Best-Ever Chicken Salad Fancy Nancy Recipe (Copycat)
This creamy, crunchy Chicken Salad Fancy Nancy recipe is a delicious copycat of the Chicken Salad Chick favorite. Packed with tender chicken, crisp apples, grapes, toasted pecans, and a rich mayo-based dressing, it's perfect for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or meal prep. Quick, versatile, and family-approved!
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Rubber spatula or spoon
- Airtight container (for storage)
Ingredients
- Ingredients: Serves 6–8
- 4 cups cooked chicken shredded or chopped (rotisserie or poached)
- ½ cup red seedless grapes halved
- ½ cup diced apples Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp
- ⅓ cup chopped toasted pecans
- ¾ cup mayonnaise Duke’s or Hellmann’s recommended
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard optional for extra tang
- 1 –2 tsp honey optional for sweetness
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional Add-Ins:
- ¼ cup finely chopped celery
- 1 –2 tbsp diced red or green onion
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Prep Chicken:Use fully cooked, cooled chicken. Shred or chop into bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Chop Fruit & Nuts:Halve the grapes, dice the apples (toss with lemon juice if desired), and toast pecans in a dry pan until fragrant.
- Make Dressing:In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey (if using), and mustard. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine:Add fruit and pecans to the chicken. Pour in the dressing and gently fold until well coated. Add celery/onion if desired.
- Chill:Cover and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve:Enjoy on croissants, in lettuce wraps, over salad greens, or with crackers.
Notes
- Chicken Options: Rotisserie, poached, grilled, or even canned (drained well)
- Storage: Keeps for 3–4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Do not freeze.
- Low-fat Tip: Sub half the mayo with plain Greek yogurt
- Nut-Free: Omit pecans or use sunflower seeds
- Make-Ahead: Great for meal prep—flavor improves after chilling overnight
- Texture Tip: Pat ingredients dry to avoid watery salad