Tasty Chicken Salad Bites Recipe

Finding easy appetizers for parties and get-togethers can feel like a real puzzle. Between coordinating all the other dishes, managing your time, and trying to please different tastes, it’s tough to land on something that works for everyone – especially when you’re hoping to avoid spending hours in the kitchen.

That’s where these chicken salad bites come to the rescue: they’re quick to put together, can be made ahead of time, and always seem to disappear first from the appetizer table. Plus, you can easily switch up the ingredients based on what you already have in your fridge.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For chicken salad, you’ve got quite a few options when it comes to your chicken choice. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the most common pick since they’re lean and have a mild flavor that works well with the other ingredients. You can cook your chicken by poaching it in water or broth, or use leftover roasted chicken – both work great. If you’re in a time crunch, you can even use rotisserie chicken from the grocery store (just be sure to remove the skin). Just make sure whatever chicken you use is well-chilled before mixing it into your salad, as this helps the flavors come together better and makes it easier to chop.

Options for Substitutions

This recipe is super adaptable and you can make several swaps based on what you have in your kitchen:

• Greek yogurt and mayo: You can use all mayo or all Greek yogurt instead of the mix. Sour cream works too, though it might make the filling a bit softer. Just keep the total amount to about 6 tablespoons.
• Dried tarragon: Fresh tarragon works great (use 2-3 teaspoons), or try dried dill, herbs de Provence, or even Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
• Dried cranberries: Try chopped dried cherries, raisins, or even diced apple for crunch and sweetness. If using apple, toss it with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
• Walnuts: Besides pepitas, you can use almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds. For nut-free options, try crispy fried onions or leave them out entirely.
• Phyllo shells: Can’t find phyllo shells? Try butter lettuce cups, cucumber rounds, or even crackers. Just note that softer bases should be served right away to prevent getting soggy.
• Chives: Green onions (just the green parts) or finely chopped parsley make good alternatives if you’re out of chives.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest challenge when making chicken salad bites is preventing the phyllo shells from getting soggy – always fill them just before serving and keep the chicken salad mixture well-chilled until the last minute. A common error is over-mixing the chicken salad, which can turn your perfectly chopped chicken into a mushy mess – instead, fold the ingredients together gently until just combined. To keep your filling from being too wet (which leads to soggy shells), make sure to drain your Greek yogurt in a paper towel-lined strainer for about 30 minutes before mixing, and pat your chopped celery dry with paper towels. For the best texture and flavor, chill your chicken salad mixture for at least an hour before filling the shells, allowing the flavors to blend together while keeping everything crisp and fresh.

What to Serve With Chicken Salad Bites?

These little chicken salad bites make a perfect appetizer, but you can turn them into a complete meal with just a few simple additions. A light soup like butternut squash or tomato bisque works really well alongside these savory bites. For a fresh contrast, try serving them with a simple mixed green salad dressed with light vinaigrette, or some crisp cucumber slices and cherry tomatoes. If you’re hosting a party, these bites pair nicely with other finger foods like deviled eggs, fresh fruit skewers, or a cheese and crackers platter.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: The chicken salad mixture on its own can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend waiting to fill the phyllo shells until just before serving to keep them crispy. If you’ve already assembled the bites, they’re best enjoyed within 2-3 hours.

Make Ahead: You can prep the chicken salad mixture a day in advance – it actually tastes even better after the flavors have had time to mingle! Keep the phyllo shells separate in their original packaging at room temperature until you’re ready to fill them. This makes party prep so much easier.

Pack: If you need to transport these to a party, pack the chicken salad mixture in a container with a tight lid and bring the empty shells separately. Fill them once you arrive – this way, they’ll stay perfectly crispy and fresh for your guests.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0-5 minutes
Total Time	10-20 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 600-700
• Protein: 40-50 g
• Fat: 40-45 g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35 g

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup plain greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mayo
• 3/4 teaspoon dried tarragon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chilled, cooked, chopped boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 3 tablespoons dried cranberries
• 3 tablespoons chopped toasted walnuts (use pepitas if allergic)
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives, plus extra for decorating if wanted
• 24 mini phyllo shells, thawed, or homemade wonton cups
• Freshly ground black pepper

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, mayonnaise, tarragon, and salt.

Mix until the ingredients are well combined, creating a smooth and flavorful dressing.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients

Add the chicken, celery, cranberries, walnuts, and chives to the bowl with the dressing.

Stir everything together until the chicken and other ingredients are thoroughly coated with the dressing mixture.

Ensure that all the components are evenly distributed throughout the salad.

Step 3: Fill the Phyllo Cups

Spoon a small amount of the prepared chicken salad into each phyllo cup.

Divide the mixture evenly among the cups to ensure each one is abundantly filled.

This will create delightful miniature servings perfect for appetizers or snacks.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

For an added touch, garnish each filled phyllo cup with additional chives if desired, and sprinkle with a bit of black pepper for a touch of heat and flavor.

Serve immediately and enjoy the crunchy, creamy combination of flavors!