Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Classic Carol

The Story Behind the Recipe 💕

Every Southern family has that one recipe — the one that shows up at every potluck, picnic, and Sunday brunch. For me, it was Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Classic Carol. My mama used to make a big bowl of it every weekend, and we’d eat it on buttery croissants, with crackers, or just by the spoonful straight from the fridge.

So when I first tried the Chicken Salad Chick Classic Carol, it was like a wave of nostalgia — creamy chicken salad perfection, so simple yet so comforting. Every bite reminded me of those childhood afternoons sitting on the porch, sipping sweet tea, and feeling like the world slowed down just a bit.

Of course, I couldn’t resist trying to recreate it at home. And after a few test runs (and a lot of taste-testing by my husband and kids 😋), I finally nailed it — that perfect balance of creamy, tender, and lightly seasoned goodness that makes Classic Carol so loved.

Now, it’s one of my go-to recipes for picnics, bridal showers, and those days when I just want something simple but full of heart. 💛

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What Makes This Recipe Special

• 🐔 Tender, perfectly shredded chicken – The key is gentle poaching for juicy results.
• 🥣 Creamy, tangy, perfectly balanced dressing – Just enough mayo for richness, with a hint of sweetness.
• 🧅 Finely minced celery and seasoning – Adds that subtle crunch and freshness.
• 🧡 Simple, clean flavors – No fancy ingredients — just good old-fashioned Southern comfort.
• 🧺 Perfect for meal prep – Lasts for days, and tastes even better the next day.

This is the real deal — creamy, cool, and comforting, just like the one you get at Chicken Salad Chick, but made right in your own kitchen (and at a fraction of the cost!).

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Ingredients – Fresh, Simple & Full of Flavor

🐔 For the Chicken Salad:

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup finely diced celery
• 1 cup good-quality mayonnaise (like Duke’s or Hellmann’s)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, but adds balance)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

🌿 Optional Add-Ins (Not in Classic Carol, but fun variations):

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped sweet pickles or relish
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or chives)

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a gentle simmer.

Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 15–18 minutes, until fully cooked but still tender.
(Tip: Don’t boil too hard — slow and gentle gives the best texture.)

Remove from water, let cool slightly, and then shred using two forks or a hand mixer on low speed for that perfect, fine “Classic Carol” texture.

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Step 2: Prep the Celery

Finely mince your celery — small pieces are key! You want a little crunch in every bite without overpowering the creamy texture.

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Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and a pinch of sugar.
Whisk until smooth and creamy.

If you like a touch of brightness, stir in lemon juice.

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Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the shredded chicken and celery to the bowl with the dressing.

Using a spatula, gently fold everything together until well-coated and creamy.

Taste and adjust seasoning — a little more salt or pepper if needed.

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Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
This step is essential — chilling allows the flavors to blend and the salad to firm up beautifully.

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Serving Suggestions – What to Pair It With

• 🥐 On Croissants: The classic and my personal favorite — buttery, flaky, and irresistible.
• 🍞 On Toast or Sandwich Bread: Simple and comforting for lunch.
• 🥗 On a Bed of Lettuce: For a light, low-carb option.
• 🍘 With Crackers or Cucumber Slices: Perfect for parties or snacking.
• 🧺 As a Picnic Staple: Pack it in a cooler for your next outdoor adventure.
• 🍇 Add a Sweet Touch: Serve with grapes, apple slices, or a side of sweet tea.

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Customization & Variations

Even though Classic Carol keeps it simple, here are a few ways to make it your own:

• 🍇 Sweet Touch: Add halved grapes or diced apples for a fruity twist.
• 🥜 Nutty Crunch: Stir in chopped pecans or almonds.
• 🌶️ Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or paprika for a kick.
• 🥒 Pickle Lover’s Dream: Add a spoonful of relish for tang.
• 🥚 Southern-Style: Add chopped boiled eggs for extra richness.
• 🥑 Modern Twist: Serve inside halved avocados for a fresh, low-carb lunch.

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Storing & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended — mayo-based salads tend to separate when frozen.
• Reheating: None needed — it’s best served cold or chilled!

(Tip: Stir before serving to refresh the creamy texture.)

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Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approx.)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 26g
• Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 520mg

High in protein, low in carbs, and loaded with creamy comfort — the perfect balanced lunch!

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Reader Q&A – Common Questions

1. What makes this a “Copycat” recipe?
It’s designed to taste just like the Chicken Salad Chick Classic Carol — same texture, flavor, and creaminess!

2. Can I use canned chicken?
You can, but freshly poached chicken gives a softer, more authentic texture.

3. What kind of mayo should I use?
Southern-style mayo like Duke’s or Hellmann’s gives that rich, tangy base Classic Carol is known for.

4. How do I get that fine shredded texture?
Use a hand mixer on low speed — it shreds the chicken perfectly without mashing it.

5. Can I make it healthier?
Yes! Substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.

6. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely — thighs are juicier and still delicious in this recipe.

7. How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 5 days if stored in an airtight container.

8. Can I make it in advance?
Absolutely — it actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours!

9. Can I add fruit or nuts?
Yes, though that makes it more like a “Fancy Nancy” version — still delicious!

10. What should I serve it with?
Croissants, crackers, lettuce wraps, or even stuffed into mini pitas — it’s so versatile!

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Final Thoughts 🍽️

There’s a reason the Classic Carol Chicken Salad has stood the test of time — it’s creamy, satisfying, and comfort in its purest form.

This copycat version brings that same beloved flavor home, with simple ingredients and no fuss. Whether you’re making lunch for the family, meal prepping for the week, or planning a picnic with friends, this chicken salad always hits the spot.

It’s proof that sometimes, the best recipes are the simplest — just chicken, mayo, a little seasoning, and a whole lot of love. 💕

So grab your mixing bowl, poach that chicken, and whip up a big batch of this Southern classic. You’ll see why it’s a favorite in kitchens all across the South — and soon, in yours too!

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Tried This Recipe? 💕

Did you make my Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Classic Carol?

📸 Snap a picture and share it with me on Pinterest — tag @Granny’s Lil Kitchen so I can see your delicious creations!

Your feedback, photos, and sweet stories always make my day. Don’t forget to leave a comment, rate the recipe, and follow Granny’s Lil Kitchen for more cozy, comforting Southern-inspired favorites. 🥪💛