Willow Tree Chicken Salad Recipe (Just Like the Deli Version)

The first time I tasted something close to the Willow Tree Chicken Salad Recipe, it wasn’t from a fancy deli or a food blog—it was scooped onto a paper plate at a family picnic when we visited the farm, and I remember thinking how quietly perfect it was.

No bold flavors fighting for attention, no overload of add-ins—just creamy, tender chicken with that soft, slightly sweet balance that keeps you going back for “just one more bite.”

That’s what made me want to recreate this classic Willow Tree farm chicken salad recipe at home, using simple ingredients and an easy method that actually fits real life.

Its creamy texture comes from high-quality cooked white chicken mixed with mayonnaise, a signature seasoning blend (including brown sugar, salt, spices, onion, and garlic), and cultured dextrose for freshness.

My copycat version is meant to feel homemade, not fussy, and approachable even if you’ve never made chicken salad before.

You can spoon it onto soft sandwich rolls for an easy lunch, or serve it chilled with crackers or fresh greens

What is Willow Tree Chicken Salad?

Willow Tree Chicken Salad is a well-loved deli classic that comes from Willow Tree Poultry Farm in Massachusetts, a family-run business known for simple, fresh-made foods.

If you’ve ever bought it from the store, you probably remember how creamy it is, with very finely minced celery and onion and chicken that stays chunky instead of shredded.

What stands out most to me is how gentle the flavor is. There’s a light sweetness, no sharp seasoning, and nothing extra getting in the way.

Making it at home lets you stay true to that original style while using fresh chicken and adjusting the texture just how you like it, without changing what makes it familiar and comforting.

Perfect For

• Easy weekday lunches that feel special
• Picnic baskets and beach days
• Meal prep without getting bored
• Light summer dinners when it’s too hot to cook
• Sandwich lovers who crave creamy fillings
• Hosting friends who appreciate simple, good food

Willow Tree Chicken Salad Ingredients

You probably thinks that what’s in willow tree chicken salad! maybe lots of ingredients, expensive and what not. Bur let me clear all of your confusion.

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (fully cooked) – This is the heart of the salad. Mild chicken keeps the flavor soft and balanced. Slow-cooked or gently cooked chicken stays juicy and breaks into chunky pieces, which is important for that classic deli-style texture.

¾ cup mayonnaise (Duke’s recommended) – Duke’s mayonnaise works best because it’s rich and tangy without added sugar. It coats the chicken smoothly and gives the salad its signature creaminess. If you swap brands, stick with full-fat mayo for the right taste and texture.

3 tablespoons finely minced celery – Celery adds a light crunch and fresh bite without taking over. Cutting it very small helps it blend into the salad so you get texture in every bite without large, crunchy pieces standing out.

3 tablespoons finely minced onion – Onion brings gentle flavor and depth. Yellow or sweet onion works best here. When minced finely, it melts into the salad and adds taste without leaving a strong onion bite.

1 tablespoon brown sugar – This small amount makes a big difference. It doesn’t make the salad sweet, but it softens the savory flavors and gives that subtle, familiar balance people recognize in Willow Tree chicken salad.

⅛ teaspoon garlic powder – Garlic powder adds mild background flavor without overpowering anything. Using a small amount keeps the salad smooth and simple, not bold or garlicky.

1 pinch salt – Salt brings all the flavors together. Start with a light hand, especially since mayo already has salt, then adjust after chilling if needed.

1 pinch black pepper – Black pepper adds just a touch of warmth. Keep it minimal so it supports the flavor instead of standing out.

Kitchen Appliance Needed

• Slow cooker (I prefer small size like 1.5 or 2 quart)

How To Make Willow Tree Chicken Salad

Step 1 | Cook the Chicken

Place one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast into a slow cooker and cook until fully done. Cooking overnight on a low setting works well and results in tender chicken.

Once cooked, allow the chicken to cool slightly, then break it apart using tongs or fingers to create a chunky texture rather than finely shredded meat.

Step 2 | Prepare the Chicken Base

Transfer the cooked and chunked chicken into a large mixing bowl. Keep the chicken pieces slightly chunky to maintain texture, as this recipe is not intended to be finely blended or puréed.

Step 3 | Add the Mayonnaise

Add ¾ cup of mayonnaise to the chicken. This amount is measured specifically for one pound of chicken and provides the correct creamy consistency without overpowering the other ingredients.

Step 4 | Incorporate the Vegetables

Add 3 tablespoons of finely minced celery and 3 tablespoons of finely minced onion to the bowl. The vegetables should be very finely cut so they blend evenly into the salad without standing out in large pieces.

Step 5 | Add the Sweet and Seasoning Elements

Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, followed by a pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper. Add ⅛ teaspoon of garlic powder. The brown sugar is a subtle but important ingredient and should be fully incorporated so it does not clump.

Step 6 | Mix Thoroughly

Using a spoon, gently mix all ingredients together until fully combined. Take time to ensure the brown sugar and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the chicken salad while maintaining the chunky chicken texture.

Step 7 | Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad overnight. Chilling allows the flavors to fully blend and improves overall taste and texture. The chicken salad is ready to be used for sandwiches or served as desired after resting.

Chef Special Tips for Willow Tree Chicken Salad

Keep everything finely minced except the chicken – The small cuts help the celery and onion blend smoothly into the salad, while chunky chicken keeps that classic Willow Tree texture people love.

Chill overnight and don’t rush it – This salad truly tastes better after resting. The flavors settle, the texture firms up, and everything comes together the way it should.

Taste after chilling, not before – Cold salad tastes different than room-temperature. Always adjust salt and pepper after it’s fully chilled for the most accurate flavor.

Use full-fat mayonnaise – Light or whipped mayo changes the texture and taste. Full-fat mayo gives the creamy, deli-style consistency that makes this recipe feel authentic.

Mix gently – Stir just enough to combine. Overmixing will break down the chicken and turn the salad mushy instead of chunky and satisfying.

What To Serve with This Willow Tree Chicken Salad

Soft Sandwich Rolls
Pile the chicken salad onto soft white rolls or brioche. Add lettuce if you like, but keep it simple. The bread should hold everything together without stealing attention from the filling.

Buttery Crackers
Scoop the chilled salad with sturdy crackers for an easy lunch or snack plate. It’s casual, a little messy, and perfect when you don’t want to think too hard about sides.

Simple Rice Bowl
Serve a scoop over plain white or jasmine rice. The creamy chicken pairs surprisingly well with warm rice and turns the salad into a filling, no-fuss meal.

Mac and Cheese Side
A small bowl of creamy mac and cheese works great next to this salad. The flavors don’t clash, and it makes the plate feel extra comforting.

Stuffed Tomatoes
Fill hollowed-out tomatoes with chicken salad for something fresh and light. It looks nice without trying too hard and works well for warm days or casual hosting.

Leftover and Storing

Store leftover Willow Tree Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Always keep it chilled and avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than two hours, especially during warm weather.

This recipe is not freezer-friendly due to the mayonnaise, which can separate and change texture once thawed. For best flavor and safety, enjoy it fresh within the recommended window.

Willow Tree Chicken Salad Recipe FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Yes, as long as it’s lightly seasoned. Plain rotisserie chicken works fine, but anything heavily spiced or smoked will change the flavor and move it away from that soft, familiar deli taste.

Why does the chicken need to stay chunky?
Chunky pieces give the salad its classic feel. Shredded chicken soaks up too much mayo and turns pasty, while larger bites keep the texture balanced and more enjoyable to eat.

Is the brown sugar really necessary?
It is. You won’t taste sweetness, but you’d notice if it were missing. That small amount smooths out the savory flavors and gives the salad its signature, well-rounded taste.

Can I change the amount of mayonnaise?
You can adjust slightly, but ¾ cup is the sweet spot for one pound of chicken. More than that can make the salad heavy and dull the flavor of the chicken.

How far ahead can I make this chicken salad?
Making it a day ahead is actually better. The flavors settle as it chills. Two days ahead is fine, but it’s best eaten within three days for freshness.

Which onion works best for this recipe?
Yellow or sweet onion is the safest choice. They add flavor without sharpness. Red onion tends to be too strong and changes the overall taste.

Can I add herbs, fruit, or other mix-ins?
You can, but it won’t taste like Willow Tree anymore. This recipe is about restraint. Add-ins like grapes or herbs shift it into a different style entirely.

Can I freeze Willow Tree chicken salad?
Freezing isn’t recommended. Mayonnaise separates once thawed, leaving the salad watery and uneven. This is one recipe that’s much better kept refrigerated and enjoyed fresh.

Making this Willow Tree Chicken Salad Recipe at home is easier than you think, and it nails the flavor of the original deli favorite—yes, a true Willow Tree Chicken Salad copycat.

Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s so comforting and versatile.