Everything Bagel Chicken Salad: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Favorite

A Bite of Nostalgia: The Story Behind This Recipe

Growing up, everything bagels were a weekend tradition in my house. The scent of warm, toasted bagels coated in sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion filled our kitchen as my family gathered around the breakfast table. It wasn’t just about the food—it was about connection. We would slather on cream cheese, sometimes add a slice of smoked salmon, and dive into the bold flavors that felt like home.

Years later, as I became more conscious of my eating habits, I wanted to capture that same comforting, salty, and savory experience in a healthier way. That’s how this Everything Bagel Chicken Salad was born. It takes the unmistakable flavor of an everything bagel and transforms it into a protein-packed, creamy, and crunchy dish that you can enjoy for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep. It’s a nostalgic nod to those weekend breakfasts, but with a fresh and healthy twist.

Why This Everything Bagel Chicken Salad Stands Out

A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite

The beauty of this chicken salad lies in its balance of flavors. Everything bagel seasoning is the real star here, infusing every bite with a blend of nutty, garlicky, and slightly salty goodness. The seasoning clings to tender shredded chicken, creamy Greek yogurt, and crisp celery, creating a dish that is both satisfying and refreshing.

Packed with Protein, Low in Carbs

One of the best things about this recipe is how nutritious it is. Unlike traditional mayo-based chicken salads, this version swaps in Greek yogurt, which not only lightens it up but also adds an extra dose of protein. With over 25g of protein per serving, this salad keeps you full and energized for hours. Whether you’re following a low-carb, high-protein, or balanced diet, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Quick and Easy to Make

Let’s be honest—sometimes we just don’t have the time to cook elaborate meals. That’s where this chicken salad comes in handy. Using a rotisserie chicken makes prep incredibly fast, turning this into a 15-minute meal. It’s perfect for busy weekdays, meal prepping, or those times when you just need something quick without sacrificing flavor.

Ways to Serve and Enjoy This Dish

One of the reasons I love this recipe is how versatile it is. You can enjoy it in so many different ways depending on your mood or dietary preferences. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve Everything Bagel Chicken Salad:

• On a Toasted Bagel: Bring it back to its roots by serving it on an everything bagel or whole wheat bagel. Add some fresh tomato slices or avocado for extra creaminess.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, scoop the chicken salad into crisp romaine or butter lettuce leaves.
• As a Dip: Serve with crackers, pita chips, or sliced veggies like cucumber and bell peppers.
• Over a Salad: Add it to a fresh bed of greens with some extra veggies for a light and healthy meal.
• Stuffed in a Sweet Potato: A unique and delicious combination of flavors that works surprisingly well.
• Wrapped in a Tortilla: Turn it into a chicken salad wrap with some extra greens for crunch.

Customization Ideas: Make It Your Own

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can tweak it to suit your personal taste or dietary needs. Here are a few fun variations you can try:

For a Creamier Texture:

If you prefer a richer, creamier chicken salad, try adding a small amount of mashed avocado or a tablespoon of light cream cheese.

Dairy-Free Option:

Use dairy-free Greek yogurt made from coconut or almond milk for a completely dairy-free version.

Add a Sweet Touch:

For a bit of natural sweetness, mix in some diced apples, dried cranberries, or sliced grapes.

Make It Extra Crunchy:

If you love a bit of crunch in your chicken salad, toss in some chopped walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds.

Spice It Up:

If you’re a fan of heat, sprinkle in a dash of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.

Wholesome Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups cooked shredded chicken (about 1 lb)
• 1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt (use ½ cup for a drier salad)
• ½ cup celery, finely diced
• ¼ cup white onion, finely diced (or substitute red onion)
• ⅓ cup scallions, sliced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning

Simple Steps to Perfection:

1. Cook the Chicken:
   • Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the chicken for 10–14 minutes.
   • Alternatively, use an Instant Pot, slow cooker, or a store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience.
2. Prep the Veggies:
   • While the chicken is cooking, finely chop the celery, onion, and scallions.
3. Shred & Mix:
   • Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks.
   • In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, chopped veggies, spices, and Greek yogurt.
4. Toss & Serve:
   • Mix everything thoroughly until evenly coated.
   • Serve on a sandwich, over a salad, or as a dip with crackers.

Nutritional Highlights (Per 1 Cup Serving):

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Protein: 26g
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 63mg
• Sodium: 314mg
• Potassium: 502mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
• Calcium: 76mg
• Iron: 1mg

Enjoy this flavorful, high-protein, and easy-to-make chicken salad that brings the magic of everything bagel seasoning to your plate!

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

1. How long does this chicken salad last?

This chicken salad will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. After that, the texture may start to change, and it’s best to make a fresh batch.

2. Can I freeze this chicken salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze this chicken salad. The Greek yogurt doesn’t freeze well and may become watery or separate when thawed.

3. Can I use canned chicken instead of fresh chicken?

Yes, you can use canned chicken, but the texture will be softer and less firm than using freshly shredded or rotisserie chicken. If using canned chicken, make sure to drain and rinse it well before mixing it with the other ingredients.

4. What brand of everything bagel seasoning should I use?

You can use any brand of everything bagel seasoning you like. Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel Seasoning is a popular choice, but many grocery stores carry their own versions. You can also make your own by mixing sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and coarse salt.

5. Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Greek yogurt is preferred because it’s thicker and creamier, but you can use plain regular yogurt if needed. However, the consistency may be a bit thinner.

6. Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, this recipe is naturally low in carbs, making it a great keto-friendly meal. Just be mindful of what you serve it with—opting for lettuce wraps instead of bread will keep it keto-compliant.

7. Can I add cheese to this chicken salad?

Absolutely! Crumbled feta, goat cheese, or shredded cheddar would all make great additions to this recipe.

8. What can I do if my chicken salad is too dry?

If you prefer a creamier chicken salad, you can add an extra scoop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of olive oil to enhance the texture.

The Final Bite: Why You Need This Recipe in Your Life

Everything Bagel Chicken Salad is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of bold flavors, wholesome ingredients, and the comfort of familiar tastes. Whether you’re someone who grew up loving everything bagels or you’re just looking for a new go-to lunch recipe, this dish delivers on all fronts.

It’s easy to make, packed with protein, and endlessly versatile. Plus, it brings a little bit of nostalgia to the table in the best possible way. So the next time you’re craving something satisfying but healthy, give this recipe a try. It just might become a new favorite in your kitchen, just like it did in mine.

Print