17 Alabama Restaurants Keeping Classic Chicken Salad Front And Center

Chicken salad has a long, proud place in Alabama’s food traditions, and plenty of restaurants still treat it like the star it deserves to be.

Across the state, you’ll find cafés, delis, and hometown spots where the recipe hasn’t drifted far from what locals grew up loving: tender chicken, the right amount of crunch, and that perfect balance of creamy and flavorful.

Some places add a twist, others keep things comfortingly simple, but all serve it with the kind of care that turns a humble dish into a favorite.

1. Chicken Salad Chick

Born right here in Alabama, this beloved chain turned chicken salad into an art form with over a dozen flavor-packed varieties.

Founder Stacy Brown started selling her homemade recipes from her kitchen, and now folks across the South can enjoy her vision.

Every scoop is made fresh daily, from Classic Carol to Fancy Nancy, each with its own personality. Pair your choice with buttery croissants, crispy crackers, or fresh greens for the ultimate lunch experience.

2. Birdie’s Chicken Salad Co. (Northport)

Tucked away in Northport, this charming spot has built a loyal following with its simple approach to chicken salad greatness.

The owners believe in quality ingredients, generous portions, and flavors that remind you of grandma’s kitchen.

Their signature blend combines tender chicken with just the right amount of mayo and crunch. Locals swear by the sandwiches served on freshly baked bread that melts in your mouth with every bite.

3. O’Carr’s Delicatessen (Homewood)

Since opening its doors, this Homewood gem has been slinging top-notch deli fare with a focus on freshness and flavor.

Their chicken salad stands out because they refuse to cut corners, using real ingredients and time-tested recipes.

The texture hits differently here – perfectly balanced between creamy and chunky. Grab it by the pound to take home, or enjoy it piled high on their famous sandwiches that disappear faster than you can say lunch rush.

4. Homewood Gourmet (Homewood)

Homewood Gourmet takes chicken salad seriously, crafting batches that taste like someone’s secret family recipe.

They source quality poultry and mix it with ingredients that add depth without overpowering the star of the show.

What makes theirs special? A delicate balance of seasonings and a creamy texture that coats your palate just right.

Stop by for lunch or pick up a container for dinner – either way, you’re in for a treat that feels both fancy and comforting.

5. Real & Rosemary (Homewood/Mountain Brook)

Farm-to-table freshness meets Southern tradition at this trendy spot where chicken salad gets a wholesome upgrade. Real & Rosemary prides itself on clean ingredients, so you can taste the difference in every forkful.

Their version skips the heavy mayo overload, opting instead for lighter dressings that let the chicken shine.

Served atop crisp greens or tucked into wraps, it’s the kind of meal that satisfies your cravings without weighing you down afterward.

6. Ashley Mac’s Kitchen (Birmingham area)

Ashley Mac’s Kitchen brings comfort food vibes with chicken salad that tastes like a warm hug from an old friend.

This Birmingham favorite knows how to make dishes that feel like home, no matter where you grew up.

Expect generous servings with a creamy consistency and a hint of sweetness that keeps things interesting.

Whether you dine in or carry out, their chicken salad delivers satisfaction that makes you want to come back next week – and the week after that.

7. Continental Bakery / Chez Lulu (Birmingham/Mountain Brook)

French flair meets Alabama soul at this beloved bakery and bistro where chicken salad gets paired with crusty artisan bread.

Continental Bakery has been a Birmingham institution for years, and their deli offerings never disappoint.

The chicken salad here leans sophisticated, with herbs and seasonings that whisper elegance.

Grab a sandwich to go or settle in with a glass of wine and enjoy the European cafe ambiance that makes lunch feel like a mini vacation.

8. Urban Cookhouse (Birmingham/Homewood)

Health-conscious foodies flock to Urban Cookhouse for meals that taste indulgent but won’t derail your wellness goals.

Their chicken salad fits perfectly into that philosophy, packed with protein and light on unnecessary calories.

You can customize your order with different bases – lettuce wraps, grain bowls, or whole wheat bread.

The flavors stay bright and fresh, proving that eating well doesn’t mean sacrificing taste. It’s fast-casual dining done right, Birmingham style.

9. Dallas Mill Deli (Huntsville)

Huntsville locals have been making the trip to Dallas Mill Deli for years, and their chicken salad is a major reason why.

This spot understands that great deli food starts with quality ingredients and ends with generous portions.

Their recipe strikes that perfect balance between mayo-rich creaminess and chunky chicken pieces that give your jaw something to work with.

Grab it on a sandwich, in a wrap, or straight from the container—there’s really no wrong way to enjoy it here.

10. Good Company Cafe (Huntsville)

Good Company Cafe lives up to its name by providing not just excellent food but also a welcoming atmosphere where neighbors become friends.

Their chicken salad menu features multiple variations, each crafted with care and attention to detail.

What sets them apart? A commitment to freshness that you can taste in every bite.

11. Mason Dixon Bakery & Bistro (Huntsville)

Mason Dixon Bakery & Bistro combines two passions – baking and cooking – into one delicious destination.

Their chicken salad benefits from being served on bread that’s baked in-house daily, creating a sandwich experience that’s next-level amazing.

The filling itself is herb-forward with a texture that’s neither too wet nor too dry. Pair it with one of their famous cookies for dessert, and you’ve got a lunch that hits all the right notes from start to finish.

12. Regina’s Kitchen (Mobile)

Down in Mobile, Regina’s Kitchen serves up soul food that warms you from the inside out.

Their chicken salad might surprise you – it’s got that special something that comes from cooking with heart and a little bit of magic.

Locals rave about the seasoning blend that gives it a unique kick you won’t find anywhere else.

Served with classic Southern sides like potato salad or coleslaw, it’s a meal that represents Mobile’s culinary spirit perfectly.

13. The Cheese Cottage (Mobile)

The Cheese Cottage might focus on dairy delights, but their chicken salad deserves just as much attention.

This Mobile gem understands how to layer flavors, creating a version that’s sophisticated yet approachable for all palates.

They use premium ingredients that elevate the dish beyond basic lunch fare.

Pick up a container to enjoy at home with crackers and cheese, or grab a sandwich to go – either way, you’re supporting a local business that truly cares about quality.

14. Mrs. B’s Home Cooking (Montgomery)

Mrs. B’s is where Montgomery residents go when they’re craving food that tastes like Sunday dinner at grandma’s house.

Their chicken salad follows old-school methods, proving that sometimes the original recipe is the best recipe.

Expect big chunks of tender chicken mixed with a creamy dressing that’s been perfected over decades.

15. Vintage Café (Montgomery)

Step into Vintage Café and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time to when lunch counters ruled and recipes were passed down through generations.

Their chicken salad honors that heritage while keeping things fresh and flavorful.

The presentation is as charming as the atmosphere, served with pickles and chips that complete the classic lunch plate.