sams club chicken salad recipe with mayonnaise

If you ever been to Sam’s Club and tried their chicken salad, you probably already know how tasty it is. The flavor is creamy, savory, and just the right mix of crunchy and soft. Many people try to recreate it at home but can’t get it quite right. So today, we’ll talk about how to make the sams club chicken salad recipe with mayonnaise in your own kitchen. It’s simple, quick, and perfect for lunch or even a light dinner.

The salad has that comforting homemade vibe that makes you want to eat it straight from the bowl. It’s creamy but not greasy, flavorful but not too salty. And the best part—it can be stored for a few days and still taste good the next day (or better maybe).

Why People Love Sam’s Club Chicken Salad

There’s just something special about the flavor combo. The chicken is cooked soft but still has texture. The mayonnaise gives that creamy bite, and then there’s that little crunch from celery or onion. Some even say it has a slightly sweet note, maybe from a tiny bit of sugar or relish.

It’s also so easy to use in different ways. You can spread it on toast, stuff it into croissants, or just scoop it with crackers. Honestly, there’s no wrong way to eat it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy stuff. Just some regular kitchen things you probably already have.

2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced)
¾ cup mayonnaise (use more if you like it creamier)
½ cup finely chopped celery
¼ cup diced onion (optional but adds flavor)
1 tablespoon sweet relish or sugar (optional for sweetness)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional but nice for freshness)

You can also add boiled eggs or grapes if you like a twist, but the classic one keeps it simple.

How To Cook The Chicken

The base of this salad is good chicken, of course. Some people use leftover rotisserie chicken. That works fine. But if you want it more like Sam’s Club, boil 2 chicken breasts in salted water until soft and juicy. Don’t overcook or it gets dry.

Let it cool and then shred it using two forks. You can also chop it small if you like it chunkier. The texture totally depends on how you like your salad.

Mixing Everything Together

In a medium-size bowl, add your shredded chicken. Then put in celery, onion, and relish. Now add the mayonnaise, starting with ½ cup and add more if it looks dry. Mix gently.

Taste it before adding salt. Some mayonnaise brands are already salty. Sprinkle a bit of black pepper and a dash of lemon juice for that fresh pop. Mix again until everything blends.

If it looks too thick, you can add a spoon of milk or a few drops of water to loosen it up. That helps if you’re planning to spread it on bread later.

Resting Time – The Secret Trick

This part a lot of people skip, but it’s important. Once mixed, cover the bowl and chill it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. The flavors need some time to sit together and get that “store-bought” taste.

After chilling, give it a quick stir again. You’ll notice it’s creamier and smoother.

Ways to Serve It (Not Just Sandwiches)

There’s many ways to enjoy this salad besides the normal sandwich. Here’s a few ideas:

Spoon it over a bed of lettuce for a quick low-carb meal.
Fill it in croissants or dinner rolls for a brunch.
Serve it inside a pita with tomato and lettuce.
Eat it with crackers or chips for snack time.
Use it as a wrap filling with spinach leaves.

It’s one of those foods that goes with almost anything. And it’s also a nice meal-prep idea for busy weeks.

Storage Tips To Keep It Fresh

Put leftovers in a tight container. Keep in the fridge up to 3 days max. Don’t leave it out too long because mayonnaise can spoil fast.

If you see the salad turning watery, just give it a quick stir before using again. You can also add a spoon of mayo to make it fresh again.

Some Common Mistakes People Make

Sometimes, people use too much mayo or forget to drain the chicken properly. That makes the salad too watery. Also, chopping the celery too big can make the texture weird. Try to dice it small for balance.

Also, don’t skip chilling time. That’s when the magic happens. The flavors blend and get close to that Sam’s Club taste.

Variations You Can Try

If you’re feeling creative, you can twist the recipe a bit.

Add Fruit: Try adding halved grapes or apple chunks for a sweet bite.
Add Nuts: A handful of chopped pecans or almonds gives a nice crunch.
Make It Spicy: A dash of hot sauce or cayenne powder changes the vibe completely.
Healthier Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise (but the taste won’t be exact same).

It’s fun to experiment and find your favorite version.

What Makes It Taste Like Sam’s Club’s?

It’s mostly about texture and mayo balance. Sam’s Club chicken salad has that rich, creamy base but not too heavy. The mayo they use is smooth and slightly tangy. You can try brands like Hellmann’s or Duke’s for similar flavor.

Also, their chicken is shredded very fine, not chunky. That’s a big secret too. When you shred the chicken small, the dressing mixes better and every bite feels soft.

Can You Make It Ahead of Time?

Yes, and actually it tastes better the next day. Just make sure to store it cold. The ingredients soak in the flavor and become more like the one you buy from the store.

If you’re planning to serve it at a party, you can prepare it the night before. Before serving, stir it once and maybe add a spoon of mayo to make it creamy again.

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