Ultimate Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Recipe

Plus, I love customizing it with my favorite mix-ins! From grapes to nuts, you can make it just how you like—easy and oh-so-satisfying!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Cooked chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or any leftover chicken you have on hand. For a lighter option, try using turkey instead!

Celery: Fresh celery adds a nice crunch and flavor. If you’re not a fan, diced cucumbers or apples can bring a similar refreshing bite.

Red onion: For a milder taste, use green onions instead. If you’re looking for sweetness, try sweet onions like Vidalia.

Mayonnaise: If you prefer a lighter dressing, swap half for Greek yogurt or sour cream. Vegans can use avocado or a plant-based mayo.

Dijon mustard: This adds a tangy kick. If you don’t have it, yellow mustard works, but it’s milder. Honey mustard is another option for a sweet twist.

Fresh herbs: Use parsley or cilantro for garnish. If fresh isn’t on hand, dried herbs like dill can still add flavor.

How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Salad is Creamy and Well-Mixed?

To get that delightful creamy texture, it’s all about the dressing mix. Start by whisking your mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and other dressing ingredients together until perfectly smooth. This avoids clumps and makes it blend well with the chicken.

• Combine the shredded chicken, celery, and onion first.
• Pour the dressing over the mixture and stir gently but thoroughly. Aim to coat everything without breaking the chicken pieces too much.
• If it’s not creamy enough to your liking, simply add more mayo a little at a time until you reach the right consistency.

Letting it chill in the fridge for at least an hour is key. This extra time helps all the flavors mingle, making each bite better! Don’t forget to give it a final stir before serving.

Ultimate Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken Salad:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delightful chicken salad recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 1 hour to chill in the fridge. This resting time helps all the flavors combine beautifully, making it even tastier when you’re ready to serve.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Combine the Chicken and Veggies:

In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded or chopped chicken, diced celery, and finely chopped red onion. Stir them together until they’re nicely mixed. This creates a solid base for your chicken salad!

2. Prepare the Dressing:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Take your time to mix it until everything is smooth and creamy—this dressing will add great flavor to your salad!

3. Combine Everything Together:

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Stir gently until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Take a moment to taste your chicken salad and adjust the seasoning, adding a little more salt or mayonnaise if you like it creamier.

4. Chill and Serve:

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This cooling time allows the flavors to blend nicely. When you’re ready to serve, give the chicken salad a gentle stir, sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro, and enjoy it on croissants, bread, or lettuce wraps. Yum!

Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken can save you time and add delicious flavor. Just shred or chop the chicken as you would with cooked chicken, and proceed with the rest of the recipe as written.

What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?

If you’re looking to lighten up the dish, you can use plain Greek yogurt as a substitute for mayonnaise. It will keep the salad creamy while adding a tangy flavor. You can also try avocado for a different taste and texture!

How Long Can I Store Leftover Chicken Salad?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Just remember to exclude any garnish before freezing and consume it within 2 months for the best quality.

Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Chicken Salad?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in ingredients like chopped apples for sweetness, grapes for a burst of flavor, or nuts for crunch. Just be sure to adjust the dressing if you add bulkier items to keep the salad nicely coated!