Bethenny Frankel chicken salad recipe became our family’s weekend lunch staple after I discovered how this celebrity chef’s simple approach could stretch our grocery budget further than I ever imagined. Last month, when my husband complained about our rising lunch costs and the kids were getting tired of the same old sandwiches, I remembered seeing Bethenny talk about her no-nonsense approach to cooking on a budget. Armed with just a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store and some pantry basics, I set out to recreate her famous chicken salad without the fancy price tag.
What started as a desperate attempt to feed four people lunch for under ten dollars turned into our most requested weekend meal. The beauty of this Bethenny Frankel chicken salad recipe isn’t just in its simplicity – it’s in how it transforms affordable ingredients into something that tastes like it came from an expensive deli.
Bethenny Frankel Chicken Salad Recipe
Equipment
- * Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- * Cutting Board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fork for shredding
Ingredients
- 1 rotisserie chicken meat removed and shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 celery stalks finely diced
- 1/4 red onion finely minced
- 1/4 cup fresh grapes halved
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove all meat from rotisserie chicken and shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Add diced celery and minced red onion to the dressing mixture.
- Fold in halved grapes and chopped walnuts gently.
- Add shredded chicken and fold everything together until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
Can be served as sandwiches, over greens, or in pita pockets
For lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt
What You’ll Need
Ingredients (Total cost: approximately $8.50)
- 1 rotisserie chicken, meat removed and shredded ($4.99)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ($0.50)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard ($0.25)
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced ($0.50)
- 1/4 red onion, finely minced ($0.25)
- 1/4 cup fresh grapes, halved ($1.00)
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, chopped ($1.00)
- Salt and pepper to taste ($0.01)
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fork for shredding chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Base
Remove all meat from your rotisserie chicken and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. This is where that store-bought rotisserie chicken really shines – it’s already perfectly seasoned and saves you hours of cooking time.
Create the Creamy Dressing
In your large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth. This combination is Bethenny’s secret – the Dijon adds just enough tang to cut through the richness without overpowering the other flavors.
Add the Crunch Elements
Fold in your diced celery and minced red onion. Don’t skip the celery – it adds the perfect crispness that makes this chicken salad special. The red onion gives a mild bite that complements the sweetness we’ll add next.
Incorporate Sweet and Nutty Components
Gently fold in the halved grapes and chopped walnuts. The grapes might seem unusual if you’ve never tried them in chicken salad, but they add a burst of sweetness that balances all the savory elements beautifully.
Season and Combine
Add the shredded chicken to the bowl and gently fold everything together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste, remembering that the rotisserie chicken already has seasoning.
Let It Rest
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows all the flavors to meld together, creating that deli-quality taste we’re after.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
This Bethenny Frankel chicken salad recipe succeeds because it balances textures and flavors without requiring expensive ingredients. The rotisserie chicken provides rich, seasoned protein while keeping prep time minimal. The combination of creamy mayonnaise and tangy Dijon creates a dressing that’s flavorful but not overwhelming. The celery and walnuts add essential crunch, while the grapes provide unexpected sweetness that elevates the entire dish from ordinary to restaurant-quality.
Make It Your Own
Mediterranean Twist: Replace grapes with sun-dried tomatoes and walnuts with pine nuts, adding a sprinkle of dried oregano.
Curry Version: Add a teaspoon of curry powder to the dressing and replace grapes with dried cranberries for an Indian-inspired variation.
Apple Walnut: Substitute diced Granny Smith apples for grapes and add a touch of honey to the dressing for a fall-inspired version.
Lighter Option: Use Greek yogurt in place of half the mayonnaise to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess.
What to Serve With
This versatile chicken salad pairs beautifully with toasted bread for classic sandwiches, or serve it over mixed greens for a lighter lunch. Try it with our crispy garlic suji bites for an unexpected but delicious combination. It’s also wonderful stuffed into pita pockets or served alongside fresh fruit for a complete meal. For heartier appetites, pair it with our vegetarian taco skillet for a satisfying lunch spread.
Money-Saving Tips
Buy rotisserie chickens when they’re marked down – many stores discount them in the evening, and they’re perfect for this recipe even if they’re not piping hot.
Make your own mayonnaise – it costs about half as much as store-bought and tastes fresher.
Buy grapes in season – when they’re expensive, substitute with diced apples or even raisins for sweetness.
Toast your own nuts – buying whole walnuts and chopping them yourself saves money compared to pre-chopped varieties.
Double the recipe – this chicken salad keeps well for up to four days, making it perfect for meal prep lunches.
From My Family to Yours
There’s something deeply satisfying about creating a meal that tastes expensive but costs so little. This Bethenny Frankel chicken salad recipe has become more than just a budget-friendly lunch option in our house – it’s become a weekend tradition. My kids actually request it now, and my husband has stopped complaining about lunch costs because he knows we’re eating well without breaking the bank.
Every time I make this recipe, I’m reminded that good food doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. Sometimes the best meals come from simple ingredients combined with a little creativity and a lot of love. This chicken salad embodies that philosophy perfectly, delivering restaurant-quality flavor at a fraction of the cost.
FAQ Section
Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Any cooked chicken works well in this recipe. Just make sure it’s properly seasoned, as rotisserie chicken adds extra flavor.
How long does this chicken salad last in the refrigerator?
When stored properly in an airtight container, this Bethenny Frankel chicken salad recipe stays fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This chicken salad actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld. Make it a day ahead for the best results.
What can I substitute for walnuts if I have a nut allergy?
Try sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or even crispy bacon bits for added texture and flavor without the nuts.
For food safety guidelines when handling chicken, the CDC recommends proper storage temperatures to ensure your chicken salad stays safe to eat. According to the USDA, rotisserie chicken should be used within 3-4 days of purchase for optimal safety and quality.
Looking for more budget-friendly meal ideas? Check out our 5-minute sloppy joe seasoning mix for another money-saving kitchen staple.
Related Recipe Recommendations
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like:
- Easy Summer Lunch Ideas for Kids: Delicious, Budget-Friendly Meals They’ll Love
- Unbelievably Delicious Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole (Budget-Friendly Comfort Food!)
- One-Pan Chicken Rice Veggie Meal Prep Bowls
Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later and share it with friends looking for budget-friendly family dinner ideas!
