Prepare the Chicken: If you haven’t already, cook and shred your chicken. You can boil, bake, or use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Once cooked, make sure the chicken is finely chopped or shredded to match the texture of Buc-ee’s chicken salad.
Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Add the Crunch: Add the finely diced celery and red onion to the bowl. If you’re using any of the optional ingredients like grapes, almonds, or eggs, add them now.
Combine with Chicken: Add the shredded chicken to the bowl with the mayonnaise mixture. Use a spatula or spoon to fold the chicken into the mixture, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated.
Season: Taste the chicken salad and season with salt and pepper. Adjust the seasoning as necessary, and if you prefer a creamier texture, you might add a little more mayonnaise.
Chill: For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least an hour. This step allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serve: Serve the chicken salad on its own, as a sandwich filling, or atop a bed of greens for a salad. It’s versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways.
