This Classic Carol Chicken Salad Chick is a creamy, flavorful chicken salad filled with tender diced chicken, crunchy celery, and a delicious blend of seasonings. Inspired by the famous Carol chicken salad, this recipe brings together simple ingredients for a satisfying and light meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chicken salad is a great balance of creamy and crunchy, with the richness of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard complemented by fresh vegetables. It’s easy to make, versatile, and perfect for meal prep, making it a go-to option for a quick lunch or light dinner. The added parsley brings a burst of freshness, while the garlic powder adds a savory depth. It’s a classic, crowd-pleasing dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite bread, crackers, or greens.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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2 cups cooked chicken, diced
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
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1/4 cup chopped celery
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1/4 cup chopped onion
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
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Salt and pepper to taste
directions
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In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped celery, onion, and garlic powder.
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Stir in the fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Chill the chicken salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend together.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: N/A
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 290 kcal per serving
Variations
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Add nuts: Add chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
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Fruit twist: Stir in some diced apples, grapes, or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.
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Make it spicy: Add a little hot sauce or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
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Greek yogurt option: Swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to reduce the fat content and increase protein.
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Herbs: Add more fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or tarragon for different flavor profiles.
storage/reheating
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken salad is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat it—simply enjoy straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great option for this recipe! It’s a time-saver and adds additional flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this chicken salad tastes even better after it has had time to chill in the fridge and the flavors meld together. It can be made up to 1 day in advance.
How do I know if the chicken is cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear. If using leftover chicken, simply dice it up for this recipe.
Can I use a different type of mustard?
Yes, you can use yellow mustard or honey mustard for a different flavor profile. Dijon mustard provides a tangy taste, but you can adjust to your preference.
How can I make this recipe lower in fat?
You can replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or use a light mayonnaise to reduce the fat content.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be mindful of what you serve it with, like bread or crackers, if you are keeping the meal gluten-free.
How long will this chicken salad keep in the fridge?
The chicken salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After that, the texture and flavor may start to change.
Can I make this without the onion?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of onion, feel free to omit it or replace it with finely chopped shallots or chives for a milder flavor.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to fully cook it and let it cool before dicing it for this recipe.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes, add some hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or even diced jalapeños to give it some heat!
Conclusion
The Classic Carol Chicken Salad Chick is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together the best of creamy, savory, and fresh ingredients. It’s perfect for meal prep, lunch, or a light dinner. With its ease of preparation and variety of serving options, this chicken salad is bound to become a staple in your recipe rotation! Enjoy it on its own, in a wrap, or over a bed of greens for a refreshing meal.
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Classic Carol Chicken Salad Chick
This Classic Carol Chicken Salad Chick is a creamy, savory, and refreshing chicken salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Inspired by the popular Carol chicken salad, it combines tender diced chicken, crunchy celery, and a flavorful blend of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. The addition of fresh parsley and garlic powder enhances the overall taste, making this dish a crowd-pleaser for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Whether served on its own, in a sandwich, or on crackers, this light, satisfying salad is sure to become a favorite.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, diced
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine diced chicken, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped celery, onion, and garlic powder.
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Stir in fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
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Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be made lower in fat by using Greek yogurt or light mayonnaise.
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Customize with additional herbs, nuts, or fruits for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Salad, Lunch, Snack
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
