Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Lettuce Cups

The first time I made this chicken salad was during a heatwave when my kitchen felt like an oven and turning on any heat source was out of the question. I had leftover rotisserie chicken, a jar of dill pickles from the back of the fridge, and a head of butter lettuce that needed using. My husband took one bite and declared it better than any restaurant version he had tried, and now it is our go-to summer dinner when cooking feels impossible.

Last summer I brought this to a potluck and watched my friend Sarah, who claims to hate chicken salad, go back for thirds. She said the pickle factor won her over completely. Now whenever I see her at summer gatherings, she asks if I brought the pickle chicken cups. It has become one of those recipes that connects people through something as simple as a really good lunch.

Ingredients

• Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here, but poached or baked chicken breasts give you control over seasoning
• Dill Pickles: Choose your favorite brand because their flavor really shines through
• Fresh Dill: Do not skip this, it adds a bright herbal note that complements the pickles beautifully
• Butter Lettuce: These cups hold the salad perfectly and add a refreshing crunch with every bite

Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients:

Chop the pickles, onion, and celery into small, uniform pieces so every bite gets a little crunch

Combine the Base:

Mix the chicken and chopped vegetables in a large bowl, making sure everything is evenly distributed

Make the Dressing:

Whisk together the mayo, yogurt, pickle juice, mustard, and seasonings until smooth and creamy

Bring It Together:

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

Assemble and Serve:

Spoon the salad into lettuce cups right before serving, or chill the mixture first for deeper flavor

Save

My daughter started requesting this for her birthday lunch every year, and at her party last month, her friend gave me a handwritten note asking for the recipe. There is something wonderful about a dish that kids and adults both get excited about, and seeing empty plates after a meal is the best feeling in the world.

Make Ahead Magic

The chicken salad mixture tastes even better after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. I often make a double batch on Sunday and use it for quick lunches throughout the week. The flavors meld together beautifully and the texture stays perfectly creamy.

Serving Suggestions

Beyond lettuce cups, this chicken salad works wonderfully in whole grain wraps, on cucumber rounds, or even scooped onto halved avocados. Sometimes I serve it alongside sliced radishes and extra dill pickles for a complete light lunch that feels substantial enough to satisfy.

Customization Ideas

This recipe welcomes all sorts of personal tweaks based on what you love. Try adding chopped apple for sweetness, swap in chopped pickled peppers for extra heat, or mix in some chopped nuts for additional texture. The base recipe is so forgiving that almost any addition works beautifully.

• Chopped walnuts add a lovely earthy crunch
• A teaspoon of horseradish gives it a spicy kick
• Fresh parsley or chives work well in place of dill

Save

This recipe is proof that sometimes the simplest meals become the ones we return to again and again. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer gathering, these lettuce cups never fail to make people happy.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the chicken mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop better after chilling. Assemble in lettuce cups just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.

→ What lettuce works best for cups?

Butter lettuce leaves are ideal because they're naturally cup-shaped and tender. Romaine hearts also work well and offer more crunch. Iceberg lettuce can be used but may crack easier when spooning the filling.

→ Is there a dairy-free option?

Absolutely. Simply omit the Greek yogurt and increase the mayonnaise to 1/2 cup total. The dressing will still be creamy and flavorful thanks to the pickle juice and Dijon mustard.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Using store-bought rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut. Simply shred or dice the meat, removing the skin if desired. Two cups typically equals about half of a standard rotisserie chicken.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store the chicken salad mixture separately from the lettuce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The lettuce leaves can be wrapped in damp paper towels and stored for 2-3 days. Assemble fresh cups when ready to eat.

→ What can I serve alongside these cups?

These lettuce cups work well with a side of fresh fruit, cucumber salad, or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, pair with roasted potatoes or a light soup. The dish pairs nicely with Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon.