La Madeleine Chicken Salad is a French-inspired classic, loved for its creamy texture and fresh, savory flavor. Made with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a rich dressing, it’s both comforting and refreshing. Whether served on a croissant, in a wrap, or on its own, this salad brings café-style charm to your table. If you’re craving a simple yet satisfying dish, this copycat recipe is just what you need. Let’s dive in and recreate it step by step.
Introduction to La Madeleine Chicken Salad Recipe
La Madeleine Chicken Salad is a popular dish from the French-inspired bakery and café chain, La Madeleine. Known for its simple yet elegant menu, the restaurant offers a variety of fresh, comforting foods—and their chicken salad is a standout favorite.
What makes this salad special is its perfect balance of creamy dressing, tender chicken breast, and finely chopped vegetables. It’s mildly seasoned, slightly tangy, and has just the right crunch. Served chilled, it’s both hearty and refreshing—ideal for lunch, brunch, or a light dinner.
Unlike heavily dressed or overly seasoned chicken salads, La Madeleine’s version is known for its subtle flavors and smooth texture. It’s often enjoyed in a flaky croissant, over a bed of greens, or paired with fresh fruit.
This copycat recipe lets you recreate the same comforting experience at home using simple, everyday ingredients. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for meal prep, and customizable to your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Salad
There’s a reason La Madeleine Chicken Salad has a loyal following. Here’s what makes it a recipe you’ll keep coming back to:
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
You don’t need anything fancy. Just a few fresh, everyday ingredients come together to create a rich, satisfying flavor that tastes gourmet.
Perfect Texture
It’s creamy, yet light. The chicken is tender, the veggies add crunch, and the dressing ties everything together without being too heavy.
Versatile Serving Options
Serve it on a buttery croissant, in a wrap, over salad greens, or simply on its own. It fits any meal—breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Make-Ahead Friendly
It gets even better after a few hours in the fridge. Make it ahead for a stress-free meal, snack, or potluck favorite.
Healthier Than Store-Bought
By making it at home, you control the ingredients—use lean chicken, light mayo, or Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
Kid & Crowd Approved
Its mild, comforting flavor makes it a hit with all ages. Great for lunchboxes, family gatherings, or meal prepping for the week.
Ingredients Overview
To recreate the creamy, savory goodness of La Madeleine Chicken Salad at home, you’ll need just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a role in building the flavor and texture that make this salad so satisfying.
Cooked Chicken Breast
Use boneless, skinless chicken breast for the best texture. You can poach, roast, or use leftover rotisserie chicken—just make sure it’s shredded or finely chopped. The chicken should be moist but firm enough to hold up in the dressing.
Celery
Chopped celery adds a fresh, crisp bite that balances the creamy dressing. It also gives a subtle peppery flavor that keeps the salad from feeling too rich.
Red Onion or Green Onion (Optional)
Finely chopped red or green onions give a mild sharpness and a bit of color. Use sparingly to avoid overpowering the other flavors.
Hard-Boiled Eggs (Optional)
Some versions include chopped hard-boiled eggs for added creaminess and protein. It’s optional but gives the salad a comforting, homemade feel.
Mayonnaise
The base of the creamy dressing. Choose a good-quality mayo for the best flavor. You can also substitute part of it with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Lemon Juice
A splash of lemon juice brightens up the flavor and balances the richness of the mayo. It gives the salad a slightly tangy finish.
Dijon Mustard (Optional)
Adds a subtle tang and depth to the dressing without overpowering. If you like a bit more zip, this is a great addition.
Fresh Parsley or Dill (Optional)
Chopped fresh herbs can enhance the freshness and give it a vibrant finish. Dill works particularly well with chicken and mayo.
Salt and Black Pepper
Simple seasoning goes a long way. Adjust to taste—start light and build up as needed.
Ingredient Tips:
Use cold ingredients when mixing the salad for best results—it helps keep the texture consistent and the flavors crisp. Finely chop everything so that the salad is creamy and cohesive, just like the original La Madeleine version. Customize to taste add grapes, apples, or nuts for a twist, though these are not in the original.
Equipment You’ll Need
Making La Madeleine Chicken Salad at home is simple and doesn’t require any fancy kitchen gadgets. With just a few basic tools, you can prepare, mix, and store the salad with ease.
Mixing Bowls
You’ll need one large mixing bowl to combine all the ingredients, and optionally a smaller one if you’re preparing the dressing separately first.
Sharp Knife and Cutting Board
A good knife is essential for chopping the chicken, celery, onions, and any optional ingredients like herbs or eggs.
Forks or Salad Chopper (for shredding chicken)
If you’re not using pre-shredded chicken, you can use two forks to shred cooked chicken, or a salad chopper for a finer texture.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurements help maintain the right balance of flavors—especially for the dressing.
Saucepan (if boiling eggs or cooking chicken)
If you’re starting from scratch, you’ll need a saucepan for hard-boiling eggs or poaching the chicken breast.
Spatula or Spoon
A silicone spatula or large spoon works well for gently mixing the ingredients without breaking them down too much.
Airtight Container (for storing)
If you’re making the salad ahead of time, use a sealed container to keep it fresh in the fridge.
Optional Tools:
- Food Processor: Useful for quick chopping, especially if you’re doubling the batch.
- Citrus Juicer: For squeezing fresh lemon juice easily.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make a creamy, flavorful La Madeleine-style chicken salad right in your own kitchen. The process is quick, easy, and ideal for meal prep or a fast lunch option.
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Chicken (If Needed)
If you’re not using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken:
Poach or bake boneless, skinless chicken breasts until fully cooked. Let them cool completely, then shred or finely chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Tip: Cold chicken is easier to chop and helps keep the salad crisp.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Finely chop celery and onions (red or green). Keep the pieces small and uniform for a smooth, consistent texture. If using hard-boiled eggs, chop them now.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- A splash of lemon juice
- A small spoon of Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: Add chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
In your large mixing bowl:
Add the chopped chicken, celery, onion, and eggs (if using). Pour the dressing over the top. Use a spoon or spatula to gently fold everything together until well coated.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Give the salad a quick taste. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
- Tip: If it feels too dry, add a little more mayo or a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Step 6: Chill Before Serving
Cover the bowl or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld. This step makes a big difference in taste and texture.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once chilled, the chicken salad is ready to serve:
Spoon it onto a croissant, wrap, or sandwich. Serve over lettuce or salad greens. Enjoy with crackers or sliced baguette as a snack or appetizer.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Salad
Want your homemade La Madeleine Chicken Salad to taste just like the café version—or better? These simple tips will help you get the texture, flavor, and freshness just right every time.
Use Cold, Cooked Chicken
Let your chicken cool completely before mixing. Warm chicken can make the salad watery and affect the creamy texture.
Shred or Finely Chop Chicken
To match the smooth, uniform consistency of the original, shred the chicken with forks or chop it finely. Avoid large chunks—they make the salad harder to scoop or spread.
Chop Ingredients Evenly
Finely diced celery and onions blend better with the chicken and dressing. This keeps each bite balanced and avoids overpowering flavors.
Don’t Overdo the Mayo
Start with less mayo and add more only if needed. Too much dressing can make the salad heavy and drown out the flavors of the chicken and veggies.
Add Lemon Juice for Brightness
A splash of fresh lemon juice cuts through the richness of the mayo and brings the salad to life. It also acts as a natural preservative.
Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and improves the texture.
Adjust to Taste
Taste before serving and tweak the seasoning. Add a pinch of salt, a bit more lemon, or a small spoonful of mustard to balance the flavor.
Customize if Desired
While not in the original, you can experiment with add-ins like:
- Grapes or apples (for sweetness)
- Chopped nuts (for crunch)
- Fresh herbs (for brightness)
Keep it simple or make it your own—the base recipe is flexible.
Serving Suggestions
La Madeleine Chicken Salad is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for everything from a casual lunch to an elegant brunch. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:
On a Croissant (Classic Style)
This is the most iconic way to enjoy it—just like they serve at La Madeleine.
Slice a fresh, flaky croissant in half. Spoon a generous amount of chilled chicken salad inside. Add lettuce or tomato slices if you like a little extra crunch or freshness.
Perfect for brunches, tea parties, or packed lunches.
Over Salad Greens
For a lighter, low-carb option:
Serve a scoop of chicken salad on a bed of mixed greens, arugula, or romaine. Drizzle with a bit of lemon juice or balsamic glaze for added zing.
This turns your chicken salad into a refreshing, protein-packed meal.
In a Sandwich or Wrap
Use sandwich bread, whole-grain toast, or a tortilla wrap. Add lettuce, cucumber, or shredded carrots for added crunch.
Easy to take on the go or pack for lunch.
With Crackers or Toast Points
Spoon chicken salad into a bowl and serve with a variety of crackers or toast.
Great as an appetizer, snack, or light lunch.
In Lettuce Cups
For a low-carb, gluten-free option:
Scoop the salad into crisp romaine or butter lettuce leaves.
Tidy, refreshing, and ideal for entertaining or meal prep.
As Part of a Café-Style Plate
Recreate the café experience by pairing the chicken salad with:
- Fresh fruit (grapes, melon, or berries)
- A small green salad
- A slice of quiche or a cup of soup
Storing and Make-Ahead Instructions
La Madeleine Chicken Salad is not only delicious—it’s also a great make-ahead option that stores beautifully. Whether you’re prepping for the week or saving leftovers, here’s how to keep it fresh and tasty.
How to Store Chicken Salad
Use an airtight container to store the salad. This prevents it from absorbing other odors in the fridge and keeps the texture intact. Keep it refrigerated at all times. Since it contains mayonnaise and cooked chicken, it should not be left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
- Shelf life: It stays fresh for up to 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. After that, the texture may change, and it’s safer to discard it.
- Tip: If the salad seems dry after a few days, stir in a small spoonful of mayo or a splash of lemon juice to freshen it up.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare the chicken and chopped ingredients a day in advance and store them separately. This helps maintain the salad’s crunch. Make the dressing ahead of time and refrigerate it. Mix everything together when ready to serve for best texture. Alternatively, make the entire salad up to 24 hours ahead—it actually tastes better after chilling, as the flavors meld together.
Can You Freeze Chicken Salad?
Freezing is not recommended:
The mayonnaise will separate and become watery once thawed, and the vegetables will lose their crunch. For best quality and food safety, enjoy it fresh and refrigerated only.
Nutrition Information
La Madeleine Chicken Salad is a rich and satisfying dish, but it can also be part of a balanced diet—especially when made at home, where you can control the ingredients and portions.
Below is an approximate nutrition breakdown per 1/2 cup serving, based on a standard recipe using mayonnaise, chicken breast, celery, and basic seasonings:
Estimated Nutritional Values (per 1/2 cup serving):
- Calories: 280–320
- Protein: 20–25g
- Fat: 22–26g
- Saturated Fat: 3–4g
- Carbohydrates: 2–4g
- Sugars: <1g
- Fiber: <1g
- Cholesterol: 70–90mg
- Sodium: 350–450mg
Key Nutritional Highlights:
High in Protein
Thanks to lean chicken breast and eggs (if used), this salad provides a solid protein boost to keep you full longer.
Low in Carbs
This dish is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb and keto-friendly diets.
Moderate to High in Fat
Most of the fat comes from mayonnaise. For a lighter version, you can substitute part of the mayo with plain Greek yogurt or use a reduced-fat mayo.
Sodium Content
Depending on your seasoning and whether you use store-bought or homemade mayo, sodium levels can vary. Adjust salt and use low-sodium options if needed.
Customization Tips for Healthier Versions:
- Swap mayo for part Greek yogurt to lower fat and add probiotics.
- Add more veggies like cucumber or bell pepper to increase fiber.
- Use skinless chicken breast and trim visible fat before cooking.
Conclusion
La Madeleine Chicken Salad is a simple yet elegant dish that brings comfort and flavor to any table. With tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a creamy dressing, it’s a versatile recipe perfect for sandwiches, salads, or wraps. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or serving guests at brunch, this copycat version delivers all the café-style charm right from your kitchen. Try it once, and it just might become a staple in your recipe rotation.
FAQS
La Madeleine Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Shred the cooked i2 cups chicken into small pieces. You can boil, bake, or use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- In a large bowl, combine the 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon lemon juice s1/2 teaspoon Salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Mix until smooth.
- Add the shredded chicken, chopped 1/4 cup celery, g2 tablespoons green onions, and 1/4 cup almonds to the dressing. Stir everything together until well-coated.
- Refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve on cr6 Croissants crackers, or a bed of lettuce.