Introduction

If you’ve ever strolled through Costco’s deli section, you’ve likely seen their famous chicken salad—creamy, flavorful, and always tempting. The good news? You don’t need to buy it by the tub anymore. With this Copycat Costco Chicken Salad recipe, you can recreate the same beloved flavors right in your kitchen. Made with rotisserie chicken, fresh celery, onions, and mayonnaise, this salad is deliciously versatile and perfect for everything from weekday lunches to party platters.

This homemade version is fresher, customizable, and budget-friendly compared to the store-bought option. You can adjust the seasonings to your preference, choose your favorite mayonnaise brand, and even add extra ingredients for a unique twist. Let’s dive into how you can make this restaurant-quality salad at home with just a few simple steps.

My recipe story

Like many food lovers, I first fell in love with Costco’s chicken salad during a shopping trip where I “accidentally” sampled it at their deli counter. One taste was enough to hook me. The creaminess of the mayo paired with the savory rotisserie chicken and crisp celery was pure comfort food. But buying it all the time didn’t feel practical, and that’s when I decided to create my own version at home.

Over time, I tested different combinations until I perfected this copycat recipe. The key is using fresh rotisserie chicken, which brings juicy tenderness and that distinct roasted flavor. By making it at home, I could also experiment with seasonings, trying everything from garlic powder to a dash of Dijon mustard. It became a go-to recipe for family gatherings, meal prep, and even quick picnic sandwiches.

💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy—ready in just 15 minutes with minimal prep.
Perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors.

Cost-effective compared to buying store-bought chicken salad.
Customizable with add-ins like grapes, nuts, or herbs.
Great for sandwiches, wraps, crackers, or lettuce cups.

Ingredient breakdown

The beauty of this chicken salad is its simplicity. You only need a few fresh ingredients, and each one plays an important role in flavor and texture. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish so satisfying.

Rotisserie Chicken: This is the star of the recipe. A whole rotisserie chicken yields about four cups of shredded meat. It’s juicy, tender, and already seasoned, making it a convenient shortcut without sacrificing flavor.

Celery: Fresh celery adds a crisp crunch that balances the creaminess of the mayonnaise. It also introduces a subtle earthy flavor that rounds out the dish beautifully.

Onion: Finely minced yellow onion adds a sharp, slightly sweet kick. It blends into the creamy base, enhancing the overall depth of flavor without overpowering the salad.

Mayonnaise: The creamy binder that brings everything together. You can stick with classic mayo for authenticity or experiment with avocado mayo or light mayo for a healthier twist. For extra tang, a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt can also be added.

Equipment you’ll need

Large mixing bowl

Sharp knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing spoon or spatula

Food processor (optional for extra fine chopping)
Airtight storage container for leftovers

Step-by-step directions

Step 1: Prepare the chicken.
Begin by removing the skin from the rotisserie chicken. Carefully shred the meat using your hands or two forks, ensuring the pieces are bite-sized. Shredding instead of chopping helps the chicken absorb the creamy dressing better, resulting in a more cohesive salad.

Step 2: Chop the vegetables.
Wash and finely chop the celery into small pieces for an even crunch in every bite. Next, mince the onion finely so it blends seamlessly into the salad without overpowering the flavor. The smaller the pieces, the better the balance.

Step 3: Combine the ingredients.
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, celery, and onion. Spoon in the mayonnaise and gently fold the mixture until everything is evenly coated. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the chicken mushy.

Step 4: Adjust the seasoning.
Taste the salad and season with salt and black pepper. If you enjoy a little tang, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of Dijon mustard. Some people also like a hint of garlic powder for added depth.

Step 5: Chill before serving.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, giving you a salad that tastes even better after resting. Once chilled, it’s ready to serve on bread, in wraps, or with crackers.

Variations & substitutions

While this recipe stays true to Costco’s version, you can get creative with variations. Add sliced grapes or dried cranberries for a sweet touch, or toss in toasted almonds or pecans for extra crunch. If you prefer a lighter salad, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream. For a low-carb option, serve the salad in lettuce wraps instead of bread. You can even spice things up with a pinch of paprika or cayenne for a subtle kick.

💡 Expert Tips & Troubleshooting

Shred chicken while it’s still slightly warm—it’s easier to handle and results in softer strands.
Don’t skip the chill time. Letting the salad rest enhances flavor and texture.
If the salad feels too dry, add a tablespoon of mayonnaise at a time until desired creaminess is reached.

For stronger flavor, use red onion instead of yellow—but mince it finely to avoid overpowering the dish.
Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving, since rotisserie chicken is already pre-seasoned.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best flavor, consume within the first two days, as the celery and onions may lose their crunch over time. Freezing is not recommended since mayonnaise tends to separate when thawed, affecting the creamy texture. To make ahead for parties or meal prep, prepare the chicken and vegetables in advance, then mix with mayo just before serving for the freshest taste.

Serving ideas & pairings

This chicken salad shines in a variety of serving styles. Spread it on soft croissants for a gourmet sandwich, or layer it between whole wheat bread slices for a quick lunch. For lighter fare, spoon it into crisp romaine lettuce leaves or serve it with cucumber slices and crackers. It also pairs beautifully with a side of fresh fruit salad, roasted vegetables, or a bowl of soup. Whether as a main dish or appetizer, this salad adapts effortlessly to any menu.

FAQ

Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, but the flavor and texture won’t be as rich. Rotisserie chicken adds juiciness and roasted flavor that canned chicken lacks.

What type of mayonnaise works best?
Classic full-fat mayonnaise provides the creamiest texture, but light mayo or avocado mayo are great for a healthier alternative.

How long does chicken salad last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for 3–4 days in an airtight container, though it tastes best within 48 hours.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and veggies in advance, then mix with mayonnaise a few hours before serving.

What are the best add-ins for extra flavor?
Popular add-ins include grapes, dried cranberries, toasted nuts, dill, parsley, and a touch of Dijon mustard for tanginess.

Final thoughts

Making your own Copycat Costco Chicken Salad is easy, budget-friendly, and incredibly rewarding. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can recreate the creamy, crunchy goodness of Costco’s classic at home. Whether served in sandwiches, wraps, or lettuce cups, this versatile dish will quickly become a household favorite. Try it once, and you’ll never feel the need to buy the store-bought version again!

Copycat Costco Chicken Salad

Author: Sarah White

Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy and savory chicken salad made with rotisserie chicken, crisp celery, onions, and mayonnaise. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or light meals.

Ingredients

4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (about 1 whole chicken)

2 stalks celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup yellow onion, finely minced
1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

pieces.
Finely chop the celery and mince the onion for even texture.
In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, celery, and onion.

Add mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and lemon juice (if using). Mix gently until evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.

Notes

Serve on croissants, whole grain bread, or in lettuce wraps. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook

Cuisine: American