Get ready to dive into the most mouthwatering chicken salad recipe that'll have you ditching restaurant takeout forever! Our Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Barbie Q is not just a meal, it's a flavor adventure that combines the smoky richness of barbecue sauce with creamy, crunchy perfection. Whether you're meal prepping, hosting a picnic, or craving a quick lunch that screams gourmet, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by ensuring your chicken is fully cooked and cooled. If using leftover roasted or grilled chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks, creating a consistent texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce, thoroughly coating each piece to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Add mayonnaise to the chicken and barbecue sauce mixture, stirring gently to create a creamy consistency that binds the ingredients together.
- Finely dice the celery and red onion into small, uniform pieces to ensure balanced flavor and texture throughout the salad.
- Fold the diced celery and red onion into the chicken mixture, distributing them evenly.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, mixing carefully to incorporate the seasonings without breaking down the chicken.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and develop a more robust taste profile.
- Before serving, give the chicken salad a quick stir and taste, adjusting seasonings if needed. Serve chilled on croissants, bread, or with crackers.
Tips
- Chicken Selection: Use freshly cooked or leftover chicken for best results. Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and saves time!
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your chicken is completely cooled before mixing to prevent mayonnaise from breaking down.
- Flavor Depth: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
- Texture Tricks: Dice celery and onions uniformly for consistent crunch in every bite.
- Customization Option: Experiment with different barbecue sauces to find your perfect flavor profile.
- Storage Tip: This chicken salad stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve on croissants, as a dip with crackers, or atop a fresh bed of crisp lettuce for a low-carb option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 70mg
