If you’ve ever had a scoop of Chicken Salad Chick, you already know the hype is real. It’s creamy. It’s fresh. It’s just the right balance of comfort food and something you’d serve to guests at brunch.
Problem is, not everyone lives near a Chicken Salad Chick location. Or maybe you want to recreate it at home with ingredients you trust. That’s where this guide comes in.
Today, you’re getting the ultimate Chicken Salad Chick copycat recipe — plus a few famous flavor variations like Fancy Nancy, Sassy Scotty, and even that oddly addictive grape salad that somehow made fruit and cream cheese a side dish.
You’ll learn exactly what goes in their chicken salad, how to make it gluten-free, and the secret behind why it tastes so dang good. Let’s get right into it.
What Makes the Chicken Salad Chick Chicken Salad Recipe So Good?
It looks simple. Chicken. Mayo. Maybe some grapes. Maybe a few pecans. So how does something so basic end up being this unforgettable?
Here’s why the Chicken Salad Chick recipe works so well:
- They use real chicken breast — not canned or pre-cooked junk
- Their mayo is always Duke’s — which has a unique tang and richness
- Every batch is hand-shredded for a soft, airy texture
- They chill it just right so it’s cold, creamy, and crisp
There’s no filler. No random mix-ins. And honestly? That kind of restraint is part of what makes it genius.
Chicken Salad Chick Uses Real Chicken — And So Should You
This isn’t optional.
If you want to nail the flavor and texture of Chicken Salad Chick chicken salad, you need to start with the right chicken. Not leftovers. Not rotisserie. Not shortcuts.
Here’s what works best:
- Skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- Boiled gently or slow-cooked until juicy
- Cooled completely, then hand-shredded
The reason you shred it by hand is texture. If you toss it in a food processor, it turns into mush. Chicken Salad Chick doesn’t do mush — and neither should you.
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The Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Recipe
Ingredients
- About 4 cups of cooked chicken breast, shredded
- ¾ cup of Duke’s mayonnaise
- ½ cup finely chopped celery
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- Tiny dash of sugar if you want a slight sweetness
- Optional: a drop of lemon juice or a sprinkle of onion powder (some home cooks swear by it)
Instructions
- Make sure your chicken is fully cooled
- In a big bowl, combine the chicken and celery
- Add salt, pepper, and that optional sugar
- Fold in the mayonnaise — go slow so it stays fluffy
- Cover and chill for at least one hour before eating
Chicken Salad Chick Menu Favorites You Can Recreate at Home
Whether you’re building your own chicken salad chick catering tray at home or just want the restaurant vibe recreated, it helps to know the classics and how they differ.
A few of the fan favorites you can copy at home:
- Fancy Nancy: sweet and nutty with grapes, apples, and pecans
- Sassy Scotty: creamy, smoky, and cheesy with bacon and cheddar
- Jazzy Julie: spicy with cayenne and jalapeños
- Buffalo Barclay: bold with a hit of hot sauce
- Olivia’s Old South: classic Southern with chopped egg and a tang of pickle
- Barbie-Q: smoky with BBQ sauce blended right in
- Classic Carol: the base recipe — no frills, no fuss
- Dixie Chick: onion-heavy and bold
- Jalapeño Holly: classic with a punch of heat
- Lauryn’s Lemon Basil: fresh basil and lemon zest
Most of these flavors build on the same base recipe — so once you learn the method, the variations are super easy.
Chicken Salad Chick Menu With Prices and Flavor Rundown
Whether you’re building your own chicken salad chick catering tray at home or just want the restaurant vibe recreated, it helps to know the classics and how they differ.
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the most popular flavors on their menu:
- Classic Carol: the base recipe — no frills, no fuss
- Dixie Chick: onion-heavy and bold
- Jalapeño Holly: classic with a punch of heat
Prices will vary depending on your location, but most scoops hover around $6 to $8 when ordered alone, or higher as part of a combo or sandwich plate.
Fancy Nancy Chicken Salad Chick Copycat Recipe
Let’s start with one of the most-requested flavors: Fancy Nancy.
This one’s got that sweet-savory balance. It’s fruity. It’s crunchy. It’s the one people serve at baby showers and summer brunches. And it’s crazy easy to make once you’ve got the base ready.
What to Add to the Base
- ½ cup seedless red grapes, sliced in half
- ⅓ cup chopped red apples (like Gala or Fuji)
- ¼ cup chopped pecans (you can toast them for extra flavor)
Pro tip: Add these mix-ins after the base is fully combined. You don’t want to bruise the fruit or turn it to mush.
Sassy Scotty Chicken Salad Chick Copycat Recipe
This one is pure comfort food. If you’re a bacon-lover, this will be your new go-to. It’s smoky, rich, and has a little extra creaminess thanks to sharp cheddar cheese.
Here’s What You Add to the Base
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar
- ¼ cup cooked, crumbled bacon
- Optional: a small spoonful of ranch seasoning or dry mix if you want extra depth
Fold it in gently and let it chill. It’s best served with crackers, celery sticks, or tucked inside a toasted croissant. One bite and you’ll understand why it’s a top-seller.
Chicken Salad Chick Grape Salad Recipe
No, it’s not a chicken salad. But if you’ve ever been to Chicken Salad Chick, you know this is always on the plate. It’s a side. It’s a dessert. It’s a little weird but weird in the best way possible.
And yeah — you can make it at home, too.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds seedless red grapes
- 1 block cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ⅓ cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Topping: brown sugar + crushed pecans
Directions
- Mix cream cheese, sour cream, vanilla, and sugar until smooth
- Fold in the grapes
- Chill it
- Sprinkle brown sugar and chopped pecans right before serving
Make this once, and your fridge might never be without it again.
Grape Salad Chicken Salad Chick Side Recipe
You ever go there and get the grape salad on the side and go wait… this is dessert? Yeah, same.
What you’ll need:
- 2 lbs red seedless grapes
- 1 block cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ⅓ cup white sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Brown sugar & crushed pecans for topping
Directions:
- Mix cream cheese, sour cream, vanilla, and sugar
- Fold in grapes
- Chill
- Top with brown sugar and crushed pecans before serving
Broccoli Salad Chicken Salad Chick Copycat Recipe
If you’ve seen the chicken salad chick menu, you’ve likely noticed the broccoli salad tucked between grape salad and pasta. Don’t skip it. It’s crunchy, slightly sweet, and loaded with cheese and bacon.
And lucky for us — it’s easy to make at home.
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- ⅓ cup cooked, crumbled bacon
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
How to Make It
- Mix mayo, vinegar, and sugar in a small bowl
- Toss broccoli, onion, cheese, and bacon in a large bowl
- Pour the dressing over the top and stir to coat
- Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes
It’s crisp, creamy, and a great contrast to all the soft textures in chicken salad. Perfect for picnics or make-ahead lunches.
Chicken Salad Chick Nutrition and Gluten-Free Info
One of the biggest questions folks ask — is Chicken Salad Chick gluten free? The answer’s mostly yes. But let’s break it down clearly.
Gluten-Free Notes
- The chicken salad itself is gluten free — assuming no crackers, bread, or croissants
- Most flavors like Classic Carol, Fancy Nancy, Sassy Scotty, and Jalapeño Holly are safe
- Just be cautious with any BBQ, ranch, or seasoned mix-ins — always check your labels at home
- Sides like the broccoli salad and grape salad? Yep, also gluten-free as long as you’re using gluten-free toppings
If you’re cooking for someone sensitive or celiac, keep all prep surfaces clean and avoid any breadcrumb crossovers.
How to Serve Your Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Recipes
Alright, you’ve got the chicken salad. You’ve nailed the side salads. Now here’s how to serve it just like the real deal — or even better.
Serving Ideas
- On a buttery croissant (classic move)
- In lettuce cups for a low-carb option
- With Club crackers or Ritz
- Sandwiched between toasted sourdough or brioche
- Alongside a scoop of grape salad + broccoli salad for the full Chick experience
- Or just keep it simple — a scoop on a plate and a fork in hand
Optional touch? Add a cookie and a pickle spear to round out the plate. That’s how they do it in-store, and honestly, it works.
Chicken Salad Chick Recipe Storage Tips
Wondering how long you can keep it in the fridge?
- Homemade chicken salad lasts up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container
- Keep it cold at all times — don’t let it sit out for more than 2 hours
- If it starts to get watery, give it a gentle stir before serving
- Don’t freeze it — the mayo will separate and the texture goes weird
Grape salad and broccoli salad follow similar rules. As always, when in doubt, toss it out.
Ingredients Comparison: Chicken Salad Chick vs. Homemade
| Ingredient | Chicken Salad Chick (Original) | Homemade Copycat Version |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breast | Yes – slow-cooked, shredded | Yes – boiled or roasted |
| Duke’s Mayonnaise | Yes | Yes |
| Celery | Yes | Yes |
| Salt & White Pepper | Yes | Yes |
| Grapes & Apples | Fancy Nancy only | Optional |
| Pecans or Nuts | Fancy Nancy only | Optional |
| Bacon & Cheese | Sassy Scotty only | Optional |
| Eggs & Pickle Relish | Olivia’s Old South only | Optional |
Chicken Salad Chick Near Me: Why It’s Always in Demand
If you’ve searched for chicken salad chick near me and found your local spot packed — you’re not alone. The concept blew up because it nailed something rare: fast, casual freshness.
People are looking for:
- Quick, feel-good lunches
- Gluten-free options
- Fresh ingredients
- Southern comfort with a modern twist
No greasy food. No mystery meat. Just high-quality ingredients and a ton of personality.
FAQ: Chicken Salad Chick Copycat Recipes Answered
What are the ingredients in Chicken Salad Chick chicken salad?
Their classic recipe includes cooked chicken breast, Duke’s mayonnaise, finely chopped celery, salt, and pepper. Some flavors add fruit, nuts, cheese, or spices.
Does Chicken Salad Chick use real chicken?
Yes. They use slow-cooked, hand-shredded chicken breasts. That’s why the texture is so soft and never rubbery.
Is Chicken Salad Chick gluten free?
Most flavors are gluten-free, but always double-check seasonings and mix-ins. Skip the croissant and opt for lettuce cups or gluten-free crackers if needed.
Is Chicken Salad Chick closing in Baton Rouge?
There were rumors, but no confirmed permanent closures. Always check the Chicken Salad Chick near me tool on their website for updates.
How do I make my chicken salad more flavorful?
Let it chill for at least an hour. Use Duke’s mayo, don’t skip the salt, and taste-test. A splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of onion powder can bring balance.
Final Thoughts: Why the Chicken Salad Chick Recipe is Worth Mastering
Some recipes just work. They don’t need a hundred ingredients or a chef’s touch — they just need care, balance, and good ingredients. That’s what makes the chicken salad chick recipe so special. It takes something humble and turns it into a comfort dish people go back for over and over again.
Whether you’re recreating a favorite from their menu, exploring flavor variations like Fancy Nancy or Sassy Scotty, or serving it up with a side of grape salad and a cookie, now you’ve got everything you need to make the full experience at home.
So grab a bowl. Shred some chicken. Mix in that Duke’s mayo. And let’s be real — once you taste your own homemade copycat, you might not miss the line at the store.