Ever since Chick-fil-A discontinued their beloved chicken salad sandwich, fans have been searching for ways to recreate it at home. This recipe brings back that creamy, savory, slightly sweet joy that used to grace their menu.

It’s perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or even as a meal on its own. The best part? You can whip it up quickly with simple ingredients, making it a convenient, nostalgic treat for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

2 cups chopped, cooked chicken (cooled)
1/3 cup chopped celery
1/4 to 1/3 cup sweet pickle relish
2/3 cup mayonnaise
1–2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Pinch of garlic powder (optional)
Whole wheat bread
Green leaf lettuce

Cooking Time

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

Equipment

Food processor or sharp knife and sturdy cutting board
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Spoon or spatula

How to Make This Recipe?

Recreating this Chick-fil-A chicken salad at home couldn’t be easier and is every bit as satisfying as you’d hope. It takes just a few steps to turn simple ingredients into a creamy, indulgent staple you can enjoy anytime.

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by chopping your cooked chicken into small pieces. Whether you use leftover chicken, rotisserie, or even grilled, make sure it’s cooled before you start. If you have a food processor, you can pulse the celery first to finely chop it, then add the chicken for a few more pulses. Avoid overprocessing to keep a nice texture.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

Place the chopped chicken and celery in a mixing bowl. Add the sweet pickle relish, mayonnaise, and chopped eggs. Season it with salt, pepper, and a hint of garlic powder if you’d like a slightly garlicky undertone. Mix until everything is evenly coated and combined.

Step 3: Chill and Serve

For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. When ready, toast your bread slices, layer in fresh green lettuce, and pile on the chicken salad. Serve as a sandwich, or enjoy it as is!

Why I Love Making This Recipe?

I have such fond memories of grabbing Chick-fil-A chicken salad sandwiches as a quick, satisfying treat. While the news of its discontinuation was a bummer for many, I found making a homemade version is almost like a love letter to that cherished dish. Plus, adding my own twist, like adjusting the egg amount or switching up the bread, makes it feel extra special. I love how it’s simple, customizable, and brings a little joy with every bite!

Tips and Variations

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. After making it several times, I’ve picked up a few tricks and ideas you might enjoy, too.

For a sweeter touch, stir in 1/2 teaspoon of sugar.
Not a fan of sweet relish? Swap it for dill pickle relish for a tangy twist.
Toasted croissants are a decadent bread choice if you want an upgrade.
Add finely diced onion or chives for more flavor depth.
To make it low-carb, serve in lettuce cups instead of bread.

One of my secrets? I lightly toast bagel halves and use them as the sandwich base for a crunchy-chewy combo!

Serving Suggestions

This chicken salad is perfect between thick slices of your favorite bread, but it’s also versatile! Serve it alongside crackers, pile it onto a bed of mixed greens, or use it as stuffing for hollowed-out tomatoes for a stunning plated dish.

Storage and Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for 3 to 5 days. Serve cold or at room temperature straight from the fridge. If it feels a little thick after sitting, stir in a tiny bit of mayonnaise to freshen it up.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown per serving (approximate):

Calories: 392
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fat: 30g

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to nail this recipe, but a few simple tips will guarantee it turns out perfect every time.

Overprocessing the ingredients: If you’re using a food processor, pulse lightly. Overmixing results in a mushy texture.
Skipping the chilling time: The salad tastes much better if you give it time to rest and allow the flavors to blend.
Using warm chicken: Always use cooled chicken to keep the salad from becoming runny.
Too much mayo: Add mayo gradually to reach your desired creaminess. You can always add more but can’t take it away!

Making this dish is as much about enjoying the process as it is the outcome. With its creamy texture and balanced flavors, this copycat Chick-fil-A chicken salad is a cherished reminder of simpler times, and I hope you treasure it as much as I do!

Ash Tyrrell