Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Salad (Easy 20-Minute Recipe)

Whether you pile it on soft sandwich bread or buttery croissants, this easy chicken salad brings back those classic flavors. It’s simple to make, great for picnics and school lunches, and keeps well in the fridge all week long.

Looking for more chicken recipes to simplify weeknight dinners? This Slow Cooker BBQ Peach Chicken Thighs is a family favorite, and this Slow Cooker Chicken Cheese Enchiladas makes an easy one-pot meal.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Salad comes together in 20 minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. No fancy techniques required, just mix and serve.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch at the beginning of the week and you’ll have ready-to-go lunches for days. This chicken salad keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Tastes Just Like the Original: With the right balance of sweetness from pickle relish and creaminess from mayo, this recipe captures that nostalgic Chick-fil-A flavor everyone remembers and loves.
• Budget-Friendly: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts to keep costs down. This recipe feeds 6 people for just a few dollars, making it a wallet-friendly lunch option.

Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Salad Ingredients

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

• Cooked Chicken Breast – Use rotisserie chicken from the store for the easiest option, or cook your own chicken breasts by boiling, baking, or using leftover grilled chicken. Chop or shred the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces for that authentic texture.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs – Finely chopped hard-boiled eggs add richness and help create that signature creamy texture. Make sure to chop them small so they blend seamlessly into the salad.
• Celery – Finely diced celery provides a satisfying crunch and fresh flavor that balances the creamy dressing. Cut it into very small pieces for the best texture.
• Sweet Pickle Relish – This is the secret ingredient that gives Chick-fil-A chicken salad its distinctive sweet and tangy flavor. Make sure to drain it well so your salad doesn’t become watery.
• Mayonnaise – Use full-fat mayonnaise for the creamiest result. You can adjust the amount based on how creamy you like your chicken salad.
• Sugar – Just a teaspoon of sugar enhances the sweetness from the pickle relish and balances all the flavors beautifully.
• Salt – Season to taste; start with half a teaspoon and adjust as needed. Remember that mayonnaise already contains some salt.
• Black Pepper – Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle kick and depth of flavor to the salad.

Substitutions and Additions

• Turkey Instead of Chicken – Use leftover turkey breast or deli turkey for a different flavor profile.
• Greek Yogurt for Mayo – Substitute half or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version with more protein.
• Dill Pickle Relish – If you prefer less sweetness, swap the sweet pickle relish for dill relish.
• Add Grapes or Apples – Diced grapes or chopped apples add a sweet crunch that takes this chicken salad to the next level.
• Fresh Herbs – Stir in fresh dill or parsley for extra flavor and color.

How to Make Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Salad (step-by-step directions)

STEP 1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, hard-boiled eggs, celery, and drained sweet pickle relish. Stir everything together until evenly mixed. The key is to chop everything finely so you get a little bit of each ingredient in every bite. (Photo 1)

STEP 2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. The sugar should dissolve completely into the mayo. Add the dressing to the chicken mixture and stir gently until everything is fully coated. You want every piece of chicken and egg covered in that creamy dressing. (Photo 2)

STEP 3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This chilling time allows all the flavors to meld together and creates that signature taste you remember from Chick-fil-A.

Recipe Tips

• Chop Everything Small – The secret to authentic Chick-fil-A chicken salad is finely chopped ingredients. Take the extra time to dice everything small for the best texture.
• Don’t Skip the Chill Time – Letting the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour makes a huge difference in flavor. The ingredients need time to come together.
• Drain the Relish – Make sure to drain your pickle relish thoroughly. Too much liquid will make your chicken salad watery and dilute the flavors.
• Taste and Adjust – Before serving, taste your chicken salad and adjust the seasoning. You might want a little more salt, pepper, or even an extra spoonful of relish.

Storing Tips

• Storage: Keep your Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Refrigerator: This chicken salad stays fresh for up to 4 days when properly stored. The flavors actually improve after a day or two in the fridge.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this recipe. The mayonnaise will separate and the texture will change significantly when thawed, making it unappetizing.
• Meal Prep: Portion the chicken salad into individual containers at the beginning of the week for easy grab-and-go lunches. Keep crackers or bread separate until ready to eat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chicken salad on soft white bread, whole wheat bread, or buttery croissants for a classic sandwich. You can also try it with Homemade Hot Pockets with Crescent Rolls for a fun twist.

Pair your chicken salad sandwich with fresh side dishes like Simple Green Salad Recipes or Cold Broccoli Salad. For a complete lunch spread, add Chick-fil-A Coleslaw on the side for another nostalgic copycat recipe.

You can also serve it over crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb option, or scoop it onto crackers for a party appetizer.

Recipe FAQs