Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Cups

Last summer my neighbor brought over an absurd amount of homemade dill pickles from her garden, and I found myself putting them on everything. This chicken salad happened on a Tuesday when I had leftover rotisserie chicken and a serious craving for something cool and crunchy.

I brought these to a poolside potluck and watched them disappear before anyone even touched the heavy pasta dishes. My friend Sarah actually ate three standing right at the counter, claiming she was just taste testing.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here and saves so much time
• 1 cup dill pickles, finely chopped: The star of the show so do not skimp on these
• 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced: Adds a nice sharp bite that cuts through the creamy dressing
• 1/4 cup celery, finely diced: Essential crunch that makes every texture interesting
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped: Fresh dill makes such a difference compared to dried
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base that brings everything together
• 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt: Adds a slight tang and lightens up the mayo
• 1 tablespoon pickle juice: This little trick ties all the pickle flavors together
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Just enough subtle sharpness to balance the richness
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: A gentle background note that makes people ask what is in this
• Salt and black pepper: Season generously because the chicken needs the help
• 8 large butter lettuce leaves: Butter lettuce cups hold the filling perfectly and taste so fresh

Instructions

Prep your ingredients:

Chop everything about the same size so each bite gets a little of everything

Mix the chicken and vegetables:

Toss the chicken, pickles, onion, celery and fresh dill in a large bowl until evenly distributed

Whisk up the dressing:

Combine the mayo, yogurt, pickle juice, Dijon, garlic powder and pepper until smooth

Bring it all together:

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and fold gently until everything is coated

Taste and adjust:

This is crucial so grab a spoon and add more salt or pickle juice if needed

Assemble the cups:

Spoon the chicken salad into lettuce leaves right before serving so they stay crisp

Save

My kids now request this for school lunches, wrapped in lettuce leaves or sometimes just eaten straight from the bowl with a spoon. It has become one of those recipes I can make without even thinking about measurements.

Make Ahead Magic

I always double the chicken salad part and keep it in airtight containers for grab and go lunches throughout the week. It stays perfect for three or four days and actually tastes better on day two.

Mix and Match

Sometimes I swap in chopped apples or grapes for a sweet twist, or add toasted walnuts when I want extra crunch. The base recipe is forgiving enough to handle whatever you are craving or have on hand.

Serving Suggestions

These lettuce cups make such a pretty presentation for brunch or light dinner parties. Serve them alongside other finger foods and watch how quickly people reach for seconds.

• Chill your serving platter for thirty minutes beforehand
• Put out extra pickle spears for garnish
• Have napkins ready because these can get messy

Save

This is the kind of recipe that makes you feel clever for something so simple. Hope it becomes a regular in your rotation too.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the chicken salad up to 24 hours in advance and store refrigerated. Assemble the lettuce cups just before serving to prevent wilting.

→ What type of lettuce works best?

Butter lettuce leaves create perfect cups due to their shape and tender crunch. Romaine hearts or iceberg lettuce also work well for sturdy vessels.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Simply shred about 2 cups of meat, discarding the skin and bones.

→ How can I make this dairy-free?

Replace the Greek yogurt with additional mayonnaise or use a dairy-free yogurt alternative. All other ingredients remain naturally dairy-free.

→ What can I add for extra protein?

Chopped hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bacon, or even diced avocado boost protein while complementing the tangy pickle flavors beautifully.

→ How long does this keep in the refrigerator?

The chicken salad stays fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. Wait to assemble lettuce cups until ready to eat.