Craving that amazing Sam's Club rotisserie chicken salad but don't want to brave the crowds? This copycat recipe lets you recreate that same delicious flavor at home, quickly and easily! It's the perfect healthy meal, a fantastic quick dinner idea, and a testament to the power of simple homemade cooking. Get ready for a taste of deliciousness that will have you saying goodbye to store-bought salads forever.
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it a breeze to whip up even on a busy weeknight.
- 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded (about one whole chicken breast)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (use your favorite brand)
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Magic Happen
Follow these simple steps, and you'll have a restaurant-quality chicken salad in minutes.
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Prep the Chicken: If you're using a whole rotisserie chicken, shred the meat, discarding the skin and bones. If you prefer, you can use leftover cooked chicken breast as well.
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, sweet pickle relish, Dijon mustard, parsley, salt, and pepper.
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Mix Well: Gently mix all the ingredients together until they are evenly combined. If you're adding nuts, stir them in now.
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Chill (Optional): For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step isn't mandatory, but it enhances the overall taste.
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Serve & Enjoy: Serve your homemade Sam's Club copycat chicken salad on bread, crackers, croissants, lettuce wraps, or enjoy it as a standalone dish.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Salad
- Don't overmix: Overmixing can make the chicken salad gummy. Gently toss the ingredients until they're just combined.
- Adjust seasonings: Taste and adjust the seasonings according to your preference. You might want more or less salt, pepper, or mustard.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh celery and red onion will make a big difference in the flavor of your salad.
- Get creative with additions: Feel free to add other ingredients like grapes, apples, cranberries, or different types of nuts.
Variations: Make it Your Own
- Spicy Chicken Salad: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Curry Chicken Salad: Add 1-2 teaspoons of curry powder for an exotic twist.
- Greek Chicken Salad: Add crumbled feta cheese, chopped Kalamata olives, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
This nutritional information is based on a serving size of approximately 1/2 cup and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10g
This recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes and healthy meals, perfect for busy weeknights. It's a quick dinner idea that's both delicious and satisfying. Enjoy your homemade version of this classic!