Rated an impressive 4.5 out of 5, this delectable delight takes just 10-15 minutes to be cooked, making it ideal for quick and tasty eating.
If you have had the famous Costco Chicken Salad, then you know how delightful and creamy it is. The rotisserie chicken from Costco is a favourite of many, but with their chicken salad, they really take it up a notch. Well, this Copycat Costco Chicken Salad Recipe with Cranberries will allow you to produce that same flavour at home. Whether making for lunch during the week or a special occasion, it will be enjoyed by many.
The Rise of Costco Chicken Salad
- The Expansion into Prepared Foods by Costco: In the early 2000s, Costco Wholesale began increasing the number of food items available alongside bulk groceries by introducing prepared foods like their rotisserie chicken and chicken salad.
- Rotisserie Chicken Popularity: Having their rotisserie chickens do so well, Costco saw an opportunity to use this staple in new varieties of which they created their famous chicken salad.
- Demand for Convenience: Seeking to be provided with easy-to-cook meals that were on the rise made Costco’s chicken salad very favourite among those looking for a quick but at the same time nutritious meal.
- Costco’s Secret Recipe: While the exact recipe has been kept a secret, those who love the salad have come up with several copycat versions of the same at home.
Read more: How To Make German Potato Salad – Warm & Refreshing!
Ingredients for the Copycat Costco Chicken Salad Recipe
Creating a copycat Costco chicken salad recipe requires fresh ingredients that deliver the perfect blend of textures and flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Rotisserie Chicken: 3 cups of shredded chicken (preferably from Costco’s rotisserie chicken)
- Celery: 2 stalks, finely chopped for a crisp texture
- Red Onion: 1/2 small, finely diced for a hint of sharpness
- Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup for the creamy base
- Sour Cream: 1/4 cup for added tang
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tbsp for a touch of spice
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tsp for balance
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp to add a burst of freshness
- Cranberries (Optional): 1/4 cup dried cranberries for sweetness and added texture
- Slivered Almonds (Optional): 1/4 cup for a crunchy finish
How to Make the Costco Chicken Salad with Cranberries Recipe
Step 1
Bring On the Chicken Tear that rotisserie chicken apart. Get rid of the skin and use your hands (or two forks) to pull apart the meat into bite-sized pieces. You’ll want some of both white and dark for maximum flavor.
Step 2
Veggie Chop Time Give a fine chop to the celery and red onion. They provide a good crunch and slight bite in this creamy salad.
Step 3
Let’s Dress It Up Combine shredded chicken, chopped celery, and onion with the dressing in the bowl. Toss everything together gently until the chicken is evenly coated.
Step 5
If you are making the Costco chicken salad recipe that has cranberries, this is the step where you add dried cranberries and slivered almonds. The cranberries are sweet, and the almonds provide a bit of crunch to the recipe and take the classic flavor to the next level.
Step 6
To get full effect or the best flavour, allow the chicken salad to sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before eating. This way all the flavours come together perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Simple Preparation: This Costco Chicken Salad Recipe replicating what you might find at Costco is prepared in less than 10 minutes, particularly when using rotisserie chicken that has already been cooked.
- Customisable: You can fully adapt this recipe by including your favourite mix-ins, such as cranberries, almonds or even grapes for a little sweetness.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: This Costco Chicken Salad Recipe will keep in the refrigerator separate for a few days, making it a great meal prep option or last-minute lunch.
Healthy: Chicken salad is high in protein and contains fresh vegetables, which makes it healthier than most other lunch options and tastier too!
Costco Chicken Salad Recipe Tips for the Best Salad
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: The rotisserie chicken from Costco has a unique flavour, but if you’re using any well-seasoned roast chicken, feel free to use that instead.
- Chill Before You Taste: For both the best taste and texture, allow the chicken salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before enjoying it.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter salad, simply reduce the amount of mayonnaise you put in or substitute 1/2 of it with Greek yogurt for a slightly healthier option!
Serving Ideas
- As a Sandwich: Spread the Costco Chicken Salad between two slices of your favourite bread for a quick and filling lunch.
- On a Bed of Lettuce: Serve over a fresh bed of lettuce for a light and refreshing meal.
- With Crackers: Scoop the salad with whole-grain crackers for a healthy snack.
Nutritional Value (per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
This Costco Chicken Salad Recipe brings together the creamy, savoury flavours you love from the original, with the added option of cranberries for a sweet twist.
So why not give this copycat Costco chicken salad recipe a try today and enjoy the taste of Costco right from your kitchen?
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