Copycat McAlister’s Chicken Salad

The Story Behind the Recipe

There are certain recipes that feel like old friends—comforting, familiar, and always just right. For me, Copycat McAlister’s Chicken Salad is one of those timeless favorites. If you’ve ever sat inside a McAlister’s Deli on a warm afternoon, the scent of fresh bread swirling through the air and a chilled chicken salad sandwich landing on your table, you already know how irresistible that first bite is. Tender chicken, sweet grapes, crunchy celery, and creamy dressing—simple ingredients blended into something extraordinary.

My grandma adored chicken salad long before McAlister’s ever opened its doors. She’d make a big bowl of her own version every Sunday afternoon and keep it chilled in the icebox for easy lunches throughout the week. She’d always say, “A good chicken salad is like a gentle hug—soft, sweet, and comforting, no matter the day.”

Years later, when I tasted McAlister’s version for the first time, it instantly reminded me of her. Soft, creamy, and filled with that sweet-savory goodness that feels like home in every bite. And that’s when I knew—this wasn’t just food. It was nostalgia.

This Copycat McAlister’s Chicken Salad recipe brings both worlds together—the deli-style smoothness of McAlister’s and the cozy, home-style charm of Grandma’s kitchen. Whether you’re packing lunches, hosting brunch, or craving a comforting sandwich after a long day, this recipe delivers flavor, texture, and heart in the best possible way.

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What Makes This Recipe Special

This Copycat McAlister’s Chicken Salad is more than just a chicken salad—it’s a blend of simplicity and comfort that never fails to hit the spot. Here’s why people love it:

• Smooth and creamy without being heavy or overly rich.
• Perfect balance of sweet and savory—a signature of McAlister’s style.
• Tender chunks of chicken, not shredded or mushy.
• Light crunch from celery, just enough to keep things interesting.
• Grapes for sweetness, just like the original.
• Make-ahead friendly, tasting even better after chilling.
• Versatile—serve it as sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or a plated salad.

It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a household staple because it’s delicious, dependable, and easy to make.

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Ingredients – Fresh, Simple & Full of Flavor

For the Chicken Salad

• 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
• ½ cup celery, finely chopped
• ½ cup red grapes, halved
• ¼ cup sweet pickle relish or chopped sweet pickles
• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
• 1–2 teaspoons lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, but gives that classic McAlister’s sweetness)

For Serving

• Croissants, sandwich bread, or wraps
• Lettuce leaves
• Sliced tomatoes
• Crackers for snacking

Granny’s Tip: Chill your grapes before slicing—they stay firmer and sweeter.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Use cooked, cooled chicken breast for best texture. Chop into small cubes—not shredded. McAlister’s chicken salad is chunky and soft, not stringy.

Grandma’s Note: Rotisserie chicken gives the salad a richer flavor, but poached chicken gives it that extra-tender deli-style bite.

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Step 2: Mix the Dressing

In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream (if using), lemon juice, salt, pepper, and sugar. Whisk until smooth.

Taste the dressing before adding anything else—it should be lightly sweet, creamy, and bright.

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Step 3: Add the Mix-Ins

Stir in the celery, sweet relish, and grapes.

Fold gently so the grapes don’t burst.

Comfort Moment: When you fold in the grapes and hear that faint little “pop,” it always reminds me of making this salad with Grandma—slow, gentle, and full of love.

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Step 4: Combine the Chicken

Add the chopped chicken and fold everything together until well-coated. The mixture should look creamy but never soupy.

If needed, add 1–2 tablespoons more mayo.

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Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but overnight is even better. This helps the flavors mingle and gives the chicken time to soften in the dressing.

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Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop your Copycat McAlister’s Chicken Salad onto croissants, sliced bread, rolls, or a crisp lettuce bed.

Serve chilled with a handful of chips, crackers, or fresh fruit.

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Serving Suggestions – What to Pair It With

This Copycat McAlister’s Chicken Salad shines with many sides:

🥪 Sandwich Ideas

• On buttery croissants (the McAlister’s classic!)
• On toasted brioche
• As a wrap with spinach and cucumbers
• In mini sliders for parties

🥗 Light Side Options

• Fresh fruit salad
• Tomato + cucumber salad
• Crisp garden salad
• Coleslaw

🍟 Hearty Pairings

• Kettle chips
• Potato salad
• Pasta salad

🍹 Drinks

• Sweet iced tea
• Lemonade
• Cold apple cider
• Light sparkling water

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Customization & Variations

There are endless ways to tweak this Copycat McAlister’s Chicken Salad:

🥒 For More Crunch

Add finely chopped apples, walnuts, or slivered almonds.

🍯 Sweeter Version

Add a teaspoon of honey OR more relish.

🌿 Herb Lovers

Add fresh dill, parsley, or chives.

🥚 Creamy Deli-Style

Add 1 chopped hard-boiled egg.

🥓 Savory Twist

Add crisp bacon bits.

🌶 Slight Kick

Add a pinch of cayenne, paprika, or jalapeño.

🥛 Lighter Version

Use Greek yogurt for half the mayo.

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Storing & Reheating

🧊 Storing

Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.

❄️ Freezing

Not recommended—the grapes and mayo won’t freeze well.

🔥 Reheating

Not needed—it’s best chilled or room temperature.

Granny’s Tip: Always give it a gentle stir before serving leftovers—this brings back the creaminess after chilling.

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Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approx.)

(Serves 6)

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 360mg

Light, refreshing, and full of protein—just like the deli favorite.

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Reader Q&A – Common Questions

1. How do I make the chicken extra tender?

Poach it gently or use rotisserie chicken.

2. Can I make this a day ahead?

Yes! It actually tastes BETTER the next day.

3. Can I use canned chicken?

You can, but fresh cooked chicken tastes much better.

4. Why add sugar?

McAlister’s chicken salad has a slightly sweet profile.

5. Can I add nuts?

Absolutely—walnuts and pecans are amazing here.

6. Can I use green grapes instead of red?

Yes—choose seedless crisp grapes.

7. How do I keep apples from browning?

Toss them in a little lemon juice.

8. Is Greek yogurt okay to use?

Yes—use half yogurt, half mayo for best texture.

9. Can I make this for meal prep?

Yes—make a big batch and use it throughout the week.

10. What bread tastes best with it?

Croissants, brioche, sourdough, or soft white sandwich bread.

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Final Thoughts 🍽️

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about Copycat McAlister’s Chicken Salad. It’s creamy without being heavy, sweet without being too rich, and familiar without feeling boring. It’s that perfect balance that makes people say, “Wow… this tastes just like McAlister’s!”

But beyond the flavor, this recipe carries the same warmth Grandma always put into her cooking—the quiet joy of chopping fresh ingredients, folding them gently into a creamy dressing, and sharing it with people you love.

Whether you’re making this for lunches, parties, picnics, or lazy Sunday afternoons, this recipe will become one of those go-to comfort dishes you reach for again and again. Just like Grandma. Just like McAlister’s. Just like home.

💛 Tried This Recipe?

If you make Copycat McAlister’s Chicken Salad, I’d love to see your delicious creations! Tag your photos and follow me on Pinterest at grannyslilkitchen for more cozy, nostalgic recipes straight from the heart.