Are you craving that delicious Costco chicken salad but don’t want to make a trip to the store? I’ve been there! After countless attempts (and a few failures), I’ve finally cracked the code on how to make Costco chicken salad at home that tastes just like the real deal.
Costco’s chicken salad has a cult following for good reason – it’s creamy, flavorful, and versatile. Whether you’re looking to save money, control the ingredients, or just want to enjoy this delicious treat without the membership card, I’ve got you covered!
What Makes Costco Chicken Salad So Special?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes this chicken salad so darn good. Costco’s version has the perfect balance of:
- Finely shredded chicken (not chunky!)
- Creamy, tangy dressing
- Crunchy celery bits
- Subtle onion flavor
- Perfect seasoning
The secret is in the texture and balance. The chicken is shredded incredibly fine, which gives it that signature mouthfeel that’s different from most homemade versions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather everything you’ll need to recreate this famous salad
- 3-pound rotisserie chicken (Costco’s own works perfectly!)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar (optional, but adds that authentic flavor)
- 6 celery ribs, finely diced
- 1/2 white or sweet onion, finely diced
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
This step is CRUCIAL for getting that signature Costco texture!
- Remove all skin and bones from your rotisserie chicken
- Shred the chicken extremely fine (this is the key to authentic texture!)
- Option 1: Use a food processor with the “S” blade and pulse for 15-20 seconds
- Option 2: Use a hand mixer to shred the chicken
- Option 3: Use two forks and some patience to shred as finely as possible
The Costco version uses finely shredded chicken not chunky pieces. This makes a huge difference in the final product!
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, combine:
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- White wine vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Sugar (if using)
Whisk until completely smooth and creamy. This mixture should be tangy but balanced.
Step 3: Combine Everything
- Place your finely shredded chicken in a large mixing bowl
- Pour the dressing mixture over the chicken
- Add the finely diced celery and onion
- Gently fold everything together until well combined
Pro tip: Don’t overmix! You want everything evenly distributed but not mushy.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This resting time is crucial as it allows all the flavors to meld together.
The chicken salad actually tastes even better the next day after all the flavors have had time to develop fully!
Tips for Perfect Costco Chicken Salad
- Use a rotisserie chicken: For the most authentic flavor, use a Costco rotisserie chicken. The seasoning adds that special something!
- Finely dice the vegetables: The celery and onion should be chopped very small for the right texture.
- Don’t skip the chilling time: This makes a huge difference in the flavor development.
- Adjust to taste: After mixing, taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Some people prefer a bit more tang or salt.
Ways to Serve Your Homemade Costco Chicken Salad
Now that you’ve made this delicious chicken salad, here are some fantastic ways to enjoy it:
- Classic sandwich: Spread between slices of toasted bread with lettuce
- Wrap it up: Roll in a tortilla with fresh greens
- Low-carb option: Serve over a bed of lettuce or in lettuce cups
- Snack time: Scoop with crackers or cucumber slices
- Stuffed avocado: Fill halved avocados for a fancy presentation
- Party platter: Serve with an assortment of breads and crackers
Nutritional Information (Per 100g Serving)
Here’s approximately what you’re looking at nutrition-wise:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240-250 kcal |
| Protein | 15-17 g |
| Carbs | 2-6 g |
| Fat | 15-20 g |
| Sodium | 400-405 mg |
Customizing Your Chicken Salad
While the basic recipe creates that classic Costco flavor, you can easily put your own spin on it:
Add Some Sweetness
- Halved grapes
- Diced apples
- Dried cranberries
Add Extra Crunch
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Sunflower seeds
- Water chestnuts
Herb Upgrades
- Fresh dill
- Chopped chives
- Parsley
I personally love adding a handful of red grapes and some chopped walnuts to mine for a sweet-savory combo that’s to die for!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does homemade chicken salad last?
Store your homemade Costco chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. I wouldn’t recommend keeping it longer than that due to the mayonnaise and dairy components.
Can I use canned chicken instead?
Yes! While not quite as flavorful as rotisserie chicken, canned chicken can work in a pinch. Just be sure to drain it well and shred it finely for the right texture.
Can I freeze this chicken salad?
Unfortunately, chicken salad with mayonnaise doesn’t freeze well. The mayo tends to separate when thawed, resulting in an unpleasant texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
Try these modifications:
- Replace half (or all) of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt
- Use skinless chicken breast to reduce fat
- Skip the sugar completely
- Add extra veggies like diced bell peppers or cucumber
Why is my chicken salad watery?
If your chicken salad seems watery, it could be because:
- The chicken wasn’t drained or cooled properly
- The celery released too much moisture
- The dressing was too thin
To fix this, drain any excess liquid and add a little more mayo to bind everything together.
Cost Comparison: Homemade vs. Store-Bought
Making your own Costco chicken salad at home isn’t just delicious—it’s economical too! Let’s break down the costs:
Store-bought Costco chicken salad: Approximately $10-15 per container (prices vary by location)
Homemade version (approximate costs):
- Rotisserie chicken: $5-7
- Mayo and sour cream: $2
- Celery and onion: $1.50
- Other ingredients: $1
Total: $9.50-11.50 for a similar amount, plus you control the quality of ingredients!
Why People Love This Recipe
I shared this recipe with my family and friends, and the feedback has been amazing:
“I followed the recipe exactly, and it tasted just like the Costco chicken salad I love! My family couldn’t get enough.” — My friend Amanda
“This is now my go-to meal prep recipe. It’s easy to make, and I can enjoy it all week for lunches.” — My coworker Sarah
Even my picky husband who swears by the Costco version gave this his seal of approval!
A Final Word on Costco Chicken Salad
Making Costco chicken salad at home is surprisingly simple once you know the secrets. The key truly lies in getting that finely shredded chicken texture and the perfect balance of creamy, tangy dressing.
Not only will you save money by making it yourself, but you can also adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about recreating a store favorite in your own kitchen!
Give this recipe a try next time you’re craving that famous Costco chicken salad, and I promise you won’t be disappointed. It might even become your new favorite meal prep staple!
Happy cooking!
Costco Chicken Salad Ingredients
You can see that I took a picture of the ingredients on the package that I bought. Ive listed them below if you want to read them:
- Seasoned Chicken (Chicken, Water, Manioc Starch, Salt, Modified vinegar, Sugars [Cultured Dextrose, Corn Syrup solids], Sodium phosphate, Carrageen [Maltodextrin, Potassium chloride], Yeast Extract, Lemon juice powder, Sunflower oil, Calcium Silicate, Xanthan gum)
- Mayonnaise (Canola oil, Liquid whole egg and liquid yolk, Water, Vinegar, Salt, Sugar, Spices, Concentrated lemon juice, Calcium disodium edta, Citric acid)
- Celery
- Sour cream (Modified milk ingredients, Cornstarch, Bacterial culture, Carob bean gum, Sodium citrate)
- Onion
- Spices
Note: It also says that this product contains egg and milk and may contain wheat, fish, molluscs, crustaceans, tree nuts, peanuts, sesame, soy, and mustard. This is important to know for anyone with food allergies.
The ingredients may vary from location to location so its always important to read the package of the one you purchase personally.
How much does it cost?
When it comes to the cost, the price varies depending on its weight and location. I was able to purchase this large tub for $10.64 Canadian (about $7.91 usd) which I thought was a good deal consider you could make a lot of sandwiches with it. However, this price will vary at different locations.
This salad is made with their shredded rotisserie chicken, which costs half the price of this chicken salad. Thats definitely something to keep in mind, as you certainly could make a homemade version and save some money.
However, its important to keep in mind that this is a pre-made, packaged item that requires additional preparation to make, time to make it and ingredients. Basically, you are paying extra for the cost of a convenient pre-made food.
Overall, I thought the cost of Costcos chicken salad was very reasonable! I could have made 8-10 chicken salad sandwiches with this package! There are so many ways other to use this chicken salad too, incluing a spread on top of crackers, an appetizer at a party, in a wrap, or with mixed greens in a salad.
If youre serving this at a party, and are curious about other salad ideas, see our Costco quinoa salad review and Costco caesar salad review.