Name: Copycat Costco Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken, about 1 whole rotisserie chicken; 2 stalks celery, finely chopped; 1/4 cup yellow onion, finely minced; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, about 1 large lemon; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley, or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 29 reviews

If you’ve ever found yourself lingering by the deli section, craving another scoop of that irresistibly creamy, savory chicken salad, you’re in for a treat! This Copycat Costco Chicken Salad delivers everything you love about the iconic store favorite: tender rotisserie chicken, a velvety dressing, a pop of freshness from celery and onions, and hints of bright lemon and savory spices. It’s the perfect make-ahead meal, whether you’re hosting a picnic, prepping lunches, or just treating yourself to some deli magic at home. Get ready—this recipe will have your kitchen smelling like Costco in no time!

Copycat Costco Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Packed with accessible, simple ingredients, each element of this Copycat Costco Chicken Salad plays a unique role in creating that signature taste and texture. Don’t skip any—each bite is the sum of its delicious parts!

Shredded rotisserie chicken: Rotisserie chicken brings unbelievable tenderness and flavor—grab one from your local market or use leftovers.
Celery: Finely chopped for the ideal crunch and a fresh, green note in every forkful.
Yellow onion: Mincing it adds just enough zing without overwhelming the salad.
Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the dressing, holding everything together.
Sour cream: Adds tang and lightness; it balances out the richness perfectly.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Brightens all the flavors and lifts the whole dish.
Garlic powder: Gives a subtle depth and a touch of savory warmth.
Paprika: Just a dash imparts gentle smokiness and that classic salad color.
Kosher salt: Seasoning is key—salt highlights all the other flavors.
Fresh ground black pepper: Adds just a hint of heat and spice.
Dried (or fresh) parsley: For a little herbaceous lift and that speckled look in every scoop.

How to Make Copycat Costco Chicken Salad

Step 1: Shred the Chicken

Start by removing the skin and bones from your rotisserie chicken—it’s all about the juicy, tender meat! Use two forks or your fingers to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Take a moment to appreciate how rotisserie chicken makes everything easier and more flavorful. Place the shredded chicken in a large mixing bowl as your salad’s base.

Step 2: Chop the Vegetables

Finely dice the celery and yellow onion. You want the pieces small enough to integrate seamlessly into every bite, giving you crunch, a touch of sweetness, and that subtle savory snap Costco’s salad is famous for. Add your veggies to the chicken bowl and give everything a quick, loving toss.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. When smooth and creamy, the dressing should look glossy. Those few simple ingredients will blend to create the irresistible, tangy flavor you always associate with the best chicken salads.

Step 4: Add Seasonings

Sprinkle in the garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and parsley. Stir gently, ensuring every bit of the dressing is seasoned. This simple spice blend is the secret weapon that transforms basic chicken salad into the Copycat Costco Chicken Salad you crave.

Step 5: Combine & Chill

Pour the dressing all over your chicken and veggie mixture. Gently fold everything together, making sure the chicken gets evenly coated—no dry bits allowed! Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This essential chill time allows the flavors to meld, resulting in that perfectly balanced, iconic taste.

How to Serve Copycat Costco Chicken Salad

Garnishes

Top with a sprinkling of extra parsley (fresh or dried), a few cracks of black pepper, or even a handful of sliced almonds for crunch. Garnishes make your chicken salad feel like it came straight from the deli case and add color and flair to each serving.

Side Dishes

This salad shines alongside a simple leafy green salad, kettle-cooked chips, or a bowl of fresh fruit. For a heartier meal, serve the Copycat Costco Chicken Salad piled onto croissants, tucked into wraps, or scooped up with crisp crackers.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring out your inner entertainer! Mound the salad onto lettuce cups for a light, pretty appetizer. Shape it into slider-sized portions for parties, or stuff it into ripe tomatoes for an eye-catching lunch. There’s no wrong way to enjoy this crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Copycat Costco Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator—bonus, the flavors get even better overnight! For best texture and freshness, enjoy within three days. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than two hours to keep it safe and scrumptious.

Freezing

Chicken salad with mayonnaise doesn’t freeze well, as the creamy dressing can separate and become watery when thawed. For best results and flavor, plan to enjoy your batch within a few days and avoid freezing.

Reheating

Chicken salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. There’s no need to reheat—just give it a gentle stir if it’s been in the fridge, then scoop out your desired portion and dig in!

FAQs

Can I use homemade chicken instead of rotisserie?

Absolutely! Just cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs, making sure they’re seasoned well. Rotisserie chicken adds depth, but homemade will still give you tasty, tender salad results.

How can I make Copycat Costco Chicken Salad healthier?

Swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt, reduce the amount of dressing, or load up on extra veggies like diced bell pepper or spinach. You can also use light sour cream for a lower-calorie version—your salad, your rules!

Is there a dairy-free option?

Yes! Use your favorite dairy-free mayonnaise and substitute a non-dairy yogurt or extra mayo in place of the sour cream. Just don’t skip that lemon juice for the necessary tang!

What mix-ins work well for extra flavor?

The sky’s the limit: try dried cranberries, halved grapes, diced apples, or toasted nuts for sweet and crunchy variations. Herbs like chives or dill, or a pinch of mustard powder, make every batch feel brand new.

Can I prep Copycat Costco Chicken Salad a day ahead?

Yes—this salad is a meal-prepper’s dream! In fact, letting it sit overnight in the fridge allows the flavors to deepen and mingle, so it tastes even more like your favorite deli version the next day.

Final Thoughts

If your heart skips a beat every time you spot Costco’s deli chicken salad, trust me: now you can have that joy anytime, anywhere. This Copycat Costco Chicken Salad is simple to whip up, endlessly versatile, and guaranteed to impress. Grab your rotisserie chicken and make your own deli magic this week—you deserve it!