I first visited Chicken Salad Chick during a lunch break at a work conference in Alabama. The line wrapped around the building, but everyone assured me it was worth the wait. When I finally tried their signature “Classic Carol” chicken salad, I understood the hype immediately. That perfect balance of tender chicken, creamy dressing, and subtle seasoning had me plotting how to recreate it at home before I finished my meal!
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After several attempts and tweaks, I’ve finally perfected this copycat Classic Carol Chicken Salad recipe. It’s everything I loved about the restaurant version – simple yet incredibly flavorful, with that distinctive texture that makes it stand out from ordinary chicken salad. Whether you’re miles from the nearest Chicken Salad Chick location or want to enjoy this Southern favorite at home, this recipe won’t disappoint.
Chicken Salads at Chicken Salad Chick Restaurant
The Chicken Salad Chick restaurant prepares scratch-made chicken salad every day. It offers traditional, savory, fruity, nutty, and spicy chicken salad, as well as delicious pimento cheese salad and egg salad.
Are you looking for an excellent recipe for chicken salad? This freshly made and full-flavored copycat Chicken Salad Chick recipe will soon become your favorite. Did I mention it is easy to prepare?
Why This Recipe Works
What makes this copycat version so spot-on? Several key elements:
- Using only chicken tenderloins creates the perfect texture
- Poaching the chicken in stock adds depth of flavor
- The secret ingredient (dry Ranch mix) provides that distinctive Chicken Salad Chick flavor profile
- Finely dicing the celery ensures the perfect balance in each bite
- Chilling time allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- Chicken tenderloins – Creates the perfect shredded texture that’s distinct from breast meat; the shorter fibers give the salad its signature texture
- Low-sodium chicken stock – Infuses the chicken with flavor while poaching, adding depth to the final salad
For the Dressing:
- Mayonnaise – Provides the creamy base that binds everything together while adding richness, Chicken Salad Chick uses Duke’s mayonnaise
- Celery – Adds a fresh crunch and subtle flavor that complements the chicken without overpowering it
- Dry Ranch salad dressing mix – The secret ingredient that gives this salad its distinctive flavor profile
- Salt – Enhances all the other flavors and balances the creaminess
- Ground black pepper – Adds a subtle spice that rounds out the flavor profile
How to make Chicken Salad Chick Classic Carol Chicken Salad
- Place the chicken tenders and chicken stock in a large pot.
- Heat the pot over medium heat, letting the chicken poach for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before proceeding.
- Once the chicken is cooked, shred it. You can use a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or manually shred the chicken tenders using two forks.
- Mix celery, mayonnaise, dry Ranch dressing, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Stir the chicken mixture until it is well blended.
- Add the shredded chicken into the bowl and stir until it’s fully incorporated with the other ingredients.
- Transfer the chicken salad to an airtight container.
- For optimal taste, prepare the chicken salad and chill it a few hours before it’s needed. This allows the flavors to meld together.
How to serve Classic Carol Chicken Salad
- Wrap: Roll in a tortilla with lettuce and thin cucumber slices for a portable lunch.
- Restaurant Style: Serve a generous scoop on a bed of leaf lettuce with fresh tomato slices and crackers on the side.
- Sandwich: Spread between two slices of buttery croissant, soft white bread, or whole grain bread with lettuce and tomato.
- Stuffed: Fill a hollowed tomato or avocado half with chicken salad for an elegant, low-carb option.
The other way you can have chicken salad is on a sandwich. Their sandwiches come with leaf lettuce and ripe tomatoes.
You can also stuff the chicken salad inside of a tomato or avocado. It’s entirely up to you.
What to serve with chicken salad
Here are some ideas on what to serve with chicken salad:
- A simple and quick option that adds a satisfying crunch. You could go for classic potato chips, kettle chips, or even veggie chips for a healthier twist.
- Another quick option is serving it with crackers.
- A hot bowl of soup can complement a chicken salad sandwich quite nicely. Tomato soup, vegetable soup, or chicken noodle soup are great choices.
- A cold pasta salad with plenty of fresh veggies could be a refreshing side dish.
- Dill pickles or sweet gherkins can provide a tangy contrast to the creamy chicken salad.
- Slices of fresh fruit or a mixed fruit salad can be a refreshing and healthy side. Melons, berries, apples, or grapes would work well.
- A side of coleslaw can be a great match, as its tangy flavor can balance out the creaminess of the chicken salad.
- A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can provide a light and refreshing contrast.
- Grilled veggies such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant can add a smoky flavor that complements the chicken salad nicely.
- Potato Salad is a classic side dish for any sandwich and can be made in many different ways, with the addition of ingredients like dill, mustard, or even bacon.
- Bacon Baked Beans can add a sweet and smoky flavor, contrasting the creamy and savory chicken salad.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Food Safety: Always keep chicken salad refrigerated, and don’t leave it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Do Not Freeze: Mayonnaise-based salads don’t freeze well as they tend to separate when thawed.
- Make-Ahead: This salad actually improves after sitting in the refrigerator for 24 hours, making it perfect for meal prep.
Chicken Salad Chick Classic Carol Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
- 32 ounces low sodium chicken stock
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons finely minced celery
- 2 teaspoons dry Ranch salad dressing mix
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the chicken by poaching in chicken stock. Fill a large pot with the chicken tenders and chicken stock. Poach over medium heat for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Shred chicken, the chicken can be shredded with a stand mixer by using a paddle attachment. Or you can shred the chicken tenders with two forks.
- In a medium sized bowl add celery, mayonnaise, dry Ranch dressing mix, salt and black pepper. Stir until well blended.
- Add shredded chicken and mix in well. Store chicken salad in an air tight container.
- The chicken salad tastes better if prepared a couple of hours before it is consumed.
- Serve in a sandwich or on a bed of lettuce.
Video
Notes
Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Salad
-
- Don’t skip the chilling time – This allows the flavors to meld and the dressing to infuse the chicken fully.
- Dice the celery extra fine – The texture should be noticeable but not chunky, just like at the restaurant.
- Use room temperature mayonnaise – It blends more efficiently and creates a smoother dressing.
- Don’t substitute chicken breasts – The tenderloins are key to achieving the right texture.
- Pat the chicken dry after shredding – This prevents the salad from becoming watery.
- Too dry? Add a tablespoon of mayonnaise at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Too wet? Add a bit more shredded chicken, or let it sit in the refrigerator uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Flavor not quite right? A pinch more Ranch mix or a dash of garlic powder can help enhance the flavor.
- Texture too chunky? Next time, chop your celery more finely or try grating it for a more subtle texture.
Nutrition
Scaling the Recipe
- For a Crowd: Double or triple all ingredients proportionally. This recipe scales up beautifully for parties.
- For Meal Prep: Make a large batch on Sunday and portion it into individual containers for ready-to-go lunches.
- For a Smaller Batch: Halve all ingredients if you cook for one or two.
Make It Your Own: Variations Inspired by Chicken Salad Chick
While this recipe recreates the Classic Carol, you can use it as a base to make other Chicken Salad Chick favorites:
- Dixie Chick: Add 1 tablespoon finely minced white onion
- Buffalo Barclay: Mix in 2-3 tablespoons buffalo sauce and a dash of cayenne pepper
- Olivia’s Old South: Add 2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish and 2 chopped hard-boiled eggs
- Sassy Scotty: Mix in 1 tablespoon finely minced jalapeño and a pinch of cayenne
- Fruity Fran: Add ¼ cup halved red grapes and 2 tablespoons diced apples
- Cranberry Kelli: Stir in ¼ cup dried cranberries and ¼ cup chopped pecans
More tasty chicken salads
- Applebees Oriental Chicken Salad
- Chicken Salad Chick Grape Salad Recipe
- Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Salad
- Newks Chicken Salad
- Pecan Chicken Salad
Popular chicken recipes
- Alice Springs Chicken
- Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Chicken Katsu
- Chicken Madeira
- Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
- Hunan Chicken
- Lemon Pepper Chicken
- Olive Garden Chicken Scampi
Find the best copycat salad recipes and restaurant chicken recipes to make and enjoy.
Conclusion: Why This Classic Carol Chicken Salad Will Become Your Go-To Recipe
There’s something truly special about a perfectly executed chicken salad – it’s comfort food that feels both indulgent and light at the same time. This Chicken Salad Chick copycat recipe captures everything that makes the original Classic Carol so craveable: the ideal texture from using chicken tenderloins, the subtle crunch of celery, and that distinctive flavor profile that keeps fans coming back.
Debbie
Made this last night – so yummy! My new go to…
Vicki Niles
I fell in love with Chicken Salad Chick’s chicken salad when I was visiting in South Carolina. They don’t have these great restaurants in the northwest so I tried this recipe. It is so yummy!!
Shelly
I absolutely LOOOOVE this chicken salad from chicken salad chick! I cannot believe how spot on this recipe is for the restaurant version! THANK YOU!
Becky
Thank you for this recipe. I love CSC, and I just made a big bowl of my favorite, Fruity Fran by using your base recipe and adding chopped white seedless grapes, pineapple tidbits and finely diced apple. I had some wheat crackers and and it’s lunch time!
Donna
Can’t you use regular ranch dressing with the Mayo ?
Stephanie Manley
I think that would have too much ranch flavor to taste like Chicken Salad Chick.
Jenn
Any idea about Cranberry Kelli? I know there are dried cranberries and slivered almonds, but do you just use this one as a base and add that?
Mandy Cobb
Yes, thats what I do
Holly
Do you happen to know the recipe for the true blue Betty! I was obsessed but it was only seasonal so it’s gone. So sad! I’m craving it so badly!
Stephanie Manley
You know I saw that one, but I didn’t get a chance to get it before it disappeared.
Leigh
For every lb of the base recipe (Classic Carol) it’s a quarter cup of each ingredient. So, the True Blue Betty would be the base with a quarter cup of blue cheese, a quarter cup or ranch, a few dashes or Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper to taste!
Denise Kovalewich
So quick and easy to make. I added some scallions to the recipe. I’m a chicken salad fanatic and his didn’t disappoint. I’m on the East Coast, so I used Hellman’s mayo and it was delish.
Stephanie Manley
When I can’t find Dukes, I use Hellman’s. Both are good.
Billie Leeds
Dukes is at Walmart, IGA, and most places in south
Amy
I have searched for Olivia’s Old South (the one with pickles and eggs) and have not been able to find a recipe for it. Do you happen to have this recipe? Thanks!
Tiff
Its classic carol with eggs and relish
Talynn
All you do is add eggs and pickles…..
Joann
I have had the. Hi Ken said here several times and it is fabulous. They also offer a grape salad wit cream cheese sauce that is out of this world. Do you happen to,have the receipt for,the cream cheese sauce?
Stephanie Manley
I haven’t tried their grape salad yet.
Becky
I live in south GA and this salad is very common. I dont add the extra brown sugar, I’m dibetic.
GRAPE SALAD
8 ounces (226.8 g) cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup (230 ml) sour cream
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 pounds (1.81 kg) red seedless grapes, rinsed and drained well, about 10 cups
½ cup (110 g) light brown sugar
1 cup (99 g) chopped pecans
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat together the cream cheese, sour cream, sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and thick, about 3 minutes.
Add the grapes to the bowl and, using a rubber spatula, gently fold the grapes into the cream cheese mixture until everything is evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving, or overnight.
Prior to serving, sprinkle with brown sugar and chopped pecans. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tiff
They tell you what is in it when you visit the restaurant. Simply ask. I know its grapes, cream cheese, and I believe sour cream, with brown sugar and pecans on top.
Luly
Joann,
I have the recipe for the grape salad at the house and it actually uses mayonnaise which sounds so weird but it’s true.
Mary
I’m obsessed w their pasta salad! Have you been able to copykat that yet? I’d be forever grateful!!!
Stephanie Manley
I haven’t tried their pasta yet.
Tiff
They will tell you the ingredients at the restaurant. I know it has Italian dressing, artichoke hearts, and black olives, plus a cheese.
Sheri
This stuff is a hit EVERYTIME! I usually brine and roost a whole chicken and make it accordingly to your recipe. So good!
Margaret
I’ve made this recipe so many times that I no longer need to refer to the recipe. Every person who eats it says it is better than CSC. My teenage daughter, who is a picky eater, absolutely loves it. I use the following products: Better than Bouillon (low sodium) for the broth; Duke’s Mayonnaise (way more than the recipe calls for); and Hidden Valley Ranch dressing. I can’t thank you enough for sharing this wonderful recipe with us!
Stephanie
I am glad you like it!
Katie
Duke’s Mayonnaise is what CSC uses.
Kay
Everyone in the Deep South uses Dukes mayonnaise. It’s kind of a cultural thing.🙂
Brenda
I love Jalapeno Holly. Just add jalapenos???
Andrea
The ranch mix has MSG. Any recipes that aren’t harmful that match the recipe?
Stephanie
McCormick brand of their dry ranch dressing mix contains no MSG. https://www.popsugar.com/food/ranch-seasoning-at-costco-47133089
Sarah
Primal Palate makes incredible seasonings that contain no harmful/inflammatory ingredients. Try the Primal Palate Ranch seasoning mix. You can also swap Dukes for Primal Kitchen mayo or Sir Kensington mayo. Both are less inflammatory and more nutrient dense for anyone eating to prevent or reverse disease. Thank you CopyKat for the blueprint to this incredible chicken salad!!
E Shel
They do not use dry ranch.
It’s a seasoning packet but no dry ranch
Dixie Chick is just a base + diced onions
Jalapeño Holly is the based + pickled jalapenos
Stephanie
I think the dry ranch dressing fairly closely mimics the flavor of the CSC base. You just made some Jalanpo Holly folks happy!
Donna
I would love to know the recipe for the Chicken Salad Chick Dixie Chick Salad, please.
Stephanie
Thank you for your suggestion.
Regina
How about the lemon Basil one please ??
Stephanie Manley
Thank you for your suggestion.
Sharon McEntee
I can tell you the ingredients for Classic Carol because I just bought it today
Katie
Make this recipe and add finely minced onions. I used to work at a CSC, I don’t know the secret seasonings but I can tell you want is in certain flavors.
Jessica
Please please copy the dill-iciois recipe. It was available MAYBE 2 weeks here and I got hooked and now it’s gooooone
Stephanie
Oh, that’s a new one!
Heather
I’ve been dying for a great chicken salad recipe! Can’t wait to try this!
Aileen Ayala
I’d like to know who Jalapeño Holly is made.
Mandy
Me too!
Andrea
Same! Same! Same! One of the best things in their menu!
Katie
Add finely chopped jalapenos to this recipe. Former CSC employee.
Jess
I would love the Dixie Chicks recipe! I LOVE it and we done have a CSC where I live 🙁
Katie
Used to work for CSC. Just add finely minced white onion to this recipe.