Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Olivia’s Old South is a bold, creamy Southern-style chicken salad featuring sweet pickle relish, savory egg salad, and tangy mayonnaise. This recipe captures the restaurant’s signature flavor while avoiding pork and alcohol, focusing on clean, flavorful ingredients. Let’s break it down.
Why This Recipe Works
The star of this dish is the balance between the sweetness of the relish, the richness of the mayonnaise, and the umami from the egg salad. By using a combination of these components, we create a salad that’s both refreshing and satisfying. My approach prioritizes fresh, high-quality mayonnaise and evenly shredded chicken to ensure texture harmony and flavor retention.
Mayonnaise acts as both a binding agent and a flavor enhancer. Its natural emulsification with fats and acids allows the relish’s sugar and egg’s salt to meld seamlessly, creating a cohesive base. Opting for whole mayo over light versions preserves the creamy mouthfeel crucial for this dish’s signature indulgence.
Hard-boiled eggs are chopped into irregular pieces to increase surface area, helping them disperse more evenly through the chicken mixture. This technique amplifies texture diversity and ensures every bite contains a satisfying mix of crunch, cream, and flake.
| Prep Time | 15 mins |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 10 mins |
| Total Time | 7 hrs |
| Servings | 4 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | American Southern |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shredded Cooked Chicken | 2 cups | Ensure 100°F core temp when cooked (USDA guidelines). Use a food processor and grater for consistency. |
| Sweet Pickle Relish | 1/2 cup | Brings texture and tang. No added alcohol. Store-bought or homemade with brined cucumbers. |
| Hard-Boiled Egg Salad | 1/2 cup (chopped) | Microwave eggs 1 minute at 75% power to reduce yolk spread. Use room-temperature eggs. |
| Mayonnaise | 1/3 cup (about 4 Tbsp) | Full-fat for stability. Substitute vegan mayo (e.g., Just Mayo) for dairy-free version. |
| Salt | To taste | Use fine sea salt for even distribution. Avoid iodized salt if possible. |
| Ground Black Pepper | To taste | Freshly ground for optimal aroma retention. Adjust before chilling; pepper volatile compounds dissipate during refrigeration. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep
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Shred 2 cups cooked chicken using a food processor with grater attachment (ensure meat was cooked to 165°F initially).
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Microwave 3 large eggs (boiled and peeled) in a microwave-safe bowl at 75% power, 1 minute. Let cool before chopping into 1/4-inch pieces.
Combining the Base
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In a large mixing bowl, add 2 cups shredded chicken and 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish. Use a spatula to gently fold until relish coats chicken evenly.
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Add 1/2 cup chopped egg salad and fold again, reserving some relish as garnish later for visual contrast.
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Measure 1/3 cup mayonnaise and add gradually. Stop when chicken salad reaches a creamy but not overbound texture.
Seasoning and Chilling
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Season with finely ground black pepper and a pinch of salt. Test flavor on white bread to adjust seasoning after mixing.
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Transfer to a lidded container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow proteins to firm up and flavors to integrate (max 3-5 days storage, see section 8).
Chef Tips for Perfect Results
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Use a mandoline for precise 1/4-inch chicken slices before shredding, ensuring even bite distribution.
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Fold ingredients in a zigzag motion to prevent mayo from over-emulsifying and binding too aggressively to relish.
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For extra depth, stir in 1 teaspoon smoked paprika to mimic Southern spice without pork additives.
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Chill in 55°F (13°C) refrigerator for 4 hours—the proteins will firm at this temp, creating a better bite.
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Add 1/2 cup chopped green onions 5 minutes before serving (avoid full hour of refrigeration to prevent moisture loss from vegetables).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overseasoning: Salt disrupts mayonnaise’s fat stability. Add 1/4 tsp first, then taste test.
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Under-chilling: Less than 2 hours leads to soft mouthfeel; proteins won’t firm adequately for texture.
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Using oil-based vinegar: The relish has enough acid. Extra vinegar increases weeping risk and compromises emulsion.
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Adding moisture-rich ingredients too early: Celery or onions should be added post-chill to maintain structural integrity.
Variations and Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitution | Impact on Flavor/Texture |
|---|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | Vegan Mayo (e.g., Follow Your Heart) | Maintains creaminess but reduces richness by 30%. Add 1/4 tsp mustard for binding stability. |
| Sweet Pickle Relish | Spicy Dill Relish or finely chopped pickled cucumbers | Increases tang and spiciness. Monitor sugar content to balance with eggs. |
| Hard-Boiled Eggs | Smoked Turkey Breasts (chopped) | Offers alternative protein base. Add 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce for umami replacement. |
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Pair this salad with grilled brioche rolls for a Chicken Salad Chick-style sandwich replica, toasted lightly to 350°F for optimal crust. For a standalone dish, serve in chilled white ceramic bowls over crushed ice to preserve texture. Elevate with a side of apple cider vinegar to complement the relish’s acidity, or a fruit salad for sweetness contrast at family gatherings or potlucks.
Storage and Reheating
| Method | Duration | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | 3-5 days | Store in airtight glass container. Best when consumed within 3 days with mayo intact. |
| Freezing | Not recommended | Mayo separates in sub-zero temps. Eggs develop a gelatinized texture from ice crystals. Freezing voids the emulsion integrity. |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (161g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Protein | 12g |
| Total Fat | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Sodium | 450mg (10% DV) |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 3g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but avoid heavily spiced varieties as they dilute the base flavor. Trim excess skin to reduce greasiness, which can destabilize the mayo emulsion.
Why does my chicken salad weep after chilling?
Over-chilling (beyond 5 days) or using acidic-heavy substitutes (e.g., lemon juice + vinegar) disrupt mayonnaise’s binding properties. Stick to the prescribed 4-hour minimum and 30°C fridge temp for structural stability.
How to replicate the slight smoky flavor without smoked paprika?
Simmer relish with 1/2 tsp light molasses and 1/4 tsp cumin over low heat. The Maillard browning of molasses will add depth safely while preserving emulsion.
Can I make this ahead for a picnic?
Prepare 12 hours in advance but add chopped vegetables (celery, onions) 60 minutes before serving. Use a dry ice layer (15% of volume) to maintain fridge temp of 40°F in transport containers.
What sides pair best with this salad?
Avoid creamy options. For contrast, serve with baked plantains (Maillard-browned to 400°F on cast iron) or zucchini noodles tossed with roasted garlic.
Conclusion
This Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Olivia’s Old South achieves a perfect marriage of creamy mayonnaise, tangy relish, and umami-rich egg salad. Whether you’re hosting a Southern brunch, elevating a potluck, or simply craving comfort food, this recipe delivers the restaurant’s bold essence straight to your kitchen. The first spoonful promises a satisfying crunch of relish, velvety egg, and tender chicken, all bound by a smooth, unctuous mayonnaise. Make this the centerpiece of your next gathering—its simplicity and sophistication ensure instant culinary approval.
