restaurant-quality Jersey Mike’s chicken salad that’s fresh, delicious, and customizable to your taste. So whether you’re meal prepping for the week, packing lunches, or preparing a quick dinner, this Jersey Mike’s classic will never disappoint. Try it once, and it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Don’t miss our popular Bamboo Chicken Salad recipe for another delicious twist you’ll love!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)