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Copycat Chick-Fil-A Chicken Salad

Name: Copycat Chick-Fil-A Chicken Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Ingredients: 1 pound breaded chicken tenderloins (frozen); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/3 cup celery (chopped); 2-3 tablespoons water; 1/4 cup sweet relish; 1 hardboiled eggs (peeled and diced); salt (to taste)

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Experience the delightful taste of Air Fryer Chick-Fil-A Chicken Salad, a healthier twist on a classic favorite! Tender, air-fried chicken is combined with fresh greens, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing for a satisfying meal. This easy recipe is perfect for lunch, dinner, or a light snack, making it a great option for those looking to enjoy a flavorful salad at home!

Freshly prepared Air Fryer Chick-Fil-A Chicken Salad being drizzled with dressing before serving.

It was their original “lighter” option, preceding any grilled chicken sandwiches or wraps that you will find today. Sadly, it is no longer available, making this recipe a must for enjoying the chicken salad that we all remember.

I love a great copycat recipe, some of my favorites are Air Fryer Copycat Chick-Fil-A Chicken Minis, Pizza Hut Chicken Alfredo Pesto Recipe, Ninja Creami In-N-Out Milkshake, or Copycat Church’s Chicken Fried Chicken.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

Flavorful and Satisfying: This recipe brings the beloved flavors of Chick-Fil-A right to your kitchen, making it a delicious and satisfying meal option.
Quick and Easy: It’s a breeze to make with minimal ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights or a quick lunch.
Versatile: Serve it on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or as a wrap; this chicken salad adapts to your cravings and preferences.
Great for Meal Prep: Prepare a big batch in advance for easy, grab-and-go lunches throughout the week, making healthy eating hassle-free.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a family meal, this chicken salad is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.

Ingredients Needed

Frozen Chicken Tenderloins: Use any of your favorite brands, from Trader Joe’s to Perdue Frozen Tenderloins. The key is to have them breaded. The breading adds a lot of flavors.
Mayonnaise: Use regular or low-fat mayonnaise; you can also use Greek yogurt.
Relish: Use sweet relish or dill relish.
Celery: Finely sliced celery, peeled.
Egg: Hardboiled, also great prepared in the air fryer.
Serving: Serve with wheat bread or on crackers, kosher salt, and black pepper to taste.

How To Make Chick-Fil-A Chicken Salad

Ingredients for Air Fryer Chick-Fil-A Chicken Salad displayed, including lettuce, chicken, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

Step One: Place frozen chicken tenderloins in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F for 15–18 minutes, until crispy, and a meat thermometer registers at least 165°F when inserted into the thickest piece. Let the cooked chicken tenderloins cool entirely before chopping.

Place the ingredients into the blender, or food processor.

Step Two: Place the cooled and chopped chicken in a food processor and add mayonnaise, celery, and 2 tablespoons of water. Pulse just until chicken and celery is finely diced. Add relish and hardboiled egg to the food processor and pulse a few times more. All ingredients should be very finely minced.

Step Three: Season with salt to taste before serving. If the chicken salad is too thick, you may also wish to thin it out with an additional tablespoon or so of water.

Close-up of tender pieces of air-fried chicken resting on a bed of fresh greens in a Chick-Fil-A Chicken Salad.

Chick Fil A Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe Tips

Best Version: For the best Copycat Version of this recipe, you can hit the drive-thru or use any leftover Chick-Fil-A Chicken sandwiches for the recipe.
Eggs: If you want to eliminate the hard-boiled eggs, that’s fine. This is a copycat version, which included the eggs, which is why I included them. They give the texture a creamier flavor.
Food Processor: If you do not have a food processor, you can finely dice your ingredients and chicken breast with a sharp knife.

Recipe Variations

Onions: The original version used diced white onions, but you can also use diced yellow onions or red onions.
Sweeter: Add a teaspoon if you love your chicken salad with some sweetness. Of granulated sugar or sugar substitute into the food processor.
Low-Carb: You can use a keto-friendly wrap or bread. My favorite is Lewis Bake Shop Keto Friendly Bread, available at most supermarkets.

Meal Prep

If you’re looking for a quick meal that is easy to make but can also be prepped beforehand, try making chicken salad. With just a bit of planning, our taste buds are rewarded with the perfect sandwich! By making this chicken salad ahead and leaving it to marinate in the fridge, all its flavors have time to meld together perfectly – ensuring that every bite we take is delicious.

Storage

Place any leftover chicken salad into an airtight container. Place in the refrigerator, the chicken salad will be great for 2-3 days.

Colorful Air Fryer Chick-Fil-A Chicken Salad served on a plate, featuring a variety of vegetables and dressing.

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