Introduction to Mcalister’s Chicken Salad Recipe
McAlister’s Deli is known for its fresh, flavorful chicken salad creamy, slightly sweet, and perfectly seasoned. It’s a go-to favorite for lunch or a light dinner. If you’ve ever wished you could make it at home, this recipe is for you. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can recreate the same great taste in your own kitchen. Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s dive in.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this homemade version of McAlister’s chicken salad:
- Tastes Just Like the Original: This recipe captures the same creamy texture and balanced flavor as the deli favorite.
- Simple Ingredients: No hard-to-find items—just everyday pantry staples and fresh chicken.
- Budget-Friendly: Making it at home is much more cost-effective than frequent deli runs.
- Quick to Prepare: With cooked chicken on hand, you can have this ready in under 15 minutes.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, texture, or mix-ins to match your taste.
- Perfect for Any Meal: Serve it on a sandwich, croissant, crackers, or a bed of greens.
- Great for Meal Prep: It stores well, making it ideal for lunches throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delicious McAlister’s-style chicken salad at home, you’ll need just a few simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll use:
Main Ingredients:
Cooked Chicken Breast (2 cups, shredded or diced)
Use roasted, boiled, or rotisserie chicken. White meat is ideal for a light, clean taste.
Mayonnaise (½ cup)
For a creamy texture. Use high-quality mayo for the best flavor.
Celery (¼ cup, finely chopped)
Adds crunch and freshness.
Sweet Pickle Relish (2 tablespoons)
This gives the salad a slightly sweet and tangy flavor, just like the deli version.
Salt (½ teaspoon)
Enhances the overall taste.
Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon)
Adds a mild kick and depth of flavor.
Optional Add-Ins (Customize to Taste):
- Grapes (¼ cup, halved): For a fruity twist and natural sweetness.
- Chopped Pecans or Almonds (2 tablespoons): For added crunch and richness.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs (chopped): To make it more hearty.
- Red Onion (finely diced): For extra bite.
Serving Suggestions:
Croissants, sandwich bread, crackers, lettuce wraps, or over mixed greens.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this McAlister’s chicken salad copycat recipe is quick and easy. Just follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
If you haven’t already, cook and cool your chicken. You can boil, bake, or use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Once cooled, shred or dice it into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Tip: Shredded chicken gives a softer texture, while diced chicken adds a bit more bite.
Step 2: Chop the Veggies
Finely chop the celery and any optional add-ins like red onions or grapes. Uniform, small pieces work best for even flavor and texture.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Mayonnaise
- Sweet pickle relish
- Salt and pepper
Stir until smooth and well blended.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the chopped chicken and celery (and any extras like grapes or nuts) into the bowl with the dressing. Gently stir everything together until well coated.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Taste your chicken salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more relish for sweetness, or a pinch of salt for balance.
Step 6: Chill Before Serving
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend and gives the salad a better texture when served.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve chilled on a sandwich, croissant, crackers, or over a salad. It’s perfect for lunch, picnics, or meal prep.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Salad
Want to take your McAlister’s-style chicken salad to the next level? These expert tips will help you get the perfect flavor, texture, and consistency every time:
Use Fresh, High-Quality Chicken
Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver, but if you’re cooking your own, use skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs for the best results. Let it cool before mixing to avoid watery salad.
Shred or Dice Consistently
Uniformly shredded or diced chicken ensures each bite is balanced. A hand mixer can quickly shred chicken if you’re short on time.
Don’t Overdo the Mayo
Start with the suggested amount of mayonnaise and add more only if needed. Too much can make the salad soggy or overpower the other flavors.
Chill Before Serving
Letting the chicken salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld together and improves the texture.
Balance Sweetness and Crunch
McAlister’s chicken salad has a signature sweet and tangy flavor—thanks to pickle relish and celery. Adjust both to taste. For extra crunch, toss in nuts like pecans or almonds.
Add Grapes Last
If you’re including grapes, mix them in gently at the end to avoid crushing them and turning the salad watery.
Keep it Simple
Don’t overload with ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Stick to a few well-balanced add-ins.
How to Store and Serve
Proper storage and smart serving ideas will keep your chicken salad fresh and make it even more enjoyable. Here’s how to do both:
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerate Promptly
Place the chicken salad in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of making it. This keeps it safe and fresh.
Storage Time
It will stay fresh in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. After that, the texture and taste may begin to decline.
Avoid Freezing
Chicken salad doesn’t freeze well because the mayo can separate and become watery when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Sandwich
Spoon the chicken salad onto soft sandwich bread, a croissant, or toasted buns.
Lettuce Wraps
For a low-carb option, scoop it into large lettuce leaves like romaine or butter lettuce.
With Crackers
Serve with your favorite crackers as a snack, appetizer, or light lunch.
Over Greens
Make a protein-packed salad by placing a scoop on mixed greens or spinach.
In a Wrap
Roll it in a tortilla with some lettuce and tomato for an easy, on-the-go lunch.
Meal Prep Tip
Make a big batch and divide it into meal prep containers for easy lunches throughout the week. Keep bread, crackers, or lettuce separate until ready to eat to maintain freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Understanding the nutrition of your homemade McAlister’s chicken salad helps you enjoy it mindfully. Here’s a general breakdown based on one serving (about ½ cup) of the standard recipe without optional add-ins:
Estimated Nutritional Information (per ½ cup serving):
- Calories: ~250
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 350mg
Notes on Nutrition:
- Protein-Packed: Chicken provides lean protein, making this salad filling and satisfying.
- Moderate Carbs: Most of the carbs come from the pickle relish and any optional add-ins like grapes.
- Customizable Calories: Use light mayo or Greek yogurt to lower the fat and calorie content if desired.
- Add-In Impact: Adding nuts or fruits like grapes will increase calories, sugars, and healthy fats.
Variations and Add-Ins
One of the best things about this McAlister’s chicken salad copycat recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it to match your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some tasty variations and popular add-ins to try:
Classic Add-Ins
Red Grapes (halved)
Add natural sweetness and a juicy bite. Red grapes are the go-to for a McAlister’s-style twist.
Chopped Pecans or Walnuts
A little crunch goes a long way. Toast the nuts for extra flavor.
Green Onions or Red Onions
For a sharper, more savory edge. Use sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
Healthier Swaps
Greek Yogurt
Replace part or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt to cut fat and add protein.
Light Mayo or Avocado Mayo
A lighter option without sacrificing creaminess.
Add Extra Veggies
Finely chopped cucumber, bell peppers, or shredded carrots can add texture and nutrition.
Sweet and Tangy Twists
Diced Apples or Pears
Crisp fruit pieces add sweetness and crunch. Choose firm varieties for best texture.
Dried Cranberries or Raisins
Adds chewiness and a burst of sweet flavor.
Honey Mustard or Dijon
A spoonful mixed into the dressing gives a tangy boost.
Spice It Up
Diced Jalapeños or a Pinch of Cayenne Pepper
Add a mild heat if you prefer a spicy kick.
Smoked Paprika or Garlic Powder
Enhances depth of flavor with just a dash.
Protein Boosters
Hard-Boiled Eggs (chopped)
Make it richer and more filling.
Bacon Bits
Adds a smoky, salty flavor that pairs well with creamy dressing.
Conclusion
This homemade McAlister’s chicken salad recipe brings all the flavor, creaminess, and comfort of the deli version right to your kitchen. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for any occasion—whether you’re meal prepping for the week or making a quick, satisfying lunch. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of prep, you can enjoy a delicious, fresh chicken salad that tastes just like your favorite from McAlister’s—maybe even better. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your recipe rotation!
FAQS
Mcalister’s Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Shred your chicken and remove the skin. I used a hand mixer to easily shred it. Add the mayonnaise and seasonings. Mix well.
- Add the remaining ingredients and mix well.
- Serve as a sandwich, with crackers, on a fresh green salad.