Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Recipe in 20 min
Ever crave that creamy, flavorful Chicken Salad Chick goodness but don’t want to drive to the nearest location — or spend $10 on a single scoop? Yeah, me too. That’s why I’m sharing this copycat Chicken Salad Chick recipe that brings that Southern charm straight into your kitchen. Whether you’re meal-prepping lunches for the week, planning a summer picnic, or just looking for a delicious and easy chicken salad recipe, you’re in the right place.
Chicken Salad Chick is a cult favorite for a reason — their chicken salad is creamy, subtly sweet, and full of texture. But did you know you can make an almost identical version at home in under 30 minutes? This homemade chicken salad recipe is perfect for families, potlucks, and especially anyone looking for a budget-friendly lunch recipe with chicken that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
You’ll get the taste of Southern-style chicken salad, loaded with tender shredded chicken, crunchy celery, and a rich mayo blend — and yep, we’ll even touch on those signature sweet pickles. I’ve tried, tested, and tweaked this copycat version to get as close as possible to their most-loved flavor: Classic Carol.
Ready to recreate Chicken Salad Chick at home and impress your taste buds — and maybe your friends too? Let’s dig in.
Ingredients for the Best Copycat Chicken Salad Chick
So what’s the secret to that crave-worthy taste? Honestly, it’s all about simplicity and balance. This copycat chicken salad nails the texture and flavor just right. Here’s everything you’ll need.
| Ingredient | Purpose | Substitute (if needed) |
|---|---|---|
| Shredded white meat chicken | Main protein, tender base | Rotisserie chicken or poached chicken |
| Mayonnaise (preferably Duke’s or Hellmann’s) | Creamy binder with tang | Greek yogurt for lighter option |
| Finely chopped celery | Crunch and freshness | Chopped cucumber (for a lighter crunch) |
| Sweet pickle relish | Sweetness and tang | Finely diced bread-and-butter pickles |
| Salt & pepper | Basic seasoning | Adjust to taste |
| Optional: sliced grapes or chopped pecans | Texture and flavor depth | Apple chunks or walnuts |
The key is using high-quality mayonnaise — it makes a difference. If you’re going for full Southern chicken salad vibes, stick with Duke’s. But Hellmann’s works great, too.
Want to go low carb? Just skip the relish and add a squeeze of lemon instead for brightness.
Equipment Needed to Make Chicken Salad Chick at Home
You don’t need anything fancy, but a few basic tools will make the process smoother and the results more consistent. Here’s what I recommend:
Essential Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Fork or potato masher (to shred chicken if not pre-shredded)
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons
- Rubber spatula or spoon
Optional but Handy Tools
- Food processor (for super smooth consistency)
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment (amazing for shredding chicken effortlessly)
- Airtight storage containers (for meal prep or leftovers)
What to Look for in Kitchen Tools
- Best Knife: A sharp 8-inch chef’s knife will make dicing celery and pickles easier.
- Best Mixing Bowl: Go for a non-slip stainless steel bowl — it keeps things tidy and easy to clean.
- Storage Tip: Glass containers help keep your chicken salad fresh for up to 5 days.
Step-by-step Instructions
Let’s walk through this simple yet delicious process. Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned home cook, you’ll find this super doable.
step one: Prep your chicken
If you’re using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and shred the meat using a fork or your hands. For poached chicken, simmer chicken breasts in salted water for 15–18 minutes, then let cool before shredding.
Pro tip: A stand mixer with the paddle attachment shreds chicken like a dream in seconds.
step two: Chop your mix-ins
Finely dice the celery and any other mix-ins you love — like grapes, pecans, or sweet pickles. The finer the chop, the more uniform the texture. This is one of those small details that make your salad feel restaurant-quality.
step three: Make the dressing
In your mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
step four: Combine and stir
Add your shredded chicken to the dressing and stir well until everything’s evenly coated. You can go super smooth like Chicken Salad Chick or leave it a bit chunky — totally your call.
step five: Chill before serving
Pop the bowl in the fridge for at least an hour. This helps the flavors meld and gives you that cool, refreshing taste. It’s even better the next day, so hello meal prep!
step six: Serve it up
Scoop it onto a croissant, sandwich bread, crackers, or straight out of the bowl. No judgment. It also pairs amazingly with fruit, crackers, or a simple side salad.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chicken Salad
Let me share a few kitchen-tested tricks to make your copycat Chicken Salad Chick even better.
Time of cooking
- Poached chicken takes about 18 minutes to cook.
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Chill time: 60 minutes (optional but worth it)
Make it even better
- Add texture: Try chopped nuts or seedless grapes for that signature sweet crunch.
- Boost flavor: A splash of lemon juice or a dash of garlic powder can add depth.
- Try herbs: Dill, parsley, or even chives can bring freshness.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Overmixing: It can turn your salad into mush. Gently fold ingredients instead.
- Too much mayo: Start small and add more as needed — you can always add, but you can’t take it out.
- Undercooked chicken: Always double-check with a meat thermometer (165°F is safe).
Time-saving tips
- Use store-bought rotisserie chicken.
- Pre-chop ingredients and store in the fridge.
- Make a big batch and divide into lunch containers for the week.
Variations and Substitutes to Customize Your Chicken Salad Chick Style
Looking to make this copycat Chicken Salad Chick recipe your own? You totally should! The beauty of this dish is how easy it is to customize based on your diet or mood. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, keto, or just adventurous in the kitchen, there’s a version for everyone.
Diet-Friendly Variations
- Gluten-Free: Good news — this chicken salad is naturally gluten-free! Just make sure your mayo and relish don’t have hidden gluten (some brands do).
- Low Carb/Keto: Skip the relish or sweet pickles and swap for chopped dill pickles. Serve it in lettuce cups or eat it straight with a fork.
- Paleo: Use avocado oil-based mayo and skip the pickles. Add a bit of mustard and lemon juice for that tang.
- Dairy-Free: This one’s easy — the classic recipe doesn’t include cheese or cream.
- Vegan: Okay, we’re stretching a bit here — but you can swap the chicken for mashed chickpeas or jackfruit and use a vegan mayo. The result? Surprisingly good.
Fun Twists to Try
- Add Fruit: Think red grapes, diced apples, or dried cranberries for sweetness and texture.
- Go Nutty: Pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds add crunch and depth.
- Spice It Up: Add cayenne, smoked paprika, or a hint of curry powder for a bold twist.
- Swap the Base: Instead of mayo, try half mayo and half plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Let your taste buds be your guide. Once you’ve mastered the classic, get creative and make it your signature version!
How to Serve Chicken Salad Chick at Home
This Southern-style chicken salad is incredibly versatile — you can dress it up or down depending on the occasion. It works for meal prep, lunchboxes, brunch spreads, or last-minute dinners.
Best Side Dishes
Want to build a full meal around it? Here are some delicious pairings:
- Crackers or pita chips for scooping
- Croissants or sandwich bread for a full-on deli-style sandwich
- Fresh fruit like grapes, strawberries, or melon slices for a refreshing contrast
- Green salad with a vinaigrette to balance the richness
- Deviled eggs or pickled veggies for that picnic vibe
Ideal for Any Occasion
- Lunch Meal Prep: Store in individual containers for a week of satisfying lunches.
- Picnic or Potluck: Serve with crackers and fruit on a platter — easy and impressive.
- Brunch Buffets: Place in a large bowl with croissants and side salads.
- After-Church Sundays: If you know, you know. Southern staples like this always hit after service.
You really can’t go wrong — it’s one of those dishes that fits just about anywhere.
Nutritional Information You’ll Want to Know
This copycat chicken salad is not only delicious — it’s packed with protein and surprisingly filling. Each serving (about ¾ cup) clocks in at around 350–400 calories, depending on your mix-ins.
You’ll get a solid 20–25 grams of protein, thanks to the shredded chicken. Fat content can vary based on your mayo choice, ranging from 25 to 30 grams, most of it from healthy oils (especially if using an avocado-based mayo).
Want to lighten it up? Substituting part of the mayo with Greek yogurt can cut the fat by half and boost the calcium and protein even more. Looking to increase fiber? Add apples, grapes, or nuts.
And don’t worry — there’s no added sugar unless you’re using sweet relish, which can be easily swapped for dill or omitted completely.
Bottom line? It’s comfort food that can actually fit into a balanced lifestyle.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Salad Chick Copycat
Once you make this homemade Chicken Salad Chick copycat, you’ll never go back to the store-bought tubs. It’s simple, satisfying, and oh-so-versatile. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick work lunch or serving it at your next family gathering, this recipe hits all the right notes.
You get the creamy, savory, slightly sweet balance that makes the original so addictive — without leaving your kitchen. Plus, you can tweak it any way you like. What’s not to love?
Made this recipe? Tell us how it turned out in the comments below — we’re all about sharing food joy. Don’t forget to pin, print, or pass this along to a friend who lives for Chicken Salad Chick.
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FAQs
What kind of chicken does Chicken Salad Chick use?
Chicken Salad Chick uses all-white meat chicken that’s slow-cooked and shredded. For a homemade version, rotisserie chicken, poached chicken, or even leftover grilled chicken work great. Just make sure it’s tender and not overly seasoned — that way your dressing can shine.
Is Chicken Salad Chick gluten-free?
Most of the chicken salads from Chicken Salad Chick are naturally gluten-free, especially the classic flavors like Classic Carol. However, some specialty flavors may contain gluten, so always check the label. When making it at home, it’s super easy to keep it 100% gluten-free — just avoid serving it with bread that contains gluten.
Can I freeze chicken salad?
Technically, yes — but it’s not recommended. Mayonnaise tends to separate and become watery after freezing and thawing. If you really need to freeze it, try freezing just the chicken and adding the mayo-based dressing fresh when you’re ready to eat. It tastes way better this way.
How long does homemade chicken salad last in the fridge?
Homemade chicken salad stays fresh for about 3 to 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep it cold and sealed, and always use clean utensils to scoop it out. Pro tip: it actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours.
What makes Chicken Salad Chick so good?
It’s all about the texture and balance of flavors. The chicken is finely shredded, making it smooth but still satisfying. The sweet pickle relish adds a subtle sweetness, the mayo adds creaminess, and the celery gives it a light crunch. Plus, they use high-quality ingredients and time-tested Southern recipes. When you make it at home using similar ingredients, you get that same craveable experience — maybe even better.