Chicken Salad Chick Recipe: The Best Homemade Copycat You’ll Love
Chicken Salad Chick recipe is a Southern classic that instantly reminded me why I love simple food done right. I’m Olivia Barnes, writing to you from my cottage kitchen in the Cotswolds, where the scent of lavender drifts through open windows and meals are built from memory, not measurements. My love of cooking began in my grandmother’s cozy kitchen, where we made do with what we had—and somehow, it always tasted just right.
That same spirit is what drew me to this recipe. It’s humble, reliable, and comforting in a way that only homemade dishes can be.
PrintChicken Salad Chick Recipe
Creamy, comforting, and perfectly balanced, this Chicken Salad Chick copycat recipe is a homemade version of a Southern favorite. Perfect for lunch, gatherings, or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
2 cups poached chicken, shredded 1/2 cup Duke’s mayonnaise 1/3 cup finely chopped celery 1/4 tsp onion powder Salt and black pepper to taste Optional: 1/2 tsp dry Ranch seasoning
Instructions
Poach chicken until tender, cool completely, and shred. In a large bowl, combine chicken, celery, and seasonings. Add mayonnaise gradually, folding gently. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Serve on croissants, crackers, or lettuce wraps. Store in airtight container for up to 4 days. Optional: Add grapes or chopped pecans for Fancy Nancy-style twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
My Southern-Inspired Chicken Salad Recipe
I first tried the real Chicken Salad Chick on a trip to Georgia. One bite of their Classic Carol, and I was hooked—tender chicken, a creamy finish, and that unmistakable crunch from finely chopped celery. I knew I had to bring a version of it back home.
With slow-poached chicken, a spoonful of rich mayo, and a few everyday ingredients, I recreated something that felt just as comforting. This Chicken Salad Chick has become a staple in our home—tucked into sandwiches, dolloped on crackers, or spooned into lettuce cups.
It’s right up there with my cucumber tea sandwiches and cranberry pecan chicken salad—simple meals with heart and heritage. Nothing fancy, just food that feeds more than your stomach.
Table of Contents
Classic Chicken Salad Chick Ingredients You’ll Always Want in Your Fridge
The Essential Ingredients That Define the Flavor
At the heart of any great dish are simple, fresh ingredients—and the balance between them is what truly makes the dish shine. The base is always tender, shredded chicken breast. Add crisp celery, a pinch of onion powder, and just enough mayo to hold everything together.
I’ve used this same method in my family favorite chicken rice casserole—letting each ingredient serve its purpose without overshadowing the rest. Some versions toss in grapes or nuts, but the original shines in its simplicity.
The Type of Mayonnaise Used and Why It Matters
You’ll often hear that Chicken Salad Chick uses Duke’s mayonnaise, and that’s true. It’s thicker, tangier, and adds that unmistakable Southern flair. Can’t find it? Hellmann’s works, too.
I learned the difference the hard way when testing recipes like my cheesy garlic butter chicken skillet, where the quality of your base makes all the difference.
Secrets Behind the Best Chicken Salad Chick at Home
What’s the Secret to a Good Chicken Salad?
This recipe doesn’t need a long ingredient list—it needs the right technique. Start with gently poached chicken, cooled and shredded. Mix in mayo, celery, and seasoning. Then, let it rest. Just like with my creamy ranch pasta salad, chilling brings the flavors together beautifully.
Mixing Techniques That Make All the Difference
Don’t stir—fold. That gentle motion keeps the chicken tender and avoids overmixing. Add the mayo a spoonful at a time until you reach your preferred consistency.
This same approach helps my chicken pasta salad shine, too: gentle, balanced, and never overworked.
Serving Chicken Salad Chick Dish Right—and Why It’s So Loved at Work
How to Serve Chicken Salad Chick Just Right
There are so many ways to serve this Chicken Salad Chick meal. On croissants, in lettuce cups, with crackers or sliced fruit—it’s versatile and travels well.
When I’m hosting brunch, I pair it with my broccoli salad or prep it ahead like I do in my meal prep chicken guide. The flavors hold up beautifully over a few days in the fridge.
Why Chicken Salad Chick is Special to Work At
Many ask this question, from what I’ve learned, it’s the emphasis on community and quality. Team members are encouraged to bring joy through food, not just fill orders.
That spirit of care and consistency is exactly what I aim for in my kitchen—whether I’m making this or any other recipe for family and friends.
Recipes for steak in the slow cooker, For more recipes follow me in Facebook and Pinterest
Conclusion
This recipe brings Southern comfort to your table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together—whether packed in a lunchbox or served at a summer picnic.
From my kitchen in the Cotswolds to yours, I hope you’ll make it, tweak it, and make it your own. Let’s keep cooking things that make us feel at home.
FAQs About the Chicken Salad Chick Recipe
What are the ingredients in Chicken Salad Chick chicken salad?
The classic Chicken Salad Chick recipe includes shredded chicken breast, Duke’s mayonnaise, finely diced celery, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Some versions add dry Ranch mix for extra flavor.
What type of mayonnaise does Chicken Salad Chick use?
Duke’s mayonnaise is their go-to—rich, thick, and perfectly tangy. It’s essential for getting that creamy texture just right
What is the secret to good chicken salad?
Use poached chicken, finely chopped ingredients, and let the salad chill. Folding gently instead of stirring keeps everything intact and delicious.
What makes Chicken Salad Chick special to work at?
It’s more than a kitchen—it’s a culture. The focus is on teamwork, quality, and making food with heart.
This recipe brings Southern comfort to your table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together—whether packed in a lunchbox or served at a summer picnic.
From my kitchen in the Cotswolds to yours, I hope you’ll make it, tweak it, and make it your own. Let’s keep cooking things that make us feel at home.