McAlister’s Chicken Salad Recipe
This McAlister’s Chicken Salad Recipe feels fresh, comforting and familiar. I still remember ordering it on warm afternoons, sitting with sweet tea nearby.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken finely chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup celery finely chopped
- ¼ cup seedless grapes finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons onion very finely minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Cook the Chicken
- Boil or bake chicken until fully cooked. Let it cool completely before chopping.
Chop the Chicken
- Cut chicken into very small pieces. This creates the smooth and classic texture.
Prepare the Vegetables
- Finely chop celery and onion. Keep pieces small for even bites.
Chop the Grapes
- Slice grapes into tiny pieces. This adds gentle sweetness throughout the salad.
Add Chicken to Bowl
- Place chopped chicken into a large mixing bowl.
Add Mayonnaise
- Spoon mayonnaise into the bowl. This forms the creamy base of the salad.
Add Lemon Juice
- Pour lemon juice over the mixture. This adds brightness and balance.
Add Sugar
- Sprinkle sugar lightly. This balances savory and tangy flavors.
Add Salt and Pepper
- Season with salt and black pepper. Start small and adjust later.
Add Celery and Onion
- Add chopped celery and onion to the bowl.
Add Grapes
- Add chopped grapes last. They bring sweetness and moisture.
Mix Gently
- Stir everything gently until well combined and creamy.
Taste and Adjust
- Taste the salad. Adjust salt, lemon or mayonnaise if needed.
Chill Before Serving
- Cover and refrigerate for at least thirty minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for easy prep.
- Chop everything very small for classic texture.
- Add chopped pecans for gentle crunch.
- Use Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Add a pinch of white pepper for depth.