Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour (recommended)
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Salad, Lunch, Meal Prep
Cuisine: American

Introduction

This homemade Costco chicken salad recipe is a creamy, savory, and protein-packed classic that’s perfect for quick lunches, meal prep, or summer picnics. Tender shredded chicken is tossed in a tangy mayonnaise dressing with celery, onion, and just the right amount of seasoning. It’s a budget-friendly version of the popular deli favorite, made fresher and even more delicious at home.
I keep a batch of this in the fridge every week—my go-to for no-cook lunches and sandwich cravings!

Why I Love This Homemade Costco Chicken Salad Recipe

If you’ve ever picked up Costco’s rotisserie chicken salad, you know how crave-worthy it is. This version nails that flavor—creamy, salty, slightly tangy—with real ingredients and customizable texture.

• Tastes just like the original – But fresher, and with better texture
• Perfect for meal prep – Holds well in the fridge for days
• Flexible and customizable – Add grapes, nuts, or herbs to suit your style
• Protein-packed – Great for low-carb meals or hearty sandwiches
• Fast and easy – Comes together in 15 minutes or less

Key Ingredients

Cooked Chicken (4 cups shredded): Use freshly cooked, rotisserie, or even poached chicken breasts. Chopping or shredding works—Costco’s is finely shredded.
Mayonnaise (1 cup): The creamy base of the salad. Use a quality mayo like Duke’s or Hellmann’s for the best flavor.
Celery (¾ cup finely chopped): Adds crunch and freshness.
Red Onion (¼ cup minced): Adds bite and sharpness. Soak in cold water to reduce sharpness if needed.
Lemon Juice (1 tbsp): Brightens and balances the creaminess.
Salt (¾ tsp) and Black Pepper (½ tsp): Essential for bringing the flavors to life.
Optional – Dijon Mustard (1 tsp): Adds a hint of tang and depth (not in Costco’s version, but a delicious upgrade).
Optional – Garlic Powder or Onion Powder (¼ tsp): Adds subtle background flavor.

How to Make This Homemade Costco Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
If using fresh chicken, let it cool completely and shred finely using two forks or your hands. Aim for small, tender strands similar to the Costco texture.

Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and any optional spices like mustard or garlic powder. Mix until smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Combine Everything
Add the shredded chicken, celery, and onion to the dressing. Stir gently but thoroughly to combine and coat all the ingredients.

Step 4: Chill Before Serving
For best flavor, cover and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Serve It Your Way
Spoon onto sandwich bread, croissants, lettuce cups, or serve with crackers or cucumber rounds. Also perfect straight from the bowl!

Chef’s Tips & Variations

• Use rotisserie chicken – Costco’s own rotisserie chicken works great and keeps it authentic
• Finely shred the meat – For that signature texture that’s creamy and scoopable
• Add-ins: Grapes, slivered almonds, chopped parsley, or hard-boiled eggs all work beautifully
• Make it lighter – Swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt or use avocado oil mayo
• Don’t skip chilling – Resting in the fridge makes a huge difference in flavor and texture
• Meal prep tip: Portion into containers with crackers, cucumbers, or fruit for easy grab-and-go meals

What to Serve With Homemade Costco Chicken Salad

This versatile salad goes with just about anything:

• Croissants or brioche buns – For creamy chicken salad sandwiches
• Lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas – For a light lunch
• Fresh fruit or fruit salad – For sweet contrast
• Pasta salad or potato chips – Classic deli-style pairing
• Cucumbers, celery sticks, or crackers – Scoop and snack

WPRM Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Salad, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: ~310 per serving (approximate)

Ingredients

• 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
• 1 cup mayonnaise (use high-quality)
• ¾ cup finely chopped celery
• ¼ cup minced red onion
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ¾ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• Optional: 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Optional: ¼ tsp garlic powder or onion powder

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and knife
• Spoon or spatula for mixing
• Airtight container for storage

Method

1. Prep Chicken: Cook or shred rotisserie chicken. For best texture, shred finely into short strands.
2. Mix Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk mayo, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and optional spices until fully blended.
3. Combine: Add chicken, celery, and onion. Mix gently until everything is evenly coated in the dressing.
4. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving for best flavor and consistency.
5. Serve: Spoon onto bread, buns, crackers, or greens. Enjoy cold.

Notes

• Storage: Keeps in fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
• Freezing not recommended: The mayo base can separate and become watery.
• Chop small: Small cuts of celery and onion mimic the Costco version perfectly.
• Season to taste: Start with listed salt and pepper, then adjust to your preference.
• Make it your own: Add fresh herbs, chopped pickles, or a pinch of smoked paprika for extra flair.