If you haven’t had the pleasure of stepping into a Chicken salad chick classic Carol establishment, let me bring a piece of their heartwarming kitchen to yours with a delectable copycat recipe of the Classic Carol Chicken Salad.
However, with just a handful of ingredients and minimal steps, you can recreate the comforting flavors of chicken salad chick right in your kitchen.
I love dining at Chicken Salad Chick for lunch—their chicken salad hits the spot every time. I’m also a big fan of recreating some of their signature dishes at home, like the Jalapeno Holly salad chick, the bold and flavorful Jalapeno chicken salad, and, of course, their deliciously creamy chicken cheese salad. It’s always a treat!
So, here’s how I make a restaurant-style homemade chicken salad chick classic carol recipe.
Restaurant Style Chicken Salad Chick Classic Carol Chicken Salad
I’ve just whipped up a delicious salad that’s reminiscent of the restaurant’s signature dish.
First, I gathered all the ingredients – two cups of perfectly cooked and shredded chicken breast, a quarter cup of sweet pickle relish, finely chopped celery, and the secret sauce: a quarter cup of mayonnaise, two tablespoons of yellow mustard, a tablespoon of lemon juice, a teaspoon of sugar, half a teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper.
In a mixing bowl, I combined the chicken, sweet pickle relish, and celery. Then, I whipped up the dressing in a separate bowl by blending the mayo, mustard, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper until it was irresistibly creamy. I poured this luscious dressing over the chicken mix, folding it gently to ensure every morsel was coated.
After covering the bowl and letting it chill in the fridge for a couple of hours, I served it on a bed of fresh lettuce. It was the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory – just like the one from the restaurant. An absolute hit for lunch!
Ingredients
This delicious chicken salad can be made with just a few basic ingredients:
- Chicken tenderloins
- Low-sodium chicken stock
- Celery
- Mayonnaise
- Dry Ranch salad dressing mix
- Ground black pepper
- Salt
Directions
Step 1
I began by cooking the chicken until it was just done, careful not to overcook it to maintain its tenderness. After letting it cool, I diced it into small, bite-sized pieces, creating the perfect canvas for the salad.
Step 2
In a large bowl, I whisked together the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. This mixture formed a smooth and creamy dressing, the foundation of the salad’s flavor.
Step 3
Next, I folded in the finely chopped celery and onion. The celery added a refreshing crunch, while the onion provided a mild, aromatic zing that’s essential to the salad’s character.
Step 4
I gently mixed in the chicken with the dressing until each piece was evenly coated, ensuring that every bite would be as flavorful as the last.
Step 5
A little salt and pepper went a long way to elevate the taste. I seasoned it to my liking, with just enough salt to enhance the flavors and a dash of pepper for warmth.
Step 6
I opted to include diced apples in my version, which brought a subtle sweetness and a fresh, juicy texture that contrasted beautifully with the creamy elements of the salad.
Step 7
After combining all the ingredients, I let the salad chill in the refrigerator. This not only helped the flavors to marry but also made the salad more refreshing.
Step 8
The moment of truth was in the tasting. The salad turned out to be incredibly tasty, with a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and zesty.
The hint of mustard gave it a slight tang, while the optional apples added a lovely sweetness that didn’t overpower the savory notes of the chicken.
Step 9
Served on a crisp bed of lettuce, the salad was not only tasty but also visually appealing. It made for a delightful lunch that was satisfying yet light, and the flavors were reminiscent of the original copycat salad chick recipe, evoking a sense of nostalgia and comfort with each bite.
What Makes The Classic Carol Chicken Salad so Good?
The classic Carol chicken salad from copycat is good to make for several reasons, making it a particularly delectable choice among chicken salad enthusiasts:
- Use of Chicken Tenders: The recipe specifies chicken tenders, which are known for their tenderness and ability to shred easily. This choice of cut results in a more appealing texture than the commonly used chicken breast, as the tenderloins produce shorter, more tender strands of meat.
- Finely Chopped Celery: By chopping the celery super fine, the salad avoids the crunch of large pieces, offering a more refined and consistent texture throughout.
- Dry Ranch Dressing Mix: The inclusion of dry Ranch salad dressing mix imparts a unique and robust flavor that distinguishes it from a standard chicken salad. This ingredient adds a depth of flavor with its blend of herbs and spices, enhancing the overall taste profile.
What Type of Mayonnaise Does Chicken Salad Chick Use?
It is known for using Duke’s mayonnaise in their recipes, which is a favorite among many for its creamy texture and tangy flavor that complements chicken salad perfectly.
However, if Duke’s isn’t available, alternatives like Hellman’s mayonnaise can also yield delicious results, as it has a similar consistency and taste profile that works well in chicken salad.
What to Serve with Chicken Salad?
When serving chicken salad, the possibilities for accompaniments are plentiful, each adding its unique texture or flavor contrast. Crisp potato or veggie chips are a classic pairing, offering a delightful crunch. For something lighter, crackers are a versatile choice.
Soups, such as tomato or chicken noodles, can add warmth and comfort to the meal. For a refreshing side, consider a cold pasta salad laden with fresh vegetables, or opt for the sharp tanginess of dill pickles. Fresh fruit slices or a vibrant fruit salad bring a sweet balance, while a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette provides a light complement.
For a heartier option, grilled vegetables introduce a smoky note, and potato salad or bacon baked beans can round out the meal with their robust flavors.
Each side dish choice enhances the chicken salad experience in its way.
Variations
Here are some creative twists you can apply to the Chick salad classic carol to make it uniquely yours:
- Spicy Carol: Add a tablespoon of finely minced jalapeño to introduce a vibrant kick, perfect for those who love a little heat.
- Egg-Enhanced Carol: Stir in a couple of hard-boiled chopped eggs for added richness and texture, transforming the salad into a more robust meal.
- Dixie Carol Twist: Incorporate a tablespoon of chopped white onions for an extra crunch and a sharp flavor reminiscent of their Dixie Chick Salad.
- Sweet Southern Carol: To mimic Olvia’s Old South, mix in a couple of teaspoons of sweet pickle relish along with a few hard-boiled eggs for a sweet and tangy version.
Chicken Salad Chick Classic Carol
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken diced or shredded
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup sliced grapes or diced apples for a sweet twist Optional
Instructions
- Combine mayonnaise and Dijon mustard in a bowl.
- Stir in celery and onion.
- Fold in the chicken until well-coated with the dressing.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- For sweetness, add grapes or apples if desired.
- Chill for at least one hour.
- Serve chilled on greens, bread, or crackers.
How to Store Homemade Chicken Salad
To properly store homemade chicken salad, including any leftovers, transfer the salad into an airtight container as soon as it has cooled (if it was prepared warm). Seal the container tightly to preserve the salad’s flavor and texture, and place it in the refrigerator. When stored in the fridge, your chicken salad will remain fresh for up to five days.