There are some recipes you try once, and then there are the ones you crave on repeat. This Nashville-inspired pickle chicken salad falls firmly in the second category. With tender chicken, spicy-sweet hot honey, and that unmistakable tang of crunchy pickles, it’s the perfect twist on a classic chicken salad recipe. It delivers that delicious dill pickle flavor while feeling elevated enough to serve at brunch or pack into chic lettuce wraps for easy lunches.
This isn’t just another dill pickle chicken salad recipe. It’s high in protein, full of fresh herbs, and layered with tangy pickles, creamy Greek yogurt, and just enough heat to keep you coming back. Whether you’re a dill pickle lover or simply looking for a healthy dill pickle chicken salad that feels indulgent but is secretly good for you, this one checks every box. Think of it as the delicious option you didn’t know you needed in your lunch rotation.
Why This Pickle Chicken Salad Works
First, the inspiration. Nashville hot honey has been everywhere, but pairing it with a dill pickle version of chicken salad feels fresh. The spicy-sweet balance of hot honey cuts through the richness, while the tangy pickles add extra crunch and brightness. It’s the kind of great recipe that feels nostalgic but with a modern twist.
Second, the texture. You get tender chicken, crunchy dill pickles, and creamy dressing that clings beautifully. Using rotisserie chicken breast or leftover chicken makes it easy, but starting with cooked chicken seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic powder creates even more depth. The best part is that it’s flexible. If you prefer dark meat, you can swap it in, though white meat keeps it lighter.
Finally, the flavor. Dill pickle juice in the base adds tang, while spicy dill pickles or butter pickles can be swapped in depending on your favorite brands. You can even add sweet pickles or sweet relish if you want a softer flavor. The result is a delicious dill pickle chicken salad recipe that can adapt to your taste and still feel like a chic, elevated dish.
The Chicken: What To Do and Not Do
When making this pickle chicken salad, the chicken is the foundation. Tender chicken makes all the difference, and it’s easy to get wrong if you overcook it. Always simmer your chicken in broth instead of boiling. A slow cooker or even an instant pot can help keep the texture soft and shreddable.
If you’re in a hurry, using rotisserie chicken breast is my favorite way to cut prep time. Be sure to remove any skin and shred into fine pieces so it mixes evenly with the creamy base. Leftover chicken also works beautifully, especially when lightly seasoned with black pepper and garlic powder. Avoid using overly dry chicken, or you’ll lose that luscious texture that makes a delicious chicken salad worth making.
WHAT KIND OF PICKLES TO USE
The type of pickle you choose sets the entire tone of your pickle chicken salad. Crunchy dill pickles are the most traditional and deliver that satisfying snap. Spicy dill pickles add a fiery kick that pairs perfectly with the hot honey drizzle. For those who prefer a sweeter balance, bread and butter pickles or butter pickles bring a subtle sweetness that softens the tangy flavor.
Dill pickle lovers can stick with the classic dill pickle version and even use a splash of pickle juice from the pickle jar for extra zing. Sweet relish or chopped sweet pickles can also be wonderful additions if you want layers of flavor. The best part is that there is no wrong choice. Each style brings its own delicious way of elevating this dill pickle chicken salad into a bold, crave-worthy dish.
The Hot Honey: A Game Changer
The hot honey takes this dill pickle chicken salad from simple to unforgettable. You can make your own with raw honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar, or buy a bottle from your favorite brands. A drizzle over the top creates the ultimate balance of sweet and spicy. Adding hot honey directly into the mix is a delicious way to infuse flavor, but my favorite way is to save a little for serving.
Serving Ideas: Chic and Versatile
The beauty of this healthy dill pickle chicken salad is how versatile it is. Serve it on toasted sourdough for a deli-style lunch, or layer into lettuce wraps for a low carb option. Lettuce cups make it feel light and fresh, while flaky croissants turn it into a brunch-worthy moment.
It also pairs beautifully with cucumber slices, or on top of a bed of lettuce for easy lunches. If you want extra crunch, sprinkle with fresh cucumbers or even top with seeds. For a creative spin, use it as a filling for bell peppers or serve with pita chips for an unexpected appetizer.
My favorite though? To eat it with pretzle thins for a little extra salt.
STORAGE TIPS
This salad stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually get better with time as the tangy flavor of the pickles melds with the creamy dressing. For the best experience, always stir before serving.
If you want to prep ahead, store the shredded chicken in red containers separately, then mix with the creamy base before serving. That way you keep the extra crunch of the crisp pickle pieces intact.
Healthy Nashville Hot Honey +
DILL Pickle Chicken Salad
This Nashville hot honey + pickle chicken salad is the ultimate upgrade to a classic chicken salad recipe. Sweet, spicy, and tangy with extra protein and delicious dill pickle flavor, it’s a dish you’ll make on repeat.
INGREDIENTS
(Serves 4)
For the chicken:
+ 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
+ 1 tsp smoked paprika
+ 1 tsp garlic powder
+ ½ tsp cayenne (adjust to spice preference)
+ Salt & black pepper to taste
+ 1 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
+ 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (enough to cover chicken in pan)
Hot honey:
+ 3 tbsp raw honey
+ 2 tsp hot sauce (Frank’s, Tabasco, or similar)
+ 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
The Dressing
+ ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
+ ¼ cup light mayo (or more Greek yogurt for lighter option)
+ 3 tbsp dill pickle juice (extra tangy, adjust to taste)
+ 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
+ 1 tbsp olive oil
+ ½ tsp garlic powder
+ Salt & pepper to taste
Mix-ins:
+ ½ cup chopped dill pickles
+ ¼ cup finely diced red onion
+ ¼ cup celery, finely diced (optional)
+ ½ avocado, diced (optional for creaminess)
+ Fresh dill or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
DIRECTIONS
Cook the chicken for shredding:
1. Heat avocado oil in a deep skillet (with a lid) or sauté pan over medium-high. (I like using Trader Joe’s Avocado Oil Cooking Spray)
2. Pat chicken breasts dry and season with paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
3. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden.
4. In the same pan, add enough chicken broth to fully cover the chicken. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until cooked through.
5. Let cool, then shred finely with two forks.
Make the hot honey:
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
Make the dressing:
In a large bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, mayo, pickle juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble the chicken salad:
1. Add shredded chicken, chopped pickles, diced red onion, celery, and avocado (if using) into the creamy base.
2. Fold everything together until well coated.
3. Drizzle in half of the hot honey and gently mix. Adjust with more salt + pepper to taste.
Serve:
Scoop with pretzles, layer into lettuce cups, or pile into a flaky croissant.
Garnish with fresh dill and a final drizzle of hot honey before serving.
At the end of the day, this Nashville inspired Hot Honey + Pickle Chicken Salad is more than just an easy chicken salad recipe. It’s a delicious chicken salad recipe with a spicy twist that feels chic enough for entertaining but practical enough for weekday lunch ideas.
The combination of tender chicken, crunchy pickles, creamy dressing, and hot honey is my favorite way to elevate a classic. Whether you serve it with lettuce wraps, spooned over fresh cucumbers, or stuffed into a croissant, it delivers every time. The tangy flavor of the pickles with that drizzle of hot honey might just be your new obsession.
This is one dill pickle version of chicken salad you’ll make on repeat, and honestly, you’ll never look at the classic the same way again.
Enjoy xx