Enjoy a crave-worthy Chick-fil-A style chicken salad—creamy, flavorful, and perfect for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or easy lunch meal prep at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of fresh, straightforward ingredients is all it takes to create a classic that rivals the original. Each element plays a starring role, from the juicy chicken to the crunch of celery and the gentle tang of sweet pickles, ensuring every bite is absolutely crave-worthy.
- Cooked chicken breast (2 cups, finely chopped or shredded): Skip the shortcuts—use freshly cooked chicken for the most tender, juicy texture and bold chicken flavor.
- Celery (1/3 cup, finely diced): This adds fresh crunch and subtle brightness that balances out the creamy dressing beautifully.
- Hard-boiled eggs (2, peeled and chopped): These lend a touch of richness and that signature Chick-fil-A style bite you know and love.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Choose a good-quality mayo for creamy, luscious dressing that brings everything together without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Sweet pickle relish (1 tablespoon): The sweet and tangy finish is essential for recreating that authentic flavor—don’t skip!
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Taste as you go and season just right—it makes a world of difference.
- Optional: A squeeze of lemon juice for brightness: A quick burst of citrus can completely enliven the salad and cut through the richness.
How to Make Crave-Worthy Chick-fil-A Style Chicken Salad
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by making sure all your ingredients are ready to go. Chop or shred your cooked chicken into small, tender pieces, dice up those celery stalks for ideal crunch, and roughly chop the hard-boiled eggs. Having everything prepped before assembling the salad makes the whole process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, diced celery, and chopped eggs. Give everything a gentle toss so the ingredients are evenly distributed. This step is the foundation of your Crave-Worthy Chick-fil-A Style Chicken Salad, and getting that texture just right is key.
Step 3: Add the Creamy Goodness
Stir in the mayonnaise and sweet pickle relish, mixing until every bite is coated in this luscious, tangy dressing. At this point, you can also add a delicate squeeze of lemon juice for a pop of brightness that makes all the flavors sing.
Step 4: Season to Perfection
Taste your mixture, then add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Don’t be shy—seasoning is what elevates this Crave-Worthy Chick-fil-A Style Chicken Salad to memorable status!
Step 5: Chill and Meld
Cover your chicken salad and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to mingle, resulting in a salad that tastes even better and boasts that authentic deli-fresh coolness.
How to Serve Crave-Worthy Chick-fil-A Style Chicken Salad
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, thinly sliced green onions, or a few extra twists of black pepper give your Crave-Worthy Chick-fil-A Style Chicken Salad a lovely finishing touch. For a pop of color and added freshness, try adding a bit of paprika or delicate microgreens just before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair this creamy chicken salad with crisp kettle chips, a cup of fresh fruit, or a simple green salad for a well-rounded lunch. It also sings alongside a cup of homemade soup or piled onto a fluffy croissant with a side of chilled grapes.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the lunchbox! Scoop the salad into lettuce cups for a light, carb-free meal, pile it into mini phyllo cups for party appetizers, or wrap it up in a tortilla with baby spinach for a delicious grab-and-go wrap. However you serve it, the Crave-Worthy Chick-fil-A Style Chicken Salad will steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Crave-Worthy Chick-fil-A Style Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, and the flavors often get even better after the first day.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the chicken salad if needed. Just know that the texture of mayonnaise can change after thawing. To freeze, portion the salad into tightly sealed containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Chicken salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need for reheating. If it’s been in the refrigerator, let it sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving for the ultimate flavor and creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and is a great shortcut for more flavor and less prep. Just remove the skin and bones, shred the meat, and you’re set.
What if I don’t like mayonnaise?
If mayo isn’t your thing, you can substitute half or all of it with plain Greek yogurt or a light sour cream. It’ll still be creamy with a slight tang, keeping that crave-worthy texture.
How can I make this recipe lighter?
Swap in light mayonnaise or a mix of mayo and Greek yogurt for a lower-calorie version. You can also add more celery or sneak in diced apples for extra crunch and sweetness without extra calories.
Is this chicken salad gluten-free?
The salad itself is naturally gluten-free! Just be mindful of what you serve it with—stick with lettuce cups, gluten-free bread, or crackers if needed.
Can I prep the salad ahead for a party?
Definitely! This Crave-Worthy Chick-fil-A Style Chicken Salad is the ultimate make-ahead dish. Simply prepare it the night before, stash it in the fridge, and give it a gentle stir before serving.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Crave-Worthy Chick-fil-A Style Chicken Salad, you’ll see just how easy it is to bring a little bit of restaurant magic to your own kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe that’s quick to make, joyfully satisfying, and sure to win hearts around your table. I can’t wait for you to fall in love with every creamy, crunchy bite!
Print
Crave-Worthy Chick-fil-A Style Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This crave-worthy Chick-fil-A style chicken salad is creamy, crunchy, and irresistibly flavorful! Made with tender cooked chicken, crisp celery, hard-boiled eggs, and a tangy touch of sweet pickle relish, it’s the perfect versatile filling for sandwiches, crackers, or lettuce cups. Inspired by everyone’s favorite fast food classic, this quick and easy homemade version comes together in just minutes with simple ingredients you already have on hand.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad Base
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, finely chopped or shredded
- 1/3 cup celery, finely diced
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
Dressing & Seasoning
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
Instructions
- Mix Chicken & Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped or shredded cooked chicken, diced celery, and chopped hard-boiled eggs. Make sure the chicken is evenly distributed throughout.
- Add Mayonnaise & Relish: Spoon in the mayonnaise and sweet pickle relish, then thoroughly mix everything together until all the ingredients are well coated and combined. The salad should be creamy, with every bite holding a bit of each ingredient.
- Season: Sprinkle the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. If desired, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright, tangy note and stir again to incorporate.
- Chill: Transfer the chicken salad to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to firm up for the best texture.
- Serve: Enjoy your chicken salad as a sandwich filling, on top of crackers, or scooped into lettuce cups for a lighter option.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use rotisserie chicken or poached chicken breast.
- If you prefer a lighter salad, substitute some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; stir before serving.
- Add chopped red grapes or toasted pecans for delicious texture and sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side-dishes
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 3/4 cup)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 143mg