This Ultimate Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Recipe is a flavorful mix of juicy chicken, crunchy celery, and sweet pickles, all dressed in creamy mayonnaise. It’s the perfect combo for a yummy lunch!
I love piling this delicious chicken salad on some fresh bread or enjoying it with crackers. You’ll want to make a big batch because it always disappears fast at my house! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or leftover chicken works great too. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, chickpeas could be a nice substitute, just mash them a bit for a similar texture.
Celery: Fresh celery gives a nice crunch. If you don’t have celery, try using chopped apples or bell peppers for a different twist, adding sweetness and crunch!
Red Onion: Red onion adds a mild, sweet flavor. If it’s too sharp for your taste, you can swap it with green onions, which are milder, or leave it out altogether.
Mayonnaise & Greek Yogurt: I like the combination for creaminess and tang. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using low-fat mayo or sour cream. For a vegan substitute, opt for avocado or a vegan mayo.
Nuts: The walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch! If you prefer to skip nuts, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are great alternatives and still give that satisfying bite.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Salad Is Well Mixed?
Mixing the ingredients well ensures every bite is flavorful! Here’s how to do it:
- In a big bowl, combine your chicken, celery, and red onion first. Make sure they’re evenly distributed.
- In a different bowl, whisk your mayo, yogurt, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. This makes a great dressing!
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mix. Gently fold everything together. Be careful not to shred the chicken too much—it’s nice to keep some texture.
- If you’re using nuts, add them last and fold them in gently to keep them crunchy.
This method keeps the ingredients intact while ensuring they are well coated with dressing. Trust me, this makes a difference in taste!
Ultimate Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (optional, for tanginess)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious chicken salad recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and at least 30 minutes for chilling. In total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes before you can dig in! The chilling time helps all those yummy flavors mix together beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables:
Start by taking a large mixing bowl. Add your shredded or diced chicken, followed by the diced celery and finely chopped red onion. Use a big spoon to mix everything together until the chicken and vegetables are well combined.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if you’re using it for that extra tang!), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Combine the Mixtures:
Now, pour the dressing over your chicken and veggie mix. Gently stir everything together, ensuring that the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Add Nuts (if Using):
If you’re including nuts for a nice crunch, fold them in now. Just be gentle so you don’t break everything apart!
5. Chill the Salad:
Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This will help the flavors meld beautifully.
6. Final Touches:
Before serving, take the salad out of the fridge and give it a quick stir. You can taste it to see if you’d like to add a little more salt or pepper based on your preference.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to serve your chicken salad! Garnish it with fresh cilantro or parsley on top. You can enjoy it on its own, as a delicious sandwich, or over a fresh bed of greens. Yum!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or even leftover grilled or baked chicken for added flavor. Just ensure it’s cooked and shredded or diced into small pieces for the best texture in your salad.
Can I Substitute the Mayonnaise?
Yes, if you’re looking for a healthier option or have an allergy, you can substitute mayonnaise with more Greek yogurt, avocado, or even a store-bought vegan mayo. Adjust the seasoning slightly, as some substitutes might be less salty or flavorful.
How Long Will This Chicken Salad Last in the Fridge?
Your chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving, as ingredients may settle or separate during storage!
What Can I Serve With Chicken Salad?
This chicken salad is versatile! Serve it in a sandwich, on crackers, or over a bed of mixed greens. You could also pair it with tortilla chips or sliced vegetables for a fresh, crunchy addition.
