Who doesn’t love a good chicken salad? The Classic Carol Chicken Salad isn’t just “good”—it’s heavenly. Known for its creamy texture, subtle crunch, and unforgettable flavor, this dish is one of the stars of many Southern tables.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting lunch or a crowd-pleasing party dish, this recipe brings restaurant-quality results into the comfort of your home. Plus, it’s simple to prepare, making it a must-try for chicken salad fans everywhere! You can also enjoy the flavors of another Southern favorite, the southern chicken salad recipe.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 ½ pounds chicken tenderloins
32 ounces low-sodium chicken stock

For the Dressing:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons finely minced celery
2 teaspoons dry Ranch salad dressing mix
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Equipment

Large pot
Mixing bowl
Stand mixer with paddle attachment (optional)
Airtight container

How to Make This Recipe?

This Classic Carol copycat recipe combines tender chicken, a creamy dressing, and subtle seasonings for a dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Each bite carries a perfect balance of flavors, and the process involves straightforward steps anyone can follow.

Step 1: Poach the Chicken

Place the chicken tenderloins in a large pot and pour in the chicken stock. Heat the pot over medium flame, letting the chicken cook gently for 15 to 20 minutes. Your goal is tender, fully-cooked chicken with a depth of flavor from the stock. If you enjoy experimenting with recipes like this, you might also love trying the buffalo chicken salad recipe for a spicy twist.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, shred the chicken. For this step, you can use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment for speed and ease or stick to the classic two-fork method. Either way, aim for fine, even shreds that integrate beautifully with the dressing.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

Take a large bowl and combine the mayonnaise, finely minced celery, dry Ranch mix, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly incorporated into a smooth dressing.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the shredded chicken to the dressing. Fold gently until the chicken is thoroughly coated, and the flavors are evenly distributed. The result should be creamy yet light and full of texture.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Transfer the chicken salad into an airtight container. Chill it in the fridge for at least a couple of hours or overnight if time permits. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully, taking the dish to the next level. If you’re craving variety, you can also explore the sassy scotty chicken salad recipe, which brings a delightful twist to traditional chicken salad.

Classic Carol Chicken Salad Chick Recipe

Why I Love Making This Recipe?

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of sharing comforting meals with loved ones. Its simplicity doesn’t compromise its taste, and it’s a dish that pleases even my pickiest eaters.

Plus, making it at home means I can tweak the flavors just the way my family likes them. It’s my go-to for brunches, summer picnics, or even as a quick weekday lunch.

Tips and Variations

This recipe has endless possibilities, and with a few tweaks, it can suit any palate. After making it several times, here are some personal tips and creative twists I’ve discovered:

Chill for at least 4 hours to ensure maximum flavor infusion.
Dice the celery extra fine for a professional, restaurant-grade texture.
Love a stronger flavor? Add a pinch more Ranch mix or a touch of garlic powder.
For a fruity spin, toss in some halved grapes or dried cranberries.
Use Duke’s mayonnaise if available for a richer, tangy dressing.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Carol Chicken Salad is incredibly versatile. Here’s how you can serve it:

Spread it on buttery croissants or slices of soft white bread for elegant sandwiches.
Scoop it onto a bed of fresh lettuce for a low-carb meal.
Spoon it into hollowed-out tomatoes or avocado halves for a fancier presentation.
Pair it with crackers and veggie sticks for a snack platter.

Want a sandwich with flair? You’ll love pairing it with the chicken caesar salad sandwich recipe for a hearty and delicious meal option.

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigerator Storage: Place in an airtight container and store for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Not recommended due to the mayonnaise base.
Reheating: No need to reheat! This dish is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information

Each serving (approximately 1 cup) contains:

Calories: 430
Protein: 41g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fat: 27g

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Getting the perfect Classic Carol is easy as long as you avoid these key missteps. Believe me, I’ve learned this from experience!

Don’t substitute chicken breasts. Tenderloins provide the right texture for shredding.
Avoid skipping the chilling time. The flavors won’t develop fully without it.
Overcooking the chicken can lead to dryness. Stick to the poaching time.
Don’t leave the celery too chunky. It can overpower the salad’s texture and flavor.
Using too much or too little mayonnaise can throw off the balance. Add a little at a time as needed.

This Classic Carol Chicken Salad recipe is a winner every time. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or meal-prepping for the week, it’s a versatile dish that never fails to impress. Make it your go-to comfort recipe and enjoy the wholesome goodness in every bite!