How to Make Costco Chicken Salad at Home (Tastes Even Better Than Original!)

Are you obsessed with that famous Costco chicken salad but don’t want to make the trip to the warehouse store every time a craving hits? I’ve got you covered! After many attempts at recreating this beloved deli favorite, I’ve finally nailed a copycat recipe that my family swears tastes even better than the original.

The best part? You can make it with simple ingredients you probably already have, avoid those questionable preservatives in the store version, and customize it to your dietary needs Let’s dive into how to make this creamy, flavorful chicken salad that’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or eating straight from the container (no judgment here!).

What Makes Costco Chicken Salad So Special?

Before we get to the recipe let’s talk about what makes the Costco version so addictive. Their chicken salad has

• Finely shredded chicken (not chunky)
• The perfect balance of creaminess
• A delightful crunch from celery
• Just enough onion flavor without overpowering
• A subtle tanginess that keeps you coming back for more

The Costco version costs about $10-15 depending on your location (prices vary), but you can make a comparable amount at home for much less, especially if you’re already buying rotisserie chickens.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to recreate this deli favorite:

• 1 rotisserie chicken (about 3 pounds – Costco ones are perfect!)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
• 4 stalks celery, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup sweet onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (about half a lemon)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, but helps balance flavors)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh)

Kitchen Tools That Help

While not absolutely necessary, these tools make the process easier:

• Food chopper or processor – This is my secret weapon for getting that finely shredded chicken texture that makes the Costco version so special
• Sharp knife for chopping vegetables
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Remove all the meat from your rotisserie chicken. Take off the skin (it doesn’t work well in this salad).
2. Chop or shred the chicken very finely. This is KEY to matching Costco’s texture! I use a food processor with the “S” blade and pulse for about 15-20 seconds. You could also use a food chopper or two forks.
3. You’ll use about half the chicken from a Costco-sized rotisserie bird.

Step 2: Chop the Vegetables

1. Dice the celery and sweet onion very finely. Again, a food chopper makes this super easy and gives the perfect texture.
2. The small, uniform pieces help distribute flavor throughout the salad.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

1. In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, sugar, and parsley.
2. Stir until completely smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Place your finely shredded chicken in a large bowl.
2. Add the chopped celery and onion.
3. Pour the dressing mixture over top.
4. Fold everything together gently until well combined.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

1. For best results, refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours before serving.
2. The flavors will meld together and the texture will improve significantly!

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Salad

After making this recipe countless times, I’ve discovered a few tricks:

• The finer the chicken is shredded, the more authentic it will taste. Costco’s version uses very finely shredded chicken, not chunks.
• Let it sit overnight if possible. The flavor improves dramatically after the ingredients have time to marry.
• If the mixture seems watery (sometimes happens with rotisserie chicken), drain any excess liquid before adding the dressing.
• Taste and adjust. Some people prefer more tang (add vinegar), others like it sweeter (add more sugar).
• Use a sweet onion like Vidalia rather than regular white onion for a milder flavor.

Storage Tips

• Store your homemade Costco chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep well for 3-4 days. After that, the quality starts to decline.
• Do not freeze this chicken salad. The mayo and sour cream will separate and the texture will become unpleasant when thawed.
• If it’s been sitting at room temperature for more than 2 hours, it’s best to discard it for food safety.

Serving Ideas

There are so many delicious ways to enjoy this chicken salad:

• Classic sandwich with lettuce and tomato on your favorite bread
• Wrapped in a tortilla with some avocado and greens
• On a bed of lettuce for a low-carb lunch
• As a dip with crackers or veggies
• Stuffed in a tomato or avocado half
• On croissants for an extra-special treat
• Mixed with pasta for a complete meal

Dietary Modifications

One of the best things about making your own chicken salad is adapting it to various dietary needs:

• Dairy-free: Use dairy-free sour cream and mayo alternatives
• Lower fat: Substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the sour cream
• Sugar-free: Skip the sugar or use a sugar substitute
• Keto/low-carb: Already pretty low-carb friendly, just serve on lettuce instead of bread
• Paleo: Use paleo-approved mayo and omit the sugar

Cost Comparison

Making your own chicken salad is definitely economical:

Plus, you know exactly what’s going into your version!

Why People Love This Recipe

After sharing this recipe with friends and family, here’s what they’ve said:

• “I can’t believe how close this is to the Costco version!”
• “It actually tastes better because it’s fresher”
• “Love that I can control the salt and ingredients”
• “This has become our go-to lunch prep recipe”

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your chicken salad doesn’t turn out quite right, here are some fixes:

• Too dry? Add a little more mayo or sour cream
• Too wet? Add more chicken or let it drain in a colander
• Too bland? Add more salt, a pinch more sugar, or extra lemon juice
• Tastes too much like vinegar? Let it sit overnight – the vinegar flavor mellows significantly

FAQ About Costco Chicken Salad

Q: How long does the Costco chicken salad last?
A: The store-bought version lasts until the expiration date on the package. Homemade versions are best consumed within 3-4 days.

Q: Can I freeze chicken salad?
A: I don’t recommend it. The mayo and dairy ingredients separate when frozen, resulting in a weird texture when thawed.

Q: Is this healthier than the Costco version?
A: When you make it at home, you control the ingredients! The Costco version contains some preservatives and additives that you can avoid in your homemade version.

Q: Can I use canned chicken?
A: Yes! Several readers have reported great results using Kirkland canned chicken (drained well). It’s a great shortcut.

Q: What if I don’t have a food processor?
A: No problem! You can finely chop the chicken with a knife or shred it with two forks. It’ll take a bit longer but works fine.

Final Thoughts

Making your own Costco chicken salad at home is surprisingly easy, economical, and gives you control over the ingredients. While the store version is certainly convenient, there’s something satisfying about creating this beloved deli favorite in your own kitchen.

The key is getting that finely shredded chicken texture and letting the flavors meld overnight. After that, it’s just a matter of adjusting to your personal taste preferences.

Now excuse me while I go make myself a chicken salad sandwich. Writing this article has made me hungry!