Craving a quick, delicious, and totally satisfying lunch that aligns perfectly with your carnivore or Caveman Diet? Look no further! This Carnivore Chicken Salad is about to become your new go-to, packed with protein and flavor, and so simple to whip up you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it all along; get ready for a lunchtime revolution that tastes incredible and fuels your body the way it’s meant to be!
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 1 pound)
Fat Source
- 1/2 cup rendered beef tallow, bacon grease, or duck fat, cooled but still pliable
- Alternatively, you can use 1/2 cup of full-fat mayonnaise (check ingredients for non-carnivore additives)
Flavor Enhancers
- 2 tablespoons bone broth (for moisture and nutrients)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, check ingredients for non-carnivore additives if strictly carnivore)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste (optional, omit for strict carnivore)
Optional Add-ins (for those on a less strict carnivore or Caveman Diet)
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped (if including veggies)
Essential Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fork or mixing spoon
Making Your Carnivore Chicken Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing the Chicken
- If you don’t already have cooked chicken, you can bake, boil, or air fry chicken breasts or thighs. Aim for about 1 pound of cooked chicken. Remember, you can use leftover roasted chicken for this too!
- Once the chicken is cooked, let it cool slightly. Then, shred it using two forks or your hands. Ensure there are no bones or cartilage.
Combining the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, rendered fat (or mayonnaise), bone broth, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and pepper (if using).
- Use a fork or mixing spoon to thoroughly combine all the ingredients. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the fat and seasonings.
Adding Optional Ingredients (if desired)
- If you’re using bacon, hard-boiled eggs, or celery, gently fold them into the chicken mixture until evenly distributed.
Chilling and Serving
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for the best taste!
- Serve chilled. Enjoy it straight from the bowl, or use it to fill lettuce wraps for a satisfying crunch.
Tips for the BEST Carnivore Chicken Salad
Choosing Your Chicken
The quality of your chicken matters! Opt for pasture-raised or organic chicken whenever possible. The flavor will be richer, and you’ll be supporting better farming practices. Leftover roasted chicken works wonderfully, adding a depth of flavor you can’t get from plain boiled chicken.
Fat is Your Friend (and Flavor Booster!)
Don’t skimp on the fat! The rendered beef tallow, bacon grease, or duck fat is essential for flavor and moisture. If you’re using mayonnaise, be sure to check the ingredients carefully, as many commercial mayonnaises contain non-carnivore ingredients like soybean oil and sugar. Look for avocado oil-based mayonnaise for a better option. This is a great source of healthy fats making this a perfect addition to your Caveman Diet Food List.
Seasoning is Key
Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Taste the chicken salad after mixing and add more salt, pepper, or Dijon mustard as needed. Remember, salt is crucial on a carnivore diet to replenish electrolytes. For those following a Caveman Diet, sticking to natural sea salt is always best!
Getting the Right Consistency
The amount of bone broth you add will determine the consistency of your chicken salad. Start with two tablespoons and add more if you prefer a creamier texture. Be careful not to add too much, or the chicken salad will become watery. The cooled fat source is also key, you want it pliable, not rock hard, or melted liquid.
Variations to Spice Things Up
Spicy Carnivore Chicken Salad
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken salad for a spicy kick. A little goes a long way!
Smoked Chicken Salad
Use smoked chicken instead of plain cooked chicken for a smoky flavor. This adds a delicious depth to the salad.
Egg-cellent Addition
Hard-boiled eggs are a classic addition to chicken salad and they are great if you are looking for Healthy High Protein Meals. Chop them up and fold them in for added protein and texture.
Carnivore Diet and Beyond
This Carnivore Chicken Salad is a fantastic option for anyone following a carnivore or Caveman Diet. It’s packed with protein and healthy fats, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal. But even if you’re not strictly carnivore, this chicken salad is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy chicken. It’s also a great option for those looking for a quick and easy Protein Lunch.
More Caveman Diet Recipes to Explore
Once you have mastered this Carnivore Chicken Salad recipe, you can dive into other Caveman Diet Recipes. Expand your skills by trying other chicken recipes like a Chicken Caesar Sandwich. If you are looking for something with a little more spice try the Southwest Chicken Salad, or you can keep it simple with a Chicken Caesar Salad. If you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner check out these Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps. And for a great side dish, try the Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini!
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Carnivore Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to check the expiration date of your mayo or rendered fat as that will dictate how long it will last.
Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Protein Lunch
This Carnivore Chicken Salad is more than just a recipe; it’s a lifestyle hack. It’s a quick, easy, and delicious way to stay on track with your carnivore or Caveman Diet goals, while enjoying a satisfying and flavorful meal. So, ditch the carb-heavy lunches and embrace the power of protein and healthy fats with this amazing recipe. You won’t regret it!
What kind of fat can I use for the carnivore chicken salad?
You can use rendered beef tallow, bacon grease, or duck fat. Alternatively, you can use full-fat mayonnaise, but be sure to check the ingredients for non-carnivore additives like soybean oil and sugar. Avocado oil-based mayonnaise is a better option.
What can I add to the chicken salad if I’m not strictly on a carnivore diet?
If you’re on a less strict carnivore or Caveman Diet, you can add cooked bacon (crumbled), hard-boiled eggs (chopped), or even a stalk of celery (finely chopped).
How long will the carnivore chicken salad last in the refrigerator?
Store leftover Carnivore Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to check the expiration date of your mayo or rendered fat as that will dictate how long it will last.
What is the best way to shred the chicken for this recipe?
After cooking the chicken and letting it cool slightly, shred it using two forks or your hands. Ensure there are no bones or cartilage remaining.

Carnivore Chicken Salad Ultimate Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Fork
- Mixing spoon
- Refrigerator
- Plastic wrap or lid
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded about 1 pound
- ½ cup rendered beef tallow, bacon grease, or duck fat, cooled but still pliable
- 2 tablespoons bone broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard optional
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste optional
- ¼ cup cooked bacon, crumbled optional
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped optional
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped optional
Instructions
- If you don’t already have cooked chicken, bake, boil, or air fry chicken breasts or thighs until cooked through. Aim for about 1 pound of cooked chicken.
- Let the cooked chicken cool slightly, then shred it using two forks or your hands, ensuring there are no bones or cartilage.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, rendered fat (or mayonnaise), bone broth, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and pepper (if using).
- Use a fork or mixing spoon to thoroughly combine all the ingredients, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated with the fat and seasonings.
- If you’re using bacon, hard-boiled eggs, or celery, gently fold them into the chicken mixture until evenly distributed.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled. Enjoy it straight from the bowl, or use it to fill lettuce wraps for a satisfying crunch.
