A creamy and flavorful Southern-style chicken salad made with tender shredded chicken, crisp celery, and a perfectly seasoned mayo-based dressing. This homemade version of the famous Chicken Salad Chick’s Classic Carol is simple, delicious, and perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or enjoying on its own!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic flavor – A homemade take on the famous Chicken Salad Chick’s Classic Carol.
- Simple ingredients – Made with pantry staples and no unnecessary fillers.
- Versatile serving options – Perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as a dip with crackers.
- Great for meal prep – Stays fresh in the fridge, making it perfect for quick lunches.
- Low-carb & high-protein – A healthy, satisfying meal option.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken tenderloins
- Celery, finely diced
- Duke’s mayonnaise
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper
Directions
- Cook the Chicken – Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the chicken tenderloins and cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken tender.
- Shred the Chicken – Remove the chicken from the water and let it cool slightly. Use a hand mixer or food processor to finely shred the chicken for a smooth, creamy texture.
- Prepare the Salad – In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced celery, mayonnaise, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Chill – Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve – Enjoy in a sandwich, over a bed of lettuce, or with crackers for a delicious, protein-packed meal.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 290 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add sweetness – Mix in a handful of grapes or dried cranberries.
- Make it crunchy – Add chopped pecans or almonds for extra texture.
- Swap the mayo – Use Greek yogurt or half mayo, half sour cream for a lighter version.
- Spice it up – Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce.
- Use rotisserie chicken – Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheating: No need to reheat! Serve it cold straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of tenderloins?
Yes! Chicken breast works well, just be sure not to overcook it to keep it tender.
What can I use instead of Duke’s mayonnaise?
Any good-quality mayonnaise works, but Duke’s gives the most authentic flavor.
How can I make this chicken salad healthier?
Use Greek yogurt or light mayo for a lower-fat version.
Can I freeze this chicken salad?
It’s not recommended, as mayo-based salads tend to separate when thawed.
What’s the best way to shred the chicken?
A hand mixer, food processor, or two forks work well for shredding the chicken.
How do I make this salad extra creamy?
Use a food processor to finely blend the chicken and mayonnaise together.
What can I serve with this chicken salad?
It’s great on sandwiches, wraps, crackers, croissants, or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, so it’s perfect for meal prep.
Is this chicken salad gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you serve it with gluten-free bread or crackers.
Can I add other seasonings?
Of course! Try adding paprika, celery salt, or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Conclusion
This Chicken Salad Chick’s Classic Carol is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as a sandwich, in a wrap, or on its own, this creamy, protein-packed chicken salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try it today and enjoy a Southern classic at home!
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Chicken Salad Chick’s Classic Carol
This Chicken Salad Chick’s Classic Carol recipe is a creamy, flavorful Southern-style chicken salad made with tender shredded chicken, crisp celery, and a perfectly seasoned mayo-based dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or enjoying on its own, this easy homemade version is great for meal prep and packed with protein!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins (or chicken breast)
- ½ cup celery, finely diced
- ½ cup Duke’s mayonnaise (or preferred mayo)
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Chicken – Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the chicken tenderloins and cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcooking to keep it tender.
2️⃣ Shred the Chicken – Let the cooked chicken cool slightly. Use a hand mixer, food processor, or two forks to finely shred it for a smooth, creamy texture.
3️⃣ Prepare the Salad – In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, diced celery, mayonnaise, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
4️⃣ Chill – Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5️⃣ Serve – Enjoy in a sandwich, on crackers, in a wrap, or over lettuce for a delicious, protein-packed meal.
Notes
✔ Add sweetness – Mix in grapes or dried cranberries for a touch of natural sweetness.
✔ Make it crunchy – Add chopped pecans or almonds for extra texture.
✔ Lighter version – Use Greek yogurt or half mayo, half sour cream for a lower-fat option.
✔ Spice it up – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce.
✔ Save time – Use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Main Dish
- Method: Boiling, No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern, American
- Diet: Gluten Free
