Toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and granulated onion until evenly coated.
Place the seasoned chicken in a baking dish, cover loosely with aluminum foil, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
Cool and Dice the Chicken:
Allow the baked chicken to cool at room temperature for at least 10 minutes, then refrigerate for an hour or longer.
Once cooled, cut the chicken into ¼ x ½ inch pieces.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, diced celery, and mayonnaise.
Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
Chill the Chicken Salad:
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for 1 to 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Chilling allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste of the salad.
Season to Taste:
Before serving, taste the chicken salad and adjust the seasoning with additional sea salt and black pepper if needed.
Serve and Enjoy:
Your homemade deli-style chicken salad is now ready to be enjoyed!
Serve it over leafy greens, as a sandwich filling, or with your favorite crackers for a delicious meal.
Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:
Feel free to customize your chicken salad by adding ingredients such as walnuts for crunch, grapes for sweetness, or a pinch of curry powder for a unique flavor twist.Enjoy the delightful flavors of this versatile chicken salad, perfect for picnics, lunches, or light dinners!