Shredded Chicken Salad (Costco Style)

This shredded chicken salad recipe is a delicious, creamy dish that’s perfect for meal prep, quick lunches, or light dinners. Inspired by the famous Costco chicken salad, it’s made with tender shredded chicken, a blend of fresh ingredients like celery, sweet onion, and mayonnaise, all brought together with savory chicken broth. Whether served on a sandwich, in a lettuce wrap, or over a bed of greens, this easy recipe is perfect for a high-protein, low-carb meal.

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 2 ¼ pounds cooked chicken, see Notes)
• 1 32-ounce carton chicken broth (or chicken stock)
• 1 ¼ cups mayonnaise (plus more to taste)
• 2 cups finely diced celery
• ¾ cup finely minced sweet onion
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or 2 teaspoons Everything Seasoning, see Notes)
• 1 ½ – 2 teaspoons salt

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a wide skillet and cover them with chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 160º F. Remove the chicken from the skillet, reserving the broth for later.
   • Alternative: Use 2 ¼ pounds (36 ounces) of cooked chicken with the skin removed.
2. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked and cool enough to handle, shred it using your preferred method (see Notes for options).
3. Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, diced celery, minced sweet onion, salt, and freshly ground black pepper (or Everything Seasoning, if preferred). Stir everything together until evenly mixed.
4. Add Broth: Gradually add the chicken broth, 1 tablespoon at a time, to the mixture until the desired texture and creaminess are achieved. I typically use about 4-6 tablespoons of broth. Adjust with more mayonnaise if you’d like a creamier consistency.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This shredded chicken salad is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for meal prep, a quick lunch, or even a light dinner. With its rich chicken broth base and a blend of fresh ingredients like celery and sweet onion, it mimics the beloved Costco-style chicken salad but with the flexibility to suit your tastes. It’s a great source of protein and makes a satisfying, low-carb meal for those following a healthy diet.

Tips

• Chicken Broth: For the creamiest texture, add the chicken broth gradually. You can always add more if you want a thinner, more spreadable consistency.
• Shredding Chicken: Use a hand mixer to shred the chicken quickly and evenly, or shred it by hand for a more rustic texture.
• Mayonnaise: You can adjust the amount of mayo to make the salad as creamy as you like, or add a little Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.

Variations and Substitutions

• Low-Carb Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lower-calorie version of the chicken salad.
• Add-ins: Include chopped grapes, apples, or nuts like almonds or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
• Spicy Version: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Dairy-Free: Replace the mayonnaise with vegan mayo and ensure the chicken broth is free from dairy.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand. Just be sure to shred it and remove the skin.

How long will this chicken salad last?
When stored in an airtight container, this chicken salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Can I freeze the chicken salad?
It’s best not to freeze this salad as the mayo and chicken broth mixture may separate upon thawing, which could alter the texture.

Serving Suggestions

• On Bread: Serve the chicken salad on keto bread, whole grain bread, or a croissant for a delicious sandwich.
• Lettuce Wraps: Enjoy this chicken salad in lettuce wraps or Bibb lettuce cups for a low-carb option.
• As a Salad: Serve it over a bed of greens for a light, protein-packed meal.
• With Crackers: Serve it with crackers or pita chips for a quick, satisfying snack.

This shredded chicken salad is versatile, easy to make, and can be customized to suit your dietary needs. Perfect for quick meals, snacks, or potlucks!