Last updated on February 18th, 2024 at 03:31 pm
This easy Chicken Salad Chick Pimento Cheese Recipe has only 12 ingredients. Takes only 10 minutes to make.
Chicken Salad Chick is a popular Southern restaurant chain. One of their most popular menu items is the pimento cheese side. This creamy, cheesy spread with flecks of pimento peppers is the perfect pairing for their chicken salads and sandwiches.
Fans have tried recreating the recipe at home with simple ingredients like cheddar, mayo, pimentos, and spices. The goal is to replicate the texture and flavor of the original Chicken Salad Chick version.
This easy Chicken Salad Chick Pimento Cheese Recipe has only 12 ingredients and takes only 10 minutes to make. It includes tips for texture and easy serving ideas. Follow along to make the cool, creamy, cheesy dip that Chicken Salad Chick fans will recognize and love.
Why Should You Choose This Recipe?
So many other recipes, so why would I choose this one? Well, here’s why:
Original Flavor
It perfectly recreates the flavor of Chicken Salad Chick’s original pimento cheese – The recipe calls for sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, pimento peppers, and spices like paprika to achieve the signature tangy, creamy flavor fans love.
Smooth Texture
The texture comes out smooth and spreadable every time – By shredding the cheese and carefully combining the ingredients, you can emulate the light yet rich consistency of the restaurant’s dip.
Simple Ingredients
The ingredient list is simple and easy to source – Unlike some copycat recipes, you don’t need hard-to-find items for this one. The recipe relies on staple ingredients you likely already stock in your kitchen.
Extremely versatile
This pimento cheese spread can be paired with crunchy crackers or veggies, used to top burgers or sandwiches, dolloped into omelets, stuffed into potato skins, and more.
Customizable
You can customize flavors to your tastes. Don’t like things too spicy? Leave out the cayenne. Have an aversion to mayo? Try using Greek yogurt instead. There’s room to tweak herbs and spices to your preferences.
Crowd-Pleaser
It makes a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack. Serve this pimento cheese out at parties and gatherings and watch it disappear in minutes. The flavor appeals to both kids’ and adults’ preferences.
How to Make Chicken Salad Chick Pimento Cheese
Like the name “Chicken Salad Chick”, their pimento cheese is a mouthwatering side. Let’s dive into the details of how you can make Chicken Salad Chick Pimento Cheese at home.
Essential Equipment’s
Here are the essential equipment needed for the Chicken Salad Chick Pimento Cheese Recipe:
- Box grater or food processor to shred cheddar cheese: Shredding the cheese helps create the smooth, creamy texture the pimento cheese is known for. A box grater works well for small batches, while a food processor is perfect for larger quantities.
- Mixing bowls (stainless steel or glass): You’ll need at least one medium-sized bowl to combine all the ingredients. Glass or stainless steel bowls are ideal as some ingredients could stain plastic.
- Spatulas and whisk: Whisk together the wet ingredients before folding them into the shredded cheese. Spatulas help incorporate everything smoothly. Have a few on hand.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Getting the ratio of mayo, spices, and other ingredients accurate is key, so have a complete set ready.
- Storage containers with tight sealing lids: Leftover pimento cheese needs an airtight container. Glass jars or plastic containers work well to store it in the fridge.
- Plastic wrap or parchment paper: Cover the finished pimento cheese tightly before refrigerating so it doesn’t pick up flavors from other foods.
- Knives and cutting board: You’ll need these to chop the pimento peppers. A sharp knife makes clean cuts.
- Crackers, cut veggies, bread, and other dippers: Be ready with crunchy dipping accompaniments to enjoy with your fresh pimento cheese!
Ingredients
To make Chicken Salad Chick Pimento Cheese, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 8oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 8oz extra sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
- 4oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce from chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 2 tablespoons minced pimentos
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chicken Salad Chick Pimento Cheese
Here are the instructions for making Chicken Salad Chick Pimento Cheese:
Step 1: Grate the Cheese
Grate the 8oz sharp cheddar cheese and 8oz extra sharp white cheddar cheese. Mix the grated cheese well with a rubber spatula in a large bowl.
Step 2: Soften and Add the Cream Cheese
Add the 4oz softened cream cheese to the grated cheddar cheese. Mix until the cream cheese is evenly incorporated, breaking up any large clumps.
Step 3: Mix in Wet Ingredients and Spices
Add the 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons adobo sauce, 2 tablespoons minced pimentos, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until uniform.
Step 4: Incorporate Everything Together
Use the rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl, ensuring all ingredients are fully mixed together. Mix vigorously for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth.
Step 5: Transfer to Container and Refrigerate
Transfer pimento cheese to an airtight container, smooth the top evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Step 6: Portion and Store Leftovers
Scoop desired portions to serve, packing firmly back down. Cover and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Pro tips for making Chicken Salad Chick Pimento Cheese
Here are some tips for you to make Chicken Salad Chick Pimento Cheese like a pro:
Choose the Right Cheese
Use a blend of sharp and extra sharp cheddar for a full bold flavor. The sharpness balances the rich creaminess.
Properly Soften Dairy
Bring all dairy products to room temperature before mixing to prevent clumping and uneven texture.
Slowly Blend Wet Ingredients
Drizzle in mayonnaise and sour cream slowly while mixing for even distribution. Don’t add all at once.
Gently Fold in Pimentos
Fold in pimento peppers gently to keep them intact for sweet bursts of flavor. Don’t overmix into mush.
Chill Overnight
If possible, chill cheese spread overnight (covered tightly) so all flavors marry into perfect harmony.
Nutritional Values of Chicken Salad Chick Pimento Cheese
The nutritional values for Chicken Salad Chick Pimento Cheese per serving are as follows:
- Calories: 570
- Total Fat: 52g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 750mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 2g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 24g
Health Benefits of Chicken Salad Chick Pimento Cheese
Here are some potential health benefits of Chicken Salad Chick pimento cheese based on its ingredients:
- Protein: The chicken in the salad provides a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Chicken is also a source of various vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin B6 and selenium.
- Cheese: The medium cheddar and pepper jack cheese used in the recipe are sources of calcium, which is important for bone health.
- Healthy Fats: The mayonnaise used in the recipe can provide some healthy fats, which are essential for absorbing certain vitamins and for overall cell health.
What You Can Serve with Chicken Salad Chick Pimento Cheese
Here are some tasty items that pair well with Chicken Salad Chick pimento cheese:
- Crackers – Classic choices like saltine, Ritz, or club crackers are great for spreading the pimento cheese on. Wheat crackers or seeded crackers also work.
- Sliced apples or pears – The sweet fruit complements the savory and creamy cheese.
- Celery sticks – Scoop or spread the cheese onto crisp celery for a nutritious snack.
- Carrot sticks or sliced bell peppers – Other veggie dippers that go nicely with the bold flavor of the cheese.
- Bread or toast – Slather pimento cheese on slices of bread, biscuits, cornbread, or toasted baguette slices.
- Cucumber rounds – Cool, refreshing cucumber provides contrast to the rich cheese.
- Chicken or turkey – Use it as a sandwich spread with sliced chicken, turkey or ham.
- Green tomatoes – Slices of fried or grilled green tomatoes work well with Southern-style cheese.
- On top of baked potatoes or burgers – Melted pimento cheese makes a great potato or burger topper.
Closure
And there you have it – a delicious homemade version of the creamy, spicy pimento cheese made famous by Chicken Salad Chick. With the right blend of cheddar cheeses, savory seasonings, and tangy dairy products, you can create that iconic southern flavor right in your own kitchen.
Be sure to follow the helpful pro tips provided for achieving the perfect smooth texture and well-balanced flavor each time. Gently handling the ingredients and properly chilling the spread makes all the difference.
Serve this crowd-pleasing pimento cheese at your next picnic or potluck and wait for all the rave reviews! It pairs wonderfully with crispy crackers, crusty bread, veggies, or pretzel crisps for dipping. Or try it slathered as the creamy filling in your favorite grilled cheese or pressed panini.
FAQs about Chicken Salad Chick Pimento Cheese Recipe
How should the pimento cheese be stored?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and will be good for up to 4 days.
Why is it called pimento cheese?
It’s called pimento cheese because it includes grated cheese and pimento peppers as the major ingredients.
How long can pimento cheese sit outside?
Pimento cheese can sit outside at room temperature for at least 2 hours. After this time the flavor begins to change and it does not taste as good so you should throw it out.
10 Minutes Chicken Salad Chick Pimento Cheese
Equipment
- Box grater or food processor
- Box grater or food processor
- Spatulas and whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Storage containers with tight sealing lids
- Plastic wrap or parchment paper
- Knives and cutting board
Ingredients
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese grated
- 8 oz extra sharp white cheddar cheese grated
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce from chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 2 tablespoons minced pimentos
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Grate the 8oz sharp cheddar cheese and 8oz extra sharp white cheddar cheese. Mix the grated cheese well with a rubber spatula in a large bowl.
- Add the 4oz softened cream cheese to the grated cheddar cheese. Mix until the cream cheese is evenly incorporated, breaking up any large clumps.
- Add the 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons adobo sauce, 2 tablespoons minced pimentos, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until uniform.
- Use the rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl, ensuring all ingredients are fully mixed together. Mix vigorously for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth.
- Transfer pimento cheese to an airtight container, smooth the top evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Scoop desired portions to serve, packing firmly back down. Cover and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 1 week.
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