Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Salad

Craving the classic Chick-Fil-A Chicken Salad Sandwich that you thought was gone forever? Look no further! This ultimate Chick-Fil-A Chicken Salad Recipe brings that beloved, creamy, crunchy, and perfectly savory sandwich experience right back to your kitchen. Simple to prepare and bursting with nostalgic flavor, this copycat recipe is so authentic, you’ll wonder why it was ever taken off the menu!

From the Author

The Iconic Sandwich We Still Dream About!

Before Chick-fil-A made the heartbreaking decision to remove their chicken salad sandwich from the menu, it was my absolute favorite, my undeniable go-to order. Yes, I admit it—I’m a chicken salad enthusiast through and through! The news of its discontinuation hit hard for many, including me, leaving a void that other menu items just couldn’t fill.

What I adored most about their chicken salad was its perfect balance: incredibly creamy, packed with subtle yet distinct flavor, and wonderfully simple. Its departure from the menu was truly a sad day for fans. But here’s the silver lining: Chick-fil-A generously shared their original recipe! This means we can now perfectly replicate that beloved taste right in our own kitchens, and I’m thrilled to share this remarkably easy copycat version with you.

Imagine enjoying that iconic sandwich anytime you wish! Pair this incredible chicken salad with other homemade Chick-fil-A favorites like their famous signature sauce, the refreshing crunchy kale salad, or even the recently resurrected coleslaw recipe. You’re not just making a sandwich; you’re creating a full Chick-fil-A feast right in the comfort of your home!

Why This Chick-Fil-A Chicken Salad Recipe Is a Must-Try

This copycat Chick-Fil-A Chicken Salad Recipe isn’t just a tribute; it’s a perfect recreation of everything that made the original so incredibly good. It masterfully balances textures and flavors, making it a fan favorite for a reason. Here’s why this recipe stands out and guarantees that authentic taste you’ve been missing:

• Unmatched Creaminess: The rich combination of high-quality mayonnaise and perfectly hard-boiled eggs creates a luxuriously creamy base that coats every piece of chicken, delivering that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Perfect Crunch: Finely chopped fresh celery provides just the right amount of crisp texture, offering a delightful contrast to the creaminess without being overwhelming.
• Signature Flavor Profile: A touch of sweet pickle relish adds that distinctive tangy-sweet pop that truly sets Chick-fil-A’s chicken salad apart. It’s a subtle yet essential ingredient for authenticity.
• Effortless Preparation: Utilizing a food processor, this recipe comes together in mere minutes, making it incredibly convenient for a quick lunch or easy meal prep. It streamlines the chopping and mixing process, ensuring a consistent texture every time.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Taste: You won’t find any exotic ingredients here. Just a few everyday staples combine to produce an extraordinary flavor that captures the essence of the original.
• Versatile & Adaptable: While perfect in a sandwich, this chicken salad is incredibly versatile, fitting seamlessly into various serving styles, from lettuce wraps to party dips.

Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s been cherished by so many and why recreating it at home is such a rewarding experience.

Essential Ingredients for Your Copycat Chick-Fil-A Chicken Salad

Crafting the perfect Chick-fil-A chicken salad starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that signature flavor and texture:

• Chicken: The star of the show! For the most authentic taste, consider using Chick-fil-A filets (grilled or breaded) straight from the restaurant. Alternatively, a good quality rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken breast, or even store-bought grilled chicken works wonderfully. The key is cooked, cooled, and finely chopped chicken.
• Celery: Fresh, firm celery stalks are crucial for that essential crunch. Make sure to chop it finely so it integrates well into the salad without dominating. It adds a subtle earthy flavor and a vibrant green fleck.
• Sweet Pickle Relish: This is the secret ingredient for Chick-fil-A’s unique tangy-sweet profile. A good quality sweet relish, like Heinz, will provide that unmistakable flavor pop. If you prefer a slightly less sweet or more savory profile, you can substitute with dill relish, but for true authenticity, sweet relish is key.
• Mayonnaise: The backbone of creaminess. Use a high-quality, full-fat mayonnaise for the richest flavor and best texture. This isn’t the place to skimp; good mayo makes a significant difference.
• Hard-boiled Eggs: These add an incredible richness, body, and extra creaminess that truly sets this chicken salad apart from simpler versions. They also contribute to the overall smooth texture when processed correctly. Ensure they are fully cooled and peeled before adding.
• Garlic Powder: A pinch of garlic powder enhances the savory notes without being overpowering, adding depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed, especially if your chicken was already seasoned.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Copycat Chick-Fil-A Chicken Salad

Creating this iconic chicken salad is surprisingly simple, especially with the help of a food processor. Follow these steps for a perfect batch:

1. Prepare the Chicken and Celery: Begin by adding the chopped celery, cut into 1-inch pieces, to a large food processor. Pulse about 5 times to get it finely diced. Then, add the cooked, cooled, and 1-inch chopped chicken pieces to the food processor. Pulse just a few more times until the chicken is coarsely shredded. The goal is a light chop, not a fine mush, so be careful not to over-process.
2. Incorporate Creamy Ingredients and Seasonings: Next, gently press the hard-boiled eggs down towards the bottom of the food processor. Add the sweet pickle relish, mayonnaise, and garlic powder. Pulse a few more times until all the ingredients are well mixed and the texture looks just right—creamy yet with visible small pieces of chicken and celery. Again, avoid over-processing; a total pulsing time of 10-15 seconds for all ingredients should be sufficient to achieve the desired consistency.
3. Taste and Season: Once everything is combined, taste the chicken salad. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If your chicken was already seasoned (e.g., rotisserie chicken), you might need less salt. Remember, the relish and mayo already contribute flavor, so taste before adding more.
4. Prepare Your Sandwich (Optional but Recommended): For the full Chick-fil-A experience, lightly butter your preferred bread (many love a whole-wheat or wheatberry bread for authenticity) and toast it to a golden crisp. Allow the toast to cool slightly.
5. Assemble and Enjoy: Add a fresh lettuce leaf to one slice of the prepared bread, then spoon a generous scoop of your homemade chicken salad on top. Cover with the second slice of bread. For classic presentation, cut the sandwich in half diagonally. Serve immediately and savor the taste of this nostalgic favorite!

Pro Tips for the Best Chick-Fil-A Chicken Salad Texture

Achieving that perfect Chick-fil-A chicken salad texture is key to this copycat recipe’s success. Follow these insider tips to ensure your homemade version is absolutely spot on:

• Do Not Overprocess: This is perhaps the most crucial tip! The original Chick-fil-A chicken salad has a slightly chunky texture, not a smooth puree or mush. Use short pulses in the food processor and check the consistency frequently. You want discernible pieces of chicken and celery, not a paste. Err on the side of under-processing rather than over-processing.
• Use Chilled Ingredients: Start with cold cooked chicken, chilled hard-boiled eggs, and cold celery. Cold ingredients help prevent the mixture from becoming gummy or separating during processing. It also ensures the salad stays fresh and firm.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your chicken salad before serving. Different brands of mayonnaise and relish can vary in sweetness and saltiness. Add more relish if you prefer a sweeter, tangier profile, or a pinch of salt and pepper to truly bring all the flavors together. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
• Chop Celery and Chicken Evenly: Before adding to the food processor, make sure your chicken and celery are cut into roughly 1-inch pieces. This helps ensure even processing and a consistent texture throughout the salad.
• Quality of Mayonnaise Matters: Since mayonnaise forms the base of the dressing, the quality of your mayo will significantly impact the final flavor. Opt for a good quality, full-fat mayonnaise for the creamiest texture and best taste.

Creative Chick-Fil-A Chicken Salad Serving Ideas

While the classic sandwich is undeniable, this versatile Chick-Fil-A Chicken Salad offers endless delicious serving possibilities beyond the bread. Get creative with these ideas:

• Classic Croissant Sandwich: For an elevated lunch, spoon a generous amount onto a flaky, buttery croissant. The richness of the croissant beautifully complements the creamy chicken salad.
• Traditional Sandwich Bread or Slider Buns: Recreate the original experience on toasted whole-wheat or wheatberry bread. For parties or lighter bites, pile it onto soft slider buns.
• Party Dip with Crackers & Veggies: Serve it chilled in a bowl with a selection of crunchy crackers, pita chips, and fresh vegetable sticks (like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers) for a delightful appetizer or party spread.
• Light & Healthy Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb or gluten-free option, scoop the chicken salad into crisp lettuce leaves (butter lettuce, romaine, or endive work well). It’s a refreshing and satisfying meal.
• Stuffed Pita Pockets or Wraps: Fill warm pita pockets or tortillas with the chicken salad and some fresh greens for a quick and portable lunch or dinner.
• On a Bed of Greens: Make it a vibrant salad by serving a generous scoop atop mixed greens, perhaps with a light vinaigrette on the side.
• Cucumber Bites: For an elegant appetizer, thinly slice cucumbers, top each slice with a dollop of chicken salad, and garnish with fresh dill.

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5 out of 5 stars from 1 vote

Chick-Fil-A Chicken Salad Recipe

By
Chelsea Lords

Bring the classic Chick-fil-A chicken salad back with this creamy, crunchy, and incredibly easy-to-make copycat recipe!

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
15 minutes

Servings:
6 sandwiches

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Large food processor

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons chopped celery cut to 1-inch pieces
• 3 cups chopped cooked chicken cooled and cut to 1-inch pieces (see note 1 below for chicken options)
• 2 large hard-boiled eggs cooled and peeled
• 1/3 cup sweet pickle relish or dill relish (Heinz recommended for authentic flavor)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Bread for serving (see note 2 below for bread recommendations)
• Softened butter for serving, optional
• Lettuce for serving, optional

Instructions

1. Add the celery (cut to 1-inch pieces) to a large food processor and pulse about 5 times until finely diced. Then, add the chopped, cooked, and cooled chicken (also cut to 1-inch pieces) and pulse just a few more times until coarsely shredded. Be careful not to over-process; you want a chunky texture, not a paste.
2. Gently press the hard-boiled eggs down towards the bottom of the food processor. Add the sweet pickle relish, mayonnaise, and garlic powder. Pulse a few more times until all ingredients are well mixed and the texture is uniform but still slightly chunky. The total pulsing time should be around 10–15 seconds to avoid over-processing. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed; adjust to your preference.
3. If serving as a sandwich, lightly butter your bread (if desired) and toast it. Allow the toasted bread to cool slightly to prevent sogginess. Layer a fresh lettuce leaf on one slice of bread, add a generous scoop of chicken salad, then top with the second slice of bread. Cut the sandwich in half and enjoy immediately.

Recipe Notes

Note 1 – Chicken Options: For the most authentic flavor, consider using Chick-Fil-A filets (breaded or grilled) straight from the restaurant. Alternatively, a whole rotisserie chicken, store-bought grilled chicken breasts, or store-bought breaded chicken tenders can all be used. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked, cooled, and chopped before adding to the food processor.

Note 2 – Bread Choice: The original Chick-fil-A Chicken Salad Sandwich was famously served on a specific type of hearty whole-wheat bread, often referred to as “wheatberry” bread. To achieve the most authentic taste and texture, toast a high-quality whole-wheat sandwich loaf.

Storage Recommendations: This chicken salad is a fantastic make-ahead option as its flavors deepen and improve after chilling. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-4 days. For optimal texture, freezing is not recommended, as mayonnaise and hard-boiled eggs can separate and become watery upon thawing.

Nutrition Disclaimer: The provided nutrition facts are calculated for the chicken salad filling only. They do not include the bread or any additional sandwich toppings, which can significantly vary in calories and nutritional content. This information should be used as an approximation.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Serving: 1 serving

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Calories: 335 kcal

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Carbohydrates: 5g

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Protein: 20g

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Fat: 19g

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Saturated Fat: 3g

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Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g

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Monounsaturated Fat: 5g

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Trans Fat: 0.2g

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Cholesterol: 125mg

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Sodium: 270mg

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Potassium: 201mg

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Fiber: 0.1g

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Sugar: 4g

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Vitamin A: 167 IU

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Vitamin C: 0.2 mg

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Calcium: 18 mg

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Iron: 0.6 mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying this Chick-Fil-A Chicken Salad Recipe:

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?

While you technically *can* use canned chicken, we highly recommend using freshly cooked, cooled, and chopped chicken (like rotisserie or grilled chicken breast) for the best flavor and texture. Canned chicken can sometimes have a different consistency and a less natural flavor profile, which might detract from the authentic Chick-fil-A taste.

How finely should I chop the ingredients in the food processor?

The key to the classic Chick-fil-A chicken salad is a slightly chunky, not overly smooth, texture. Pulse in short bursts and check frequently. You want the chicken to be coarsely shredded and the celery finely diced, but still discernible. Avoid continuous processing, which can turn it into a mush.

What’s the best bread for serving this chicken salad?

The original Chick-fil-A Chicken Salad Sandwich was served on a hearty, often slightly sweet, whole-wheat or “wheatberry” bread. Toasting this type of bread creates the perfect warm, slightly crisp contrast to the cool, creamy filling. However, it’s also delicious on croissants, soft white bread, or even slider buns.

Can I add other ingredients to the chicken salad?

While this recipe aims for an authentic copycat, you can certainly customize it to your preference! Some popular additions include finely chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill or parsley, or even a tiny dash of paprika for color and a hint of smoky flavor. Just be mindful that additions will alter the original Chick-fil-A profile.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This chicken salad is excellent for meal prep. In fact, it often tastes even better on the second day as the flavors have more time to meld. Simply prepare a batch, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and enjoy it throughout the week. Just remember the advice about not freezing it.

How long does homemade chicken salad last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade chicken salad with mayonnaise and eggs typically lasts for 2 to 4 days. Always use your best judgment regarding freshness, and discard if there are any off-smells or signs of spoilage.

Bringing the Chick-Fil-A Classic Home

Recreating the iconic Chick-Fil-A Chicken Salad Sandwich has never been easier or more rewarding. This recipe is a true testament to simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special and memorable. Whether you’re a long-time fan missing the original, or simply looking for a delicious, easy-to-make chicken salad, this copycat recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

The perfect balance of creamy texture, delightful crunch from fresh celery, and that distinctive sweet and tangy kick from the relish makes every bite a journey back to your favorite fast-food memory. So, gather your ingredients, fire up that food processor, and get ready to enjoy a taste of nostalgia that’s even better when made with love at home. Don’t let the discontinuation of a menu item stop you from enjoying a classic – make it yourself and savor every delicious moment!