Copycat Costco Chicken Salad (Easy Recipe)

There’s a reason Costco’s chicken salad held a legendary status among shoppers – that perfectly creamy, savory, and satisfying blend was simply irresistible. Whether you enjoyed it tucked into a sandwich or scooped onto a cracker, it was a deli counter highlight. But with changes to their recipe and occasional disappearances, many of us have been left craving that specific taste. Fear not, fellow foodies! Our mission was clear: create the ultimate Copycat Costco Chicken Salad recipe that brings that beloved flavor right into your kitchen. Prepare for a wave of nostalgia and pure deliciousness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe (Just Like the Original!)

This isn’t just another easy chicken salad recipe; it’s a culinary journey back to that familiar Costco deli counter. Our Copycat Costco Chicken Salad nails the flavor and texture. Here’s why this homemade costco chicken salad will become your new go-to:

It Tastes Just Like the Real Thing

We’ve meticulously balanced the creamy dressing, savory chicken, and fresh crunch from finely diced celery and red onion. Every bite delivers that authentic flavor profile you remember and love from the original Kirkland chicken salad copycat. This Copycat Costco Chicken Salad truly brings the deli home.

Super Easy to Make

By utilizing a pre-cooked Costco rotisserie chicken, this quick chicken salad recipe dramatically cuts down on prep time, making this Copycat Costco Chicken Salad effortless to prepare.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Whip up a big batch on Sunday, and you’ll have delicious, ready-to-eat lunches for days. This meal prep chicken salad holds up beautifully in the fridge, making it a staple for your weekly planning.

Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing

Whether you’re hosting a picnic, packing school lunches, or just need a simple dinner, this creamy chicken salad is a guaranteed hit. Everyone loves a good Copycat Costco Chicken Salad!

Ingredients for Copycat Costco Chicken Salad

To capture that authentic deli taste, selecting the right costco chicken salad ingredients is paramount. Here’s what you’ll need for your perfect Copycat Costco Chicken Salad:

For the Chicken Salad:

Rotisserie Chicken: One 3-pound cooked chicken, shredded (about 4 cups). This is the secret to the succulent texture and savory flavor, making it a true costco rotisserie chicken salad recipe.
Celery: 1 cup, finely diced. Provides that essential crisp crunch.
Red Onion: ½ cup, finely diced. Offers a milder, slightly sweet bite. Soak in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce sharpness, then drain well.

For the Creamy Dressing:

Mayonnaise: 1 cup. Opt for a quality, full-fat brand like Hellmann’s for the classic creamy base of this chicken salad dressing recipe.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: ¼ cup. Adds a subtle tang and lightness, characteristic of the best creamy chicken salad.
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed. Brightens and enhances all the flavors.
Seasonings: ¾ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ¼ tsp garlic powder, pinch of sugar. These simple spices create the signature balanced taste.

How to Make Copycat Costco Chicken Salad (Step-by-Step)

Learning how to make Costco chicken salad is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect batch of this Copycat Costco Chicken Salad:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Remove skin and bones from the rotisserie chicken. Shred or dice the meat into uniform, bite-sized pieces (about 4 cups total). Avoid overly small, mushy pieces.
Step 2: Chop Your Vegetables
Finely dice 1 cup of celery and ½ cup of red onion. Small, consistent pieces are key for the ideal texture in this chicken salad with celery and onion.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (or yogurt), fresh lemon juice, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of sugar until smooth. This is your delicious chicken salad dressing recipe.
Step 4: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, add the prepared chicken, celery, and red onion. Pour the dressing over. Gently fold with a spatula until all ingredients are evenly coated. Don’t over-mix.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover and refrigerate the Copycat Costco Chicken Salad for at least 1 hour. Chilling allows flavors to fully develop and meld. Serve cold for the best experience.

Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Chicken Salad

Elevate your homemade costco chicken salad from great to absolutely unforgettable with these expert tips, ensuring your Copycat Costco Chicken Salad is always a hit:

Don’t Skimp on the Chilling Time: This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a critical step! An hour in the fridge allows the dressing’s flavors to infuse into the chicken and vegetables, creating a more cohesive and delicious taste.
The Rotisserie Chicken Hack: Shredding a still-warm rotisserie chicken is much easier than cold chicken. The meat practically falls off the bone! This is vital for our costco rotisserie chicken salad recipe.
Achieving the Perfect Texture: Avoid over-mixing or mashing the chicken. You want distinct, yet tender, chunks of chicken, not a paste. Uniformly diced vegetables also contribute to that signature texture of creamy chicken salad.
Taste and Adjust: Before serving, always give your creation a final taste. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice to perfectly balance the flavors to your preference.

Fun Variations and Add-Ins

While this Copycat Costco Chicken Salad is perfect as is, it’s also a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Here are some ideas to customize your easy chicken salad recipe:

Add Sweetness: For a touch of fruitiness, fold in halved red grapes or dried cranberries.
Add Crunch: Boost the texture with toasted pecans, walnuts, or slivered almonds.
Fresh Herbs: Elevate the freshness with finely chopped fresh dill, parsley, or chives.
Make it Spicy: For a kick, stir in a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

How to Serve Your Costco Chicken Salad

This versatile Copycat Costco Chicken Salad shines in many forms, making it ideal for any occasion. Here are delicious ideas for what to serve with chicken salad:

Classic Sandwich: Load it onto flaky croissants (perfect for chicken salad for croissants), sourdough, or whole wheat bread for the best chicken salad sandwich.
Low-Carb Options: Scoop into crisp lettuce cups, hollowed-out bell peppers, or alongside cucumber slices for a delicious low carb chicken salad.
On a Bed of Greens: Serve it as the star atop mixed greens with fresh tomatoes and a light dressing.
Simple Snack: Enjoy with your favorite crackers or pita chips.
Quick Wrap: Roll it into a tortilla with fresh spinach for an easy lunch.

Storing and Meal Prep Instructions

This meal prep chicken salad is fantastic for making ahead. Proper storage ensures your Copycat Costco Chicken Salad stays fresh and delicious.

How to Store

Transfer your Copycat Costco Chicken Salad into an airtight container. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad before sealing the container to minimize air exposure and keep it fresh.

How Long Does it Last?

When stored correctly in the refrigerator, this chicken salad will stay fresh and delicious for 3 to 5 days.

Can You Freeze Chicken Salad?

We advise against freezing chicken salad made with a mayonnaise base. The dressing tends to separate and become watery and oily upon thawing, ruining the creamy texture that defines this dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Got questions about our Copycat Costco Chicken Salad? We’ve got answers!

What kind of chicken is in Costco chicken salad?

The original Costco chicken salad, and this precise copycat, uses tender meat from their famous rotisserie chickens. This seasoned, juicy chicken is key to its distinctive savory flavor and superior texture, making it a staple of Costco deli recipes.

Why was Costco chicken salad discontinued?

Costco hasn’t entirely discontinued chicken salad, but they have changed their recipe over time and occasionally pull it from the deli counter, much to the dismay of loyal fans. This inconsistency is precisely why a reliable discontinued costco chicken salad recipe to make at home is so highly sought after!

How long does this copycat chicken salad last in the fridge?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your homemade costco chicken salad will remain fresh and delicious for 3 to 5 days. Always check for freshness before consuming.

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?

While you can use well-drained canned chicken, we strongly recommend shredded rotisserie chicken for the most authentic taste and texture, closely mimicking the original. Using chicken salad with canned chicken will alter the flavor profile significantly.

How can I make this chicken salad healthier?

To create a healthy chicken salad recipe, you can substitute some or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt to boost protein and reduce fat. Using a light mayonnaise is another simple adjustment. You can also load up on extra crisp vegetables for a lighter Copycat Costco Chicken Salad.

Printable Copycat Costco Chicken Salad Recipe Card

Ready to make this incredible Copycat Costco Chicken Salad? Here’s a handy printable recipe card for your kitchen. Enjoy!