This copycat chicken salad is creamy and packed with flavor, just like the one at Chicken Salad Chick! It combines tender chicken, crunchy celery, and sweet grapes.
It’s perfect for a picnic or a quick lunch. I love piling it on a bed of lettuce or scooping it onto crackers—so tasty! Plus, it’s super easy to make ahead of time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced chicken is the star of this salad. Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience. If you don’t have chicken, canned chicken or even turkey is a good alternative.
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: Mayonnaise adds creaminess while sour cream gives a slight tang. You can substitute Greek yogurt for a healthier twist or if you’re dairy-free, try a vegan mayo or non-dairy yogurt.
Celery: It adds a nice crunch. If you’re not a fan, consider using diced apples, bell peppers, or even crunchy pickles for texture and flavor.
Grapes: Sweet grapes add a fresh touch. If you want a different flavor, chopped apples, dried cranberries, or even sliced strawberries could be interesting substitutes.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Salad Stays Creamy and Flavorful?
The key to a creamy and flavorful chicken salad lies in balancing your ingredients. Start with a solid base of mayonnaise and sour cream, which give it that rich texture. You want enough of both to coat the chicken well without being too runny.
- Mix chicken with mayo and sour cream before adding dry ingredients, ensuring thorough coating.
- Taste and adjust seasonings by adding more mayo or spices based on your preference.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend and improve.
Copycat Classic Carol Chicken Salad Chick Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup grapes, halved (red or green)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Leafy lettuce leaves
- Crackers (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious chicken salad recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. So, you can have a tasty dish ready in about 45 minutes! Perfect for a quick lunch or a picnic with friends.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base Ingredients:
Start by taking a large mixing bowl. Add the shredded or diced chicken along with the mayonnaise, sour cream, and Dijon mustard. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want a nice, creamy base that holds everything together.
2. Add the Flavorful Ingredients:
Next, toss in the finely chopped celery and halved grapes for a crunch and sweetness. Then, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything gently until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated, ensuring you get a little bit of everything in each scoop.
3. Season and Chill:
Now’s your chance to taste the chicken salad! If you think it needs more flavor, feel free to add extra salt, pepper, or even a bit more mayonnaise if you like it creamier. Once you’re happy with the taste, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will help all the flavors meld together nicely.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, lay down some leafy lettuce leaves on a plate. Scoop generous portions of the chilled chicken salad onto the lettuce. If you like, serve it with crackers on the side for added crunch. Enjoy your copycat classic chicken salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or even leftover grilled or baked chicken. Just ensure it’s cooked and shredded or diced, so it blends well with the other ingredients.
How Can I Make a Lighter Version of This Chicken Salad?
For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise or sour cream. This will keep the creaminess while reducing calories and adding protein. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers or carrots for extra crunch and flavor!
How to Store Leftover Chicken Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to give it a good stir before serving again, as the ingredients may separate. It’s best enjoyed cold!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to Customize This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or some chopped herbs like dill or parsley for an extra flavor kick. You could even toss in diced apples for a sweet crunch!
