If you’ve ever wandered through Costco’s deli section and found yourself drawn to their famous chicken salad, you’re not alone. This beloved Costco chicken salad has earned a devoted following thanks to its perfect balance of tender chicken, creamy dressing, and satisfying crunch. Today, we’re sharing the ultimate copycat Costco chicken salad recipe that will let you enjoy this warehouse store favorite from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Why Everyone Loves Costco’s Chicken Salad
Costco’s chicken salad stands out from typical deli offerings for several reasons. The generous portion sizes, high-quality ingredients, and that distinctive flavor profile have made it a go-to choice for busy families and meal prep enthusiasts. The original combines rotisserie chicken with a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing, celery for crunch, and just the right amount of seasoning to create a satisfying meal that works for lunch, dinner, or even as a party appetizer.
What makes this chicken salad particularly appealing is its versatility and convenience. Whether you’re packing lunches for the week, hosting a casual gathering, or need a quick protein-rich meal, this recipe delivers every time.
Ingredients for the Perfect Copycat Recipe
Creating an authentic copycat Costco chicken salad requires attention to the specific ingredients that give the original its signature taste. Here’s everything you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 pounds cooked rotisserie chicken, skin removed and meat shredded
- 1 cup mayonnaise (full-fat for best results)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 3 celery stalks, finely diced
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional but recommended)
Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor:
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds or pecans
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika for color
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation (15 minutes)
Start by preparing your rotisserie chicken. Remove all skin and bones, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. The key to achieving that authentic Costco texture is to shred rather than cube the chicken – this allows the dressing to coat every piece more effectively.
Making the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, both mustards, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried dill. Whisk until smooth and well combined. This creamy base is what gives the chicken salad its distinctive tangy flavor.
Combining the Ingredients
Add the shredded chicken to the dressing mixture and fold gently to coat. Next, incorporate the diced celery and pickle relish. The celery provides that essential crunch factor, while the pickle relish adds a subtle sweetness that balances the rich mayonnaise dressing.
If using hard-boiled eggs, fold them in gently to avoid breaking them into too-small pieces. Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that the pickle relish already adds some sodium.
Final Touches
For the most authentic flavor, refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 2 hours before serving. This resting time allows all the flavors to meld together, creating that signature taste that makes Costco’s version so irresistible.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
Use Quality Rotisserie Chicken: The foundation of great chicken salad is great chicken. Costco’s own rotisserie chickens work perfectly, but any high-quality rotisserie chicken will do. Avoid overly seasoned varieties that might compete with your dressing flavors.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: While it’s tempting to serve immediately, the flavors truly develop during the chilling period. For best results, make your chicken salad the night before you plan to serve it.
Adjust Consistency as Needed: If your chicken salad seems too dry, add more mayonnaise one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too wet, add more shredded chicken or let it drain in a fine-mesh strainer for 15 minutes.
Fresh is Best: Use fresh celery and high-quality mayonnaise. The crunch from fresh celery and the richness from good mayonnaise make a noticeable difference in the final product.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This versatile chicken salad works beautifully in numerous applications:
Classic Sandwiches: Serve on your favorite bread with lettuce and tomato for a traditional chicken salad sandwich.
Croissant Perfection: Stuff into buttery croissants for an elegant lunch option.
Healthy Wraps: Use large tortillas or lettuce leaves for a lower-carb alternative.
Party Appetizers: Serve with crackers, small toast points, or stuffed into mini pita pockets.
Salad Topper: Serve over mixed greens for a protein-packed salad meal.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This copycat Costco chicken salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. For food safety, always keep it chilled and use a clean utensil each time you serve it.
For meal prep enthusiasts, this recipe is ideal for making ahead. The flavors actually improve after a day or two in the refrigerator. Consider making a double batch if you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers for easy lunches throughout the week.
Nutritional Benefits
Beyond its delicious taste, this chicken salad provides substantial nutritional value. The rotisserie chicken delivers high-quality protein essential for muscle maintenance and satiety. While the mayonnaise adds calories, it also provides healthy fats that help with nutrient absorption.
To make a lighter version, you can substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, though this will change the flavor profile slightly from the original Costco version.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Too Salty: If your chicken salad tastes too salty, add more shredded chicken or a tablespoon of sour cream to balance the flavors.
Lacking Flavor: Ensure you’re using enough seasoning and that you’ve allowed adequate chilling time for flavors to develop.
Wrong Texture: The ideal texture combines creamy dressing with distinct pieces of chicken and celery. Avoid over-mixing, which can make the salad mushy.
Conclusion
Creating this copycat Costco chicken salad at home gives you all the satisfaction of the original while allowing you to control the ingredients and customize to your preferences. Whether you’re recreating childhood memories, preparing for a party, or simply wanting a reliable, delicious meal option, this recipe delivers the authentic flavors that have made Costco’s chicken salad a warehouse favorite.
The beauty of this homemade version lies not just in its taste, but in its convenience and versatility. Once you master this basic recipe, you can experiment with your own additions while maintaining that classic flavor profile that makes this chicken salad so beloved.
Try this recipe today and discover why so many people consider it the perfect copycat version of Costco’s famous chicken salad. Your family and friends will be impressed by how closely it matches the original – and they might even prefer your homemade version!
