Summary

Chicken Salad Chick is a popular fast-casual restaurant chain that specializes in chicken salad. Founded in 2008 in Auburn, Alabama, by Stacy Brown and her husband, the restaurant offers a variety of chicken salad recipes, each made with fresh ingredients and served in a welcoming environment. The menu features not only traditional chicken salad but also unique flavor combinations, as well as sides like pimento cheese, egg salad, and various salads. With a focus on quality and customer satisfaction, Chicken Salad Chick has grown rapidly, expanding to numerous locations across the United States. The brand emphasizes a casual dining experience and has become a favorite for those seeking a quick, delicious meal.

Notes & Tips

• Customization is key: The best part of chicken salad is how customizable it is. Add your favorite ingredients like jalapeños for heat or cranberries for sweetness.
• Texture balance: Make sure your salad has a balance of textures—crunchy (celery, nuts), creamy (mayo, Greek yogurt), and juicy (grapes, apples).
• Use fresh ingredients: Freshly cooked chicken, crisp veggies, and fresh herbs will enhance the overall flavor.

Things to Avoid

• Overloading with mayo: Too much mayo can overpower the salad and make it too heavy. Use it sparingly.
• Not chilling enough: Chilling allows the flavors to meld together, making the dish taste better after an hour or two in the fridge.
• Using canned chicken: While convenient, fresh-cooked chicken has a much better flavor and texture.

Chicken Salad Chick: The Ultimate Guide to the Southern Favorite

Chicken Salad Chick is more than just your typical Southern-style restaurant chain; it’s a beloved concept serving up mouthwatering, homestyle chicken salads in a variety of flavors. Whether you’re a fan of classic recipes or adventurous combinations, Chicken Salad Chick has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll answer common questions, give you a complete breakdown of their famous chicken salads, and provide some tips to recreate your own version at home.

What is Chicken Salad Chick Made of?

At Chicken Salad Chick, the base of all chicken salads starts with fresh, premium white meat chicken, often shredded or finely chopped, then combined with mayonnaise and a mix of fresh ingredients. Depending on the variety, they add different seasonings, herbs, and additional mix-ins like:

• Classic flavors (mayo, celery, and seasoning)
• Fruity mixes (grapes, apples, and pecans)
• Savory twists (jalapeños, cheddar cheese, or buffalo sauce)

The brand offers over a dozen flavors, ranging from mild to spicy and sweet to savory, ensuring there’s a perfect match for every palate.

Origins of Chicken Salad: A Brief History

Chicken salad has roots dating back to the 1800s, believed to have originated in France where it was a gourmet dish combining finely shredded chicken with mayonnaise and herbs. The dish evolved over time, with different cultures adding their own twists. In the Southern United States, chicken salad became a staple, often used in sandwiches or served on a bed of greens. Chicken Salad Chick took that classic comfort dish and turned it into a modern culinary sensation.

Chicken Salad Chick Flavors: Beyond the Basics

Chicken Salad Chick offers a wide variety of flavors for every kind of eater. Some popular options include:

• Classic Carol: The traditional recipe with finely shredded chicken, mayonnaise, and secret seasoning.
• Sassy Scotty: A savory blend with ranch dressing, bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese.
• Jalapeño Holly: For the spice lovers, this one has jalapeños blended into the mix for a fiery kick.
• Fancy Nancy: For a fruity twist, this option adds grapes, apples, and pecans.
• Buffalo Barclay: A fan favorite featuring buffalo sauce for those who love their chicken salad with a zesty punch.

These are just a few of the 12+ flavors you can try at Chicken Salad Chick. Each one brings its own unique set of textures and tastes, ensuring there’s always something new to discover.

Dietary Options at Chicken Salad Chick

For those with dietary preferences or restrictions, Chicken Salad Chick offers several alternatives:

• Gluten-free: Most of their chicken salad recipes are gluten-free when served on a salad or with crackers.
• Low-carb: By skipping the bread and enjoying chicken salad on lettuce or vegetables, you can create a low-carb meal.
• Dairy-free: Classic chicken salad recipes without cheese or ranch dressing are perfect for dairy-free eaters.
• Keto-friendly: The high-protein, high-fat content of many chicken salad recipes makes them suitable for ketogenic diets, particularly when paired with low-carb veggies.

Chicken Salad Chick: Community and Culture

Chicken Salad Chick has built a community-focused brand, emphasizing Southern hospitality and family-friendly dining. Many of their locations offer not only delicious meals but also catering services for events like birthdays, bridal showers, and corporate meetings. The restaurant prides itself on creating a welcoming environment, where customers feel like they’re sitting down to enjoy a home-cooked meal.

Behind the Brand: Chicken Salad Chick’s Mission

At its core, Chicken Salad Chick is about more than food; it’s about connection. Their mission is to serve the best-tasting chicken salad while fostering relationships with customers, employees, and the community. The founder, Stacy Brown, was inspired by her love of Southern cooking and her desire to bring families together over a shared meal.

Special Promotions and Loyalty Program

Chicken Salad Chick offers a loyalty program called Craving Credits, where frequent diners can earn points towards free items. Plus, many locations run seasonal promotions where limited-edition flavors are introduced for a short time, giving fans new tastes to enjoy.

DIY Chicken Salad Bar: Create Your Own Experience at Home

For those looking to replicate the Chicken Salad Chick experience at home, a DIY chicken salad bar can be a hit at gatherings or meal prep:

1. Base Options: Offer several base salads, like traditional, fruity, and spicy variations.
2. Mix-ins: Set out bowls of nuts, dried cranberries, grapes, chopped bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and shredded cheese.
3. Crunchy Add-ons: Provide different types of crackers, tortilla chips, and sliced veggies for dipping.
4. Dressings: Alongside the chicken salad, offer a few extra dressing options like ranch, vinaigrette, or sriracha mayo for added customization.

This setup allows everyone to create their perfect chicken salad, mirroring the diverse offerings at Chicken Salad Chick.

Pairings: What to Serve with Chicken Salad

When enjoying chicken salad, the sides you choose can elevate the meal. Here are some great pairing options:

• Fresh fruit: Grapes, apple slices, or a citrus salad.
• Pasta salad: A light, vinaigrette-based pasta salad complements the richness of chicken salad.
• Pickles or olives: Their tanginess cuts through the creamy texture of chicken salad.
• Potato chips: A classic Southern pairing with chicken salad sandwiches.
• Sweet tea or lemonade: No Southern meal is complete without a refreshing drink.

 Fun Facts about Chicken Salad Chick

• Fastest-growing franchise: Chicken Salad Chick is one of the fastest-growing restaurant franchises in the U.S., with over 200 locations in 17 states as of 2024.
• A family-first business: Stacy Brown started the brand from her home kitchen, inspired by her desire to serve a meal she knew her family and friends would love.
• Charity initiatives: The company has a strong focus on community service, supporting local schools, charities, and food banks through fundraising efforts and sponsorships.

Takeaway

Chicken Salad Chick brings the humble chicken salad to new heights, offering endless variations on this beloved Southern dish. Whether you’re visiting one of their many locations or whipping up your own version at home, chicken salad is a versatile, delicious, and nutritious meal option that can fit any occasion. With its deep-rooted Southern charm and welcoming environment, Chicken Salad Chick has quickly become a staple for families and foodies alike.

By tapping into their story, exploring their menu, and even recreating your own version, you can enjoy the magic of chicken salad no matter where you are.

Chicken Salad Chick Menu: More Than Just Chicken Salad

While Chicken Salad Chick is primarily known for its variety of chicken salads, they offer more than just that. The menu includes:

• Pimento Cheese: A Southern favorite made from cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos—perfect for dipping or spreading on crackers.
• Egg Salad: A creamy blend of eggs, mayo, and a touch of mustard, often served as a sandwich or side.
• Soup of the Day: Popular choices include Broccoli Cheddar, Chicken & Wild Rice, and Tomato Basil.
• Signature Sides:
• Broccoli Salad: A mix of fresh broccoli, shredded cheese, and bacon tossed in a creamy dressing.
• Grape Salad: Red and green grapes coated in a sweet cream cheese dressing and topped with crushed pecans.
• Macaroni & Cheese: Rich, creamy, and a perfect complement to any chicken salad.

The variety of sides and soups ensures that even non-chicken salad fans can enjoy a hearty and delicious meal.

Seasonal Flavors at Chicken Salad Chick

Chicken Salad Chick often introduces seasonal or limited-time flavors, giving customers a new experience each time they visit. These flavors align with specific times of the year, like:

• Fall Flavors: Think savory chicken salads with cranberries, pecans, and even pumpkin spice accents.
• Summer Favorites: Refreshing ingredients like pineapple, cucumbers, and mint for a lighter twist.
• Holiday Specials: Chicken salad blended with rosemary, cranberries, and sometimes walnuts, perfect for the festive season.

These seasonal varieties keep the menu exciting and fresh, ensuring regular customers always have something new to try.

Catering by Chicken Salad Chick: Perfect for Events

Chicken Salad Chick offers catering services, making it a popular option for parties, corporate lunches, and family gatherings. Their catering menu includes:

• Chicken Salad by the Pound: Customers can order any of their signature chicken salads by the pound, perfect for large gatherings.
• Catering Trays: These include sandwiches, crackers, fruits, and veggie sides arranged beautifully for easy serving.
• Boxed Lunches: A convenient option for work events or picnics, boxed lunches come with a sandwich or scoop of chicken salad, a side, a pickle, and a cookie.
• Desserts: A selection of freshly baked cookies like classic chocolate chip or seasonal cookies rounds out the meal.

The catering services provide a customizable solution for hosts who want a hassle-free yet flavorful option for feeding their guests.

Signature Chicken Salad Chick “Quick Chicks” for On-the-Go

Chicken Salad Chick also offers a convenient “Quick Chick” option for customers who want to grab chicken salad to-go. These pre-packaged servings are available in all flavors and are perfect for: Lunch on the go, Meal prep for the week and Easy family dinners.

Quick Chicks can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, so you can stock up on your favorite flavors and enjoy them throughout the week.

Behind the Scenes: How Chicken Salad Chick Prepares Its Salads

Chicken Salad Chick prides itself on using fresh, high-quality ingredients every day. Here’s a glimpse into their kitchen process:

1. Fresh Chicken: Chicken breasts are cooked in-house and shredded daily to ensure the freshest product possible.
2. Batch Preparation: Large batches of chicken salad are prepared by hand every morning. Ingredients like celery, grapes, and nuts are chopped fresh and mixed into the base.
3. No Preservatives: Their chicken salad contains no artificial preservatives, meaning it’s made fresh daily and intended to be consumed within a few days for maximum flavor and quality.
4. Customization: Special requests are welcome at most locations, whether you prefer a certain type of salad or want to skip specific ingredients (like nuts or dairy).

This behind-the-scenes look at their prep process adds to the homemade, Southern charm that Chicken Salad Chick is known for.

Chicken Salad Chick Franchise Expansion

Chicken Salad Chick has experienced rapid growth since its humble beginnings. As of 2024, they have expanded to over 200 locations across 17 states. This growth is largely driven by the franchise model, allowing local entrepreneurs to bring Chicken Salad Chick to new communities. Key facts about their expansion:

1. Regional Focus: While they started in the Southeast, Chicken Salad Chick has rapidly moved into other regions, including the Midwest and Texas.
2. Franchise Support: The brand offers extensive support to franchisees, including training, marketing assistance, and menu innovation.
3. Family-Oriented Locations: Most Chicken Salad Chick locations emphasize family-friendly dining with comfortable seating, clean atmospheres, and a focus on Southern hospitality.

Their rapid expansion is a testament to the widespread appeal of their fresh, unique take on a beloved dish.

Sustainability Efforts at Chicken Salad Chick

Chicken Salad Chick has taken steps to support sustainability and environmental responsibility in their operations. Some of their eco-friendly practices include:

• Locally Sourced Ingredients: Whenever possible, they work with local farmers and suppliers to source fresh produce and poultry, reducing their carbon footprint.
• Recyclable Packaging: The restaurant uses eco-friendly packaging for their to-go orders and catering trays, ensuring less waste.
• Food Donations: Many Chicken Salad Chick locations participate in local food drives and donate unsold food to shelters or food banks.

This commitment to sustainability is part of their larger mission to give back to the communities they serve.

Chicken Salad Chick’s Charitable Initiatives

In addition to their delicious food, Chicken Salad Chick is also known for their philanthropic efforts. Their Chicken Salad Chick Foundation supports various causes, including:

• Fighting Cancer: The brand frequently raises money for cancer research and treatment, inspired by the loss of Stacy Brown’s husband, who passed away from cancer.
• Feeding the Hungry: They partner with local food banks to ensure that underprivileged communities have access to nutritious meals.
• Scholarships: The Chicken Salad Chick Foundation provides scholarships to high school seniors in the communities where their restaurants are located.

This strong focus on giving back endears the brand to its customers, making it not only a great place to eat but also a company that makes a positive impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Serve Chicken Salad? Chicken salad is incredibly versatile, which makes it a hit for any occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions:

• Classic Sandwich: Served between two slices of soft, buttery croissant or toasted wheat bread.
• Salad Topper: Spoon it over a bed of mixed greens with a side of fresh fruit for a light yet filling meal.
• Cracker or Veggie Dip: Perfect as an appetizer or snack, chicken salad pairs well with saltine crackers, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips.
• Wraps or Lettuce Cups: For a low-carb alternative, try chicken salad wrapped in butter lettuce or whole-grain wraps.

This versatility means you can enjoy chicken salad in many forms—from lunchboxes to catered events.

Is Chicken Salad Actually Healthy? Yes, chicken salad can be healthy, but it depends on the ingredients and portion sizes. Chicken is naturally high in protein and, when prepared with lean, white meat and light ingredients, it’s a nutritious choice. However, traditional recipes often include a lot of mayonnaise, which can increase the fat and calorie count. At Chicken Salad Chick, you can choose lighter versions of their salads, or opt for options with fruit and nuts for added vitamins and minerals. Here’s a basic nutritional breakdown:

• Calories: Varies by flavor, ranging from 340 to 500 calories per serving
• Protein: Approximately 15-20 grams per serving
• Fat: Primarily comes from the mayonnaise, but there are “lite” options available with lower fat content

Tips for a Healthier Chicken Salad:

• Opt for lighter mayo or try Greek yogurt as a substitute.
• Add nutrient-dense ingredients like spinach, avocado, or almonds.
• Pair your chicken salad with whole grains or veggies for a well-rounded meal.

Who Owns Chicken Salad Chick? Chicken Salad Chick is owned by Stacy Brown, its founder, along with backing from Eagle Merchant Partners, a private equity firm. The brand has grown rapidly, expanding to over 200 locations across the U.S., and continues to be a family-driven business with a focus on homemade recipes and Southern hospitality.

Who is the Chicken Salad Girl? The story behind Chicken Salad Chick traces back to Stacy Brown, a determined woman from Auburn, Alabama, often referred to as the “Chicken Salad Girl.” Stacy started creating unique chicken salad recipes from her kitchen, eventually turning her passion into a thriving business. Her simple yet flavorful approach to the dish gained popularity, and Chicken Salad Chick was born.

Chicken Salad Chick Rewards: How to Earn Free Meals? In addition to its popular Craving Credits loyalty program, Chicken Salad Chick also runs frequent promotions and rewards. Here’s how it works:

1. Craving Credits App: Download the Chicken Salad Chick app to start earning points for every purchase. You’ll accumulate points for every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for free chicken salad, sides, or desserts.
2. Birthday Reward: Members receive a free scoop of chicken salad on their birthday.
3. Exclusive Deals: App users often get first access to new flavors, seasonal promotions, and discounts not available to the general public.
4. Referral Bonuses: Earn extra points by referring friends to join the Craving Credits program.

The app is user-friendly, and you can track your points and find nearby locations easily.

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Chicken salad chick​

Mustapha

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Forks for shredding chicken
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Ingredients

  

• 2-3 cup cooked, shredded chicken breast: white meat
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise: use light mayo or Greek yogurt for fewer calories
• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion: optional for added crunch
• 1/4 cup grapes: sliced in half
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or almonds
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional flavors: Dill, parsley, or paprika for extra flavor

Instructions

 

• Cook and shred the chicken: Boil or roast chicken breasts until fully cooked. Shred using forks.
• Prepare the ingredients: Chop celery, grapes, and nuts. Mix the mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings in a separate bowl.
• Combine everything: In a large bowl, toss the shredded chicken with the chopped ingredients and fold in the mayo mixture.
• Chill: Refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors meld.
• Serve: Serve chilled on bread, crackers, or leafy greens.

Notes

Notes & Tips

- Customization is key: The best part of chicken salad is how customizable it is. Add your favorite ingredients like jalapeños for heat or cranberries for sweetness.

- Texture balance: Make sure your salad has a balance of textures—crunchy (celery, nuts), creamy (mayo, Greek yogurt), and juicy (grapes, apples).

- Use fresh ingredients: Freshly cooked chicken, crisp veggies, and fresh herbs will enhance the overall flavor.

 

Things to Avoid

- Overloading with mayo: Too much mayo can overpower the salad and make it too heavy. Use it sparingly.

- Not chilling enough: Chilling allows the flavors to meld together, making the dish taste better after an hour or two in the fridge.

- Using canned chicken: While convenient, fresh-cooked chicken has a much better flavor and texture.