Costco Chicken Salad Recipe

Costco Chicken Salad recipe is the antidote to chunky, dry, or unevenly mixed deli salads. This copycat version replicates the beloved warehouse classic—finely shredded rotisserie chicken suspended in a creamy, tangy dressing that coats every single bite. The secret lies in the specific “pulled” texture of the meat and the addition of sour cream, which provides a velvety richness that mayonnaise alone cannot achieve. It is the ultimate solution for bulk meal prep, high-protein lunches, or filling buttery croissants.

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Costco Chicken Salad Ingredients

• 1 whole cooked rotisserie chicken: (About 3 lb). Cooled and shredded. Using rotisserie adds the signature savory flavor.
• ½ cup mayonnaise: The base of the creamy dressing.
• ½ cup sour cream: (Use dairy-free if needed). Adds tang and lightness to cut the heaviness of the mayo.
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar: Provides the necessary acidity.
• ½ lemon, juiced: (About 1 tablespoon). Brightens the flavor profile.
• ½ teaspoon sea salt: To season the mixture.
• 2 teaspoons sugar: (Optional). Balances the acidity; skip for sugar-free.
• 6 celery ribs: Finely diced for crunch.
• ½ white onion: Finely diced for savory depth.

How To Make Costco Chicken Salad

1. Shred the chicken: Remove the meat from the bones. To get the authentic Costco texture, place the meat in a food processor with the “S” blade and pulse for 15–20 seconds. If you don’t have a processor, chop it very finely by hand.
2. Mix the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, sugar, and diced onion until smooth and well combined.
3. Combine: Place the finely shredded chicken into a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the meat and add the diced celery. Stir well until the chicken is fully coated and the mixture is creamy.
4. Chill or serve: You can serve this immediately, but covering it and refrigerating for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld for the best taste.

Recipe Tips

• The “Fine Shred” Secret: The defining characteristic of Costco’s salad is the texture. The chicken isn’t cubed; it’s almost fibrous. Pulsing warm chicken in a stand mixer or food processor achieves this instantly.
• Mellow the Onions: If you find raw onion too sharp, mix the diced onion into the vinegar and lemon juice first and let it sit for 5 minutes before adding the creamy ingredients. This “pickles” them slightly.
• Using Leftovers: This is the best way to use up leftover roast chicken. However, Costco uses heavily seasoned rotisserie birds, so if using plain poached chicken, you may need to increase the salt and pepper.
• Keto Friendly: To make this low-carb or Keto, simply omit the sugar. The natural sweetness from the rotisserie seasoning and onions is usually enough.

What To Serve With Costco Chicken Salad?

This salad is heavy on protein and creaminess, so it needs carriers that add texture.

• Croissants: The classic Costco pairing. The buttery layers match the rich filling perfectly.
• Butter Lettuce Cups: For a crisp, gluten-free, low-carb lunch option.
• Crackers: Sturdy woven wheat crackers or artisan crisps work well for scooping.

How To Store Leftovers Costco Chicken Salad?

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the coldest part of your fridge for 3 to 5 days. Stir well before serving as the dressing may settle.
• Do Not Freeze: Because this recipe relies on mayonnaise and sour cream, it does not freeze well. The emulsion will break upon thawing, resulting in a watery, oily texture.

Costco Chicken Salad Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~400 kcal
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Protein: 30g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving based on standard ingredients.

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