Creamy Chicken Salad Spread Recipe for Sandwiches & Dips

This creamy Chicken Salad Spread is irresistible — I often find myself eating it by the spoonful. Canned chicken is combined with cream cheese and mayonnaise, then folded together with diced sweet onion to create a rich, flavorful spread that works beautifully on bread, crackers, or as a party appetizer.

I first tasted this at a relative’s house and have made it so many times since. Be sure to chill the spread for a few hours before serving; the refrigeration softens the bite of the onion and helps the texture set. The amount of cream cheese may seem generous for one can of chicken, but once chilled it blends seamlessly into a smooth, mellow spread you’ll enjoy without it feeling overpowering. This recipe is quick, reliable, and perfect for a simple sandwich or a fast snack. I hope it becomes a go-to in your kitchen too.

Ingredients for Chicken Salad Spread:

• 1 (12.5 oz) can chicken breast, drained
• 6 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 small sweet onion, diced

How to make Chicken Salad Spread:

1. Place the drained canned chicken, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and diced onion into a medium bowl.
2. Mix thoroughly with a fork until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Adjust mayonnaise or cream cheese slightly to reach your preferred consistency.
3. Cover and chill for at least 2–4 hours before serving to let the flavors meld and the texture firm up.

Serve the spread on fresh bread, toasted slices, crackers, or as a filling for sandwiches. It pairs well with whole wheat sandwich bread or a hearty homemade loaf for extra texture and flavor.

Note: The photo shows this spread served on a moist homemade bread.

Chicken Salad Spread Recipe

4.75 from 4 votes

By: Alyona’s Cooking

A simple, creamy chicken spread made from canned chicken, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sweet onion. Quick to prepare and best after chilling for a few hours.

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Prep Time: 5 mins

Total Time: 5 mins

Course: Appetizer, Salad, Spread

Cuisine: American, Russian/Ukrainian

Ingredients

• 1 12.5 oz can chicken breast
• 6 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 small sweet onion, diced
• 1 whole wheat sandwich bread (optional, for serving)

Instructions

• Place all ingredients into a medium-sized bowl.
• Mix thoroughly with a fork until smooth and well combined.
• Cover and chill for at least 2–4 hours before serving to let the flavors meld and the texture firm up.

Tried this recipe?

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