This Copycat Classic Carol Chicken Salad is a creamy and tasty treat that brings comfort to your lunch or picnic. It combines tender chicken with crunchy celery and a dash of mayo!
You know it’s good when it makes your sandwich game stronger! I love enjoying it with crispy crackers or piled high on a piece of bread—perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for speed and flavor. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or poach some fresh chicken breasts, which works great too!
Mayonnaise: Regular mayo gives a creamy texture, but feel free to switch to low-fat mayo or Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. I often use plain yogurt for a tangy kick!
Sour Cream: If you’re not a fan of sour cream, try using plain yogurt or even cream cheese, which will add richness without losing creaminess.
Celery: Diced cucumbers or bell peppers could work if you’re looking for a different crunch. Celery is classic, but I appreciate a bit of color when I substitute.
Sweet Pickle Relish: If you don’t have relish, chopped pickles or a dash of honey can mimic the sweet flavor. Some like to use chopped apples for a fresh twist!
Green Onions: Chopped red or white onions can replace green onions. Use less if you prefer a milder taste.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Salad is Full of Flavor?
The key to a tasty chicken salad is letting the flavors blend together. Here’s how to enhance the taste:
- Mix chicken with mayonnaise and sour cream thoroughly. This creates a creamy base.
- When adding celery, onions, and relish, aim for an even distribution to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
- Taste the mixture before refrigerating. Adjust seasoning, adding more mustard or relish as needed, for a perfect balance.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour. This step allows the ingredients to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
How to Make Copycat Classic Carol from Chicken Salad Chick
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Salad:
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup green onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Lettuce leaves
- Crackers (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 1 hour to chill in the fridge. This way, the flavors can blend together beautifully! So, in total, plan for about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Base:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. In it, combine the shredded or diced chicken with the mayonnaise and sour cream. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything together until it’s well combined and creamy. This will be the base of your delicious chicken salad!
2. Adding Crunch and Flavor:
Next, it’s time to add some freshness and flavor! Add the diced celery, chopped green onion, sweet pickle relish, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice to the chicken mixture. Stir everything well to make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. You want every bite to be tasty!
3. Seasoning It Up:
Now, sprinkle in some salt and black pepper to your taste. Don’t be shy! Give it a good taste and adjust any flavors if you feel it needs more mustard or relish. Once you’re satisfied, you’re almost done!
4. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This resting time allows all the wonderful flavors to meld together. When you’re ready to serve, spoon the chicken salad onto a bed of crisp lettuce leaves. If you like, enjoy it with some tasty crackers on the side for a perfect crunch!
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken Instead of Cooking My Own?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option and adds delicious flavor to your salad. Just shred or dice it and mix it into the salad as directed. It’s a perfect way to make this dish quickly!
Can I Substitute Greek Yogurt for Mayonnaise?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier twist. It will change the flavor slightly, making it tangier and creamier. Just keep the sour cream to maintain some richness or adjust to your taste!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Chicken Salad?
Leftover chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to check for freshness before serving again. If it starts to change color or smell, it’s best to discard it.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Chicken Salad?
Definitely! This chicken salad is versatile. Feel free to add ingredients like chopped apples, walnuts, or grapes for added flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning as needed to balance the flavors.
