There are restaurants like Max & Chz, focused solely on Mac n’ cheese, and then there’s Noodles & Company that focuses on…you get the point. So why not have a restaurant devoted to chicken salad?
The answer is that Chicken Salad Chick does just that…and does it extremely well.
This hot, new restaurant chain that started in the South by Stacy Brown at Auburn University, has really taken off, providing a dozen of different varieties of chicken salad, most of which I had the pleasure of tasting.
Honored by being named one of Nation’s Restaurant News’ 2015 “Breakout Brands,” the restaurant is a must-visit. And if you think there is only one type of chicken salad you have never been more wrong.
The menu boasts at least a dozen different chicken salads by the pound, deli sandwiches, gourmet soups and specials, so there is something for everyone to choose from.
Making the decision is the tough part, but finally, I decided on trying the Chic Trio first: any three chicken salads or side items served with a pickle spear and wheat crackers, simply because I wanted to try a few different types of chicken salad.
My absolute favorite? Mimi’s mix, which had a nice blend of cashews and Fuji apples.
But the Cranberry Kelli, which contained dried, sweetened cranberries and slivered almonds and the Classic Carol, the classic chicken salad that started it all, were definitely nothing to be upset about.
The chicken salads all had a nice, creamy consistency, but definitely not overdone. Each bite was just as flavorful as the last. And pairing the chicken salads with the wheat crackers was a phenomenal experience.
I know it doesn’t sound like much, but this place does chicken salad and it does it right.
If you’re in the mood for wings, the Buffalo Barclay is right up your alley. Is BBQ your thing? The Barbie – Q chicken salad, featuring a hickory smoked BBQ flavor is sure to please. Feeling brave? Go with the Kickin’ Kay Lynne, which contains buffalo sauce, ranch, bacon, shredded cheese, & jalapenos all in one!
A meal isn’t the same without side dishes and Chicken Salad Chick has some pretty good ones. My favorite, the Grape Salad, was absolutely to-die-for, featuring red and white seedless grapes covered in a delicious cream cheese mixture, topped with brown sugar and pecans.
My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
Other sides include a really good broccoli salad, featuring broccoli florets, mixed cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, topped with bacon and a pasta salad with rotini pasta in an Italian based dressing with feta and Parmesan cheeses, black olives and artichoke hearts.
Soups are featured each day, so make sure to ask about them when you visit! If you have a sweet tooth, Chicken Salad Chick also features a cookie of the day.
Overall, I was extremely impressed with the amazing atmosphere of the restaurant and the delicious food. Needless to say, I will be returning. And luckily for me, they have locations in seven states including: Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, in case I’m out of town.
Chicken Salad Chick is now giving you the opportunity to win a free lunch. All of you have to do is post a review or photo to any of their social media sites they’ll pick a winning lunch every month! Use the hashtag, #chickensaladchick or #happychick to be eligible to win.
Chicken Salad Chick Recipes for Bucs Fans
Try some of these delicious recipes for your next football Sunday watch party:
Nutty Nana Crisp-tini: A slice of Granny Smith apple topped with Nutty Nana chicken salad & a pecan half
Pimento Cheese Pops: Pimento cheese, coated in crushed pecans and crispy bacon on a popsicle stick.
Classic Carol Phyllo Cup: Phyllo pastry cups filled with Classic Carol chicken salad and topped with a sprig of dill and a sliver of red bell pepper.
What’s your favorite thing to eat at Chicken Salad Chick? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us at Dive In Tampa Bay.
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