Copycat Costco Chicken Salad

This Copycat Costco Chicken Salad is a quick and easy meal that’s bursting with flavor. Made with tender rotisserie chicken, crunchy veggies, and a zesty homemade dressing, it’s the perfect dish for sandwiches, salads, or a tasty snack. Ready in just 15 minutes, this chicken salad is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Copycat Costco Chicken Salad brings all the great flavors of the store-bought version right to your kitchen, without the hassle. The creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice is perfectly balanced with the savory rotisserie chicken and the crunch from the celery and onions. Whether you serve it on a sandwich, over a bed of greens, or with your favorite crackers, it’s a versatile and satisfying dish that’s ready in no time.

Ingredients

• 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (about 1 whole rotisserie chicken)

• 2 stalks celery, finely chopped

• ¼ cup yellow onion, finely minced

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup sour cream

• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon paprika

• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

• ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon dried parsley, or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Remove the meat from the rotisserie chicken, discarding the skin and bones. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.

2. Finely chop the celery and onion, then add them to the bowl with the chicken.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.

4. Stir in the garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and parsley until fully incorporated.

5. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold everything together until evenly coated.

6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled on a sandwich, over greens, or with crackers. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Chill Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Add Fruit: For a touch of sweetness, add chopped grapes, apples, or dried cranberries to the salad.

• Add Nuts: Try adding chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans for extra crunch.

• Spicy Version: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to give it a spicy kick.

• Greek Yogurt Substitute: Swap out the sour cream for Greek yogurt for a healthier version with a tangy twist.

• Herb Variations: Experiment with other herbs like dill, chives, or tarragon for different flavor profiles.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best served chilled, so keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy it again. This salad doesn’t require reheating, and it stays fresh for several days, making it a great meal prep option.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can substitute canned chicken, but using rotisserie chicken will give the salad a more flavorful and tender texture.

2. Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This chicken salad actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld in the fridge. You can make it up to 1 day in advance.

3. Can I make this without sour cream?

Yes, you can skip the sour cream and use more mayonnaise or Greek yogurt if you prefer a different consistency.

4. How do I make this salad less creamy?

To make the salad less creamy, you can reduce the amount of mayonnaise and sour cream or add more chicken and veggies to balance the texture.

5. Can I freeze this chicken salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze chicken salad because the mayonnaise and sour cream can separate when thawed, affecting the texture.

6. Can I use a different type of onion?

Yes, you can use red onion or green onions if you prefer a different flavor.

7. How do I make this chicken salad spicier?

Add some chopped jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce to give the salad a spicy kick.

8. How can I make this chicken salad healthier?

You can lighten it up by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and using a light or reduced-fat mayonnaise.

9. What can I serve this chicken salad with?

This chicken salad is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or served over a bed of greens. It’s also great with crackers or in a pita pocket.

10. Can I use a different type of chicken?

You can use any cooked chicken you have on hand, such as leftover grilled chicken, poached chicken, or rotisserie chicken. Just be sure it’s shredded or cut into bite-sized pieces.

Conclusion

This Copycat Costco Chicken Salad is a quick, easy, and flavorful recipe that’s perfect for busy days. The creamy dressing, crunchy veggies, and tender rotisserie chicken come together to create a satisfying meal that’s great for sandwiches, salads, or snacks. With endless customization options, this recipe is sure to become a go-to for your family’s meal rotation!

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