Copycat Calvin’s Chicken Salad Recipe

Craving that Baton Rouge chicken salad everyone raves about? If you’ve ever tasted Calvin’s Chicken Salad Recipe, you know it’s the perfect mix of creamy, tangy, and downright addictive. This Southern classic, straight from Calvin’s Bocage Market, has a cult following—and for good reason!

Whether you love it on a croissant, with crackers, or straight from the spoon (no judgment here!), I’ll show you how to recreate the best Calvin’s chicken salad recipe right in your kitchen. Let’s dive in and bring a taste of Baton Rouge to your table!

What is Calvin’s Chicken Salad?

Have you tried Calvin’s Chicken Salad Recipe? If not, you’re in for a treat. This dish is a Baton Rouge favorite. It’s creamy, tangy, and full of flavor. I first had it at Calvin’s Bocage Market. One bite, and I was hooked!

What makes it so good? It’s all about balance. Tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a zesty dressing come together perfectly. You can eat it on a croissant, with crackers, or straight from the bowl. It’s that good!

The best part? You don’t need to visit Baton Rouge to enjoy it. With this recipe, you can make Calvin’s Bocage Chicken Salad at home. It’s easy, delicious, and loved everywhere—from the USA to the UK and Canada. Let’s get started!

Looking for more southern-style comfort food? Try our Texas Roadhouse Broccoli Recipe for a tasty, veggie-packed side.

Ingredients for Calvin’s Chicken Salad Recipe

• 4 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup celery, finely chopped
• ¼ cup sliced almonds (optional)

Equipment and tools

• Cutting Board & Knife
• Mixing Bowl (Large)
•  Spoon or Spatula
• Measuring Cups & Spoons
• Food Processor (Optional)
•  Skillet or Toaster (Optional)
•  Airtight Container

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Serving Size: 6

How to Make Calvin’s Chicken Salad Recipe

Ready to make the best Calvin’s Chicken Salad Recipe? Let’s get cooking! This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process. It’s so easy you’ll feel like a pro in no time.

Step 1: Cook and Shred the Chicken: Start with 4 cups of cooked chicken breast. You can boil, bake, or use a rotisserie chicken for extra flavor. Shred it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Chop the Mix-Ins: Finely chop ½ cup of celery and any other veggies you love. Add crunch with sliced almonds, or swap in walnuts for a twist.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients: Toss the chicken, celery, and almonds into a large bowl. Add 1 cup of mayo, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 4: Mix It Up: Gently stir everything together. Don’t overmix—you want to keep that perfect, creamy texture.

Step 5: Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This lets the flavors blend beautifully.

Watch How to Make

Tips for the Best Calvin’s Chicken Salad

Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time and boost flavor with store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s juicy and tender and adds a smoky depth to the salad.

• Toast the Nuts: If you’re adding almonds or walnuts, toast them first. Just a few minutes in a dry pan brings out their natural crunch and richness.
• Chill Before Serving: Patience is key! Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least an hour. This lets the flavors mingle and creates that perfect creamy texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the ingredients together. Overmixing can make the salad mushy, and nobody wants that.
• Customize It: Add grapes for sweetness, apples for crunch, or a dash of hot sauce for a kick. Make it your own!

Looking for a refreshing salad with a spicy twist? You’ll love the Bartaco Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe perfect for balancing out richer dishes like this one!

How to Serve Calvin’s Chicken Salad

Now that you’ve made the best Calvin’s Chicken Salad Recipe let’s talk about how to serve it like a pro. This salad is so versatile; it’s like the little black dress of meals—perfect for any occasion!

• On a Bed of Lettuce: Keep it light and fresh by serving it over crisp romaine or butter lettuce. It’s a great way to enjoy the salad as a healthy, low-carb meal.
• As a Sandwich Filling: Spread it on a croissant, whole-grain bread, or even a bagel. Add a slice of tomato or avocado for extra flair.
• With Crackers or Chips: Perfect for parties! Scoop it up with your favorite crackers, pita chips, or even tortilla chips.
• As a Dip: Serve it in a bowl surrounded by veggie sticks like celery, carrots, or bell peppers. It’s a crowd-pleaser at potlucks!
• Pair It Right: A glass of iced tea, lemonade, or even a crisp white wine makes this salad shine. Add a side of fresh fruit for a complete meal.

What Makes Calvin’s Chicken Salad Special?

chicken Calvin’s salad is something special for sure! It all starts when the chicken is cooked just right and then diced into perfect little pieces of chicken. Using a food processor, Calvin finely minces onion and celery. Next, he adds the right seasoning, like garlic and cayenne, for that kick. A bit of paprika and garlic powder gives it flavor, while Hellmann’s and cream cheese make it super creamy. You can even taste the bouillon and chive in there!

Every bite wafts the cozy kitchen vibe right to your lunch table. It’s the kind of dish that seems to capture the essence of family and freshness. Perfect for chicken salad sandwiches or just enjoying on its own. I’ve heard it’s the best chicken salad around, especially when brought to work and shared! The cranberry bits and pecan pieces add a nice crunch. Plus, you can tweak the pepper to taste, depending on your mood. It’s like a taste of LSU football in a bowl!

FAQs about Calvin’s Chicken Salad

Can I make Calvin’s Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better when made ahead. Prepare the salad, cover it, and let it chill in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The flavors blend beautifully over time.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for 3-4 days. Give it a quick stir before serving to bring back that creamy texture.

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Canned chicken works in a pinch, but for the best Calvin’s Chicken Salad, I recommend using fresh or rotisserie chicken. It adds more flavor and a better texture.

Can I substitute mayonnaise in Calvin’s Bocage Chicken Salad?

Definitely! Try Greek yogurt or avocado mayo for a healthier twist. It still tastes creamy and delicious while being lighter.

What can I add to make this salad more flavorful?

Add-ins like grapes, apples, or dried cranberries bring sweetness. For crunch, try toasted almonds or pecans. A dash of hot sauce or paprika can also spice things up!

Is Calvin’s Chicken Salad gluten-free?

Yes, it is! Just double-check your ingredients, especially if you’re using store-bought mayo or dressings, to ensure they’re gluten-free.

Can I freeze Chicken Calvin’s Salad?

I don’t recommend freezing it. The mayo-based dressing can separate, and the texture won’t be the same when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

How can I serve Calvin’s Bocage Market Chicken Salad for a party?

Serve it as a dip with crackers or veggie sticks or as a sandwich filling on mini croissants. It’s a crowd-pleaser and perfect for gatherings!

Conclusion

You’ve got it all—the best Copycat Calvin’s Chicken Salad Recipe! Whether you love the original from Calvin’s Bocage Market or are new to it, this dish is a winner. It’s creamy, tangy, and full of flavor. This salad is more than food. It’s a taste of the South.

Serve it on bread, with crackers, or as a dip. Perfect for lunch, parties, or any casual gathering. Try it, tweak it, and make it your own. And don’t forget to check out the original inspiration at Desserts Capital’s Calvin’s Chicken Salad Recipe! Enjoy your homemade Calvin’s Bocage Chicken Salad!