Chicken Salad Chick Copycat Recipe – Make It Just Like the Restaurant at Home
There’s a reason Chicken Salad Chick has a cult following. Their signature chicken salads are creamy, balanced in flavor, and each variety has its own personality—from sweet and nutty to savory and spicy. But what if you could recreate that creamy perfection right in your own kitchen?
This Chicken Salad Chick copycat recipe brings you as close to the original as you can get—without the takeout box. It’s especially modeled after the famous Classic Carol style—smooth, lightly seasoned, slightly sweet, and comforting. We’ll walk you through a full guide with every detail covered: from ingredients and prep tips to variations, serving ideas, and a full nutritional breakdown.
Whether you’re meal-prepping lunches, feeding a crowd, or just craving that signature Southern-style salad, this is the recipe for you.
🧑🍳 Recipe Preparation Equipment
You don’t need anything fancy. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Food processor or hand mixer (optional, for texture)
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Plastic wrap or airtight container
- Forks (for shredding if not using processor)
🛒 Ingredients
This copycat recipe sticks closely to Chicken Salad Chick’s “Classic Carol” profile: simple, creamy, and subtly sweet.
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, finely shredded (poached or rotisserie works best)
- ¾ cup mayonnaise (use Duke’s or Hellmann’s for authenticity)
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice (fresh)
- ¼ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1–2 stalks celery, finely chopped (optional for crunch)
Optional Add-ins:
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 hard-boiled egg, mashed (optional Southern twist)
- Chopped pecans (if mimicking Fancy Nancy)
- Seedless red grapes, halved (for fruity versions)
👨🍳 How to Make Chicken Salad Chick Copycat
This version is smooth, creamy, and lightly seasoned—just like the restaurant original. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
Step 1: Cook and Shred the Chicken
Use skinless chicken breast. Poaching it keeps the meat tender and neutral, but rotisserie chicken also works great for added flavor. Shred using two forks or pulse in a food processor until fine and fluffy.
Pro Tip: For that ultra-smooth restaurant texture, pulse the chicken 2–3 times in a food processor with the mayo.
Step 2: Prep the Seasoning Mix
In a small bowl, combine celery salt, white pepper, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon juice. Stir together well and let sit for a few minutes to meld flavors.
Step 3: Mix Chicken and Dressing
In a large bowl, add the shredded chicken. Pour in the seasoning mix and mayonnaise. Gently stir until the salad is completely combined and smooth. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or sugar if needed.
Step 4: Chill
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to fully develop.
Step 5: Serve
Scoop the chilled chicken salad onto bread, crackers, lettuce, or into a wrap. It’s also delicious straight from the fridge with a fork!
🔄 Variations
Chicken Salad Chick offers many flavors—so feel free to customize this copycat base:
- Fancy Nancy: Add grapes, apples, and chopped pecans.
- Jalapeño Holly: Mix in chopped pickled jalapeños for heat.
- Olivia’s Old South: Stir in a finely mashed hard-boiled egg.
- Fruity Fran: Add pineapple chunks and halved red grapes.
- Buffalo Barclay: Add buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles.
🍳 Cooking Note
- Don’t overmix in the food processor or it will become paste-like.
- Avoid chicken thighs for this copycat—breast meat keeps it light and true to the original.
- Use a light hand with seasoning—the balance of mayo and subtle flavor is key.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- On a croissant – just like at Chicken Salad Chick!
- In lettuce cups – fresh, crunchy, and low-carb
- On crackers – for parties or snacks
- With a side of fruit or pasta salad
- In a wrap or tortilla with lettuce and tomato
For a full meal, serve with:
- Fresh fruit medley
- Pickle spear
- Potato chips or pretzels
- Pasta salad or broccoli salad
💡 Helpful Tips
- Use Duke’s mayo for the closest flavor to the real deal.
- Pulse the chicken lightly for smooth consistency—don’t puree.
- Let it chill for 4+ hours if you can. It really makes a difference.
- Double or triple the recipe—this keeps up to 5 days in the fridge.
- Don’t skip the sugar—just a touch brings out the Southern flavor.
🌟 Tips for the Best Chicken Salad Chick Copycat
- Use fresh, poached chicken breast for best results.
- Shred the chicken finely—that signature texture is key.
- Let it chill long enough—the mayo base needs time to absorb the flavors.
- Use the right mayo—Duke’s gives it a slight tang and richness.
- Season in layers—add, taste, adjust as you go.
- Serve cold—this recipe tastes best well-chilled.
⏱️ Prep Time:
15 minutes
⏱️ Chill Time:
4 hours (for full flavor)
⏱️ Total Time:
4 hours 15 minutes
🥄 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – ½ cup approx.)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Sodium: 380mg
(Based on base recipe without add-ins.)
❓ FAQs
Q: What kind of chicken does Chicken Salad Chick use?
A: They use all-white meat, cooked fresh daily. You can mimic this with poached or rotisserie chicken breast.
Q: Can I freeze this chicken salad?
A: Not recommended. Mayo-based salads tend to separate when frozen and thawed.
Q: Is there a no-mayo version?
A: You can sub in Greek yogurt or avocado, but it will taste different from the classic version.
Q: How long will this last in the fridge?
A: Store in an airtight container for 4–5 days.
Q: Can I add fruit or nuts?
A: Yes! Grapes, apples, pecans, or almonds are all great additions if you’re mimicking different CSC flavors.
✅ Conclusion
Now you don’t have to drive across town or wait in line to enjoy that irresistible Chicken Salad Chick flavor. This copycat version is ultra-creamy, subtly seasoned, and surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you love it straight-up, in a sandwich, or with a fruity twist, it’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a staple.
Recreate your favorite flavor, mix in some love, and enjoy every chilled, comforting bite
