On Aug. 7, the Southern-based chain restaurant, Chicken Salad Chick, opened a location on Leesburg Pike. Situated in the Idylwood Plaza shopping center, the establishment offers an array of chicken, egg and vegetable salads, as well as pimento cheese dishes and baked goods.
Starting in a humble house kitchen in Auburn, Alabama, Chicken Salad Chick launched from entrepreneur Stacy Brown’s aspirations to create and refine the most deliciously unforgettable chicken salad recipe. This pursuit of poultry perfection would culminate in 12 unique flavors, each given a snappy, alliterative title and divided neatly into four menu categories: traditional, savory, fruity and spicy. Since its inception in 2008, the franchise has grown to nearly 300 locations scattered throughout the United States, with future plans to add more locations in Northern Virginia.
The Idylwood Plaza branch of Chicken Salad Chick is as homey and cozy as the comfort food it serves. The cushy booths of the seating area feature flowery vines and floral patterns. A circular painting of the restaurant’s mascot–a chic, grinning woman with a blond bob and a wicker basket looped around her arm–greets customers as they enter, backdropped by the gentle mint green color of the walls. The casual atmosphere makes for a laid-back and relaxed dining experience.
Traditional
The most fitting option to start this review off would be the recipe that sparked the franchise: the Classic Carol. The sandwich is as classic as its name would imply, consisting of just chicken, mayonnaise, celery pieces and the restaurant’s signature seasoning. The soft bread compliments the chewy texture of the chicken and sets off the delicate crunch of the celery. The mayonnaise, a satisfying consistency, softens the chicken chunks without turning the dish mushy. Though its simple taste may seem underwhelming compared to its lively counterparts on the menu, this option is ideal for diners who do not like to deviate from tradition.
Savory
The Sassy Scotty fulfills its title with a punchy flavor. The recipe amps up the formula of the Classic Carol, sprinkling in notes of bacon and ranch. Cheddar cheese shreds are speckled within the mixture, further smoothening the texture. The salty richness of the bacon enhances the lean chicken, evident without being excessive. The Barbie-Q, on the other hand, wasn’t quite as satisfyingly subtle. Although there is a nice smoky flair to this version of the recipe, the barbecue tang slightly overpowers the chicken salad, making for more of a BBQ chicken sandwich instead.
Fruity
For those who bite with a sweet tooth, the Fruity Fran–splashed with Fuji apple cubes, pineapple chunks and grape slices–is a faultless choice. The ripe sweetness of the grapes forms a refreshing contrast with the saccharine burst of pineapple, the flavorful juxtaposition pairing with the savory chicken. Though the thick density of the grape slices made the sandwich a bit messy to eat, what the texture lacked, the pineapple redeemed. Tender and melty, the pineapple chunks were a delectably addictive addition to the salad.
Spicy
The Jalapeno Holly infuses a fiery kick into the classic chicken salad with diced pieces of pepper blended into the recipe. While the mayonnaise serves to neutralize the overall burn, the seeds still grant a simmering sting in each bite. For diners wanting a slight zing to their sandwich, this dish is the way to go.
Conclusion
While the chicken salad is the centerpiece, the meal does not necessarily end there. Each to-go order includes a small cookie with glossy vanilla frosting. Soft, crumbly, and delightfully sweet without being overwhelmingly so, the cookie punctuates the essence of the food this restaurant offers: light and airy.
Chicken Salad Chick brings a new cuisine option to the Idylwood Plaza, catering to cravings of Southern-style fare. There’s a chicken salad flavor to appeal to any appetite, for those seeking sweet and savory, tangy ranch, subtle spice or even just the familiar classics–all delivered with a comfortingly simple taste.
