The Chicken Scoop Has Hatched In Scottsdale

One of my favorite things from childhood was the family gatherings that our huge family would have every couple of months back home in Illinois. My mom is one of 14 kids and that leads to A LOT of aunts, uncles and cousins. We would normally have them at a centralized park and everyone would bring a different dish to contribute. One thing that was definitely present at each and every gathering was chicken salad.

We’ve already established that I am not a frequent maker of foods in my own household, so I can’t say that I ever really attempted to make my own version of chicken salad and now, there is literally no need.

The Chicken Scoop in Scottsdale’s Promenade has me completely covered. With 14 different flavors of chicken salad there is bound to be at least one flavor that is going to knock your socks off, if not more. Dana McCurdy has introduced a never-been-done-before-in-Arizona concept that is sure to bring in chicken salad lovers in droves.

“We’ve taken one of the most All-American comfort foods and put our own spin on it, fourteen times over,” said Dana McCurdy, Owner of The Chicken Scoop. “Whether you dine at our place, take it home to enjoy with your family or grab-and-go for picnics, tailgating or catering events – there’s a flavor for everyone.”

McCurdy continues; “Our chicken salad flavors are based on recipes that were a part of growing up in the South. We’d enjoy making new recipes for friends and family at BBQs, picnics and parties. Back then we used shredded chicken to put our own little spin on chicken salad. Now, at The Chicken Scoop, we use all-natural, never frozen, hormone-free & gluten free shredded chicken. We can’t wait to meet Valley residents who are ready for something refreshingly different for lunch or dinner.”

Let’s break it down!

What is the vibe at The Chicken Scoop?

This place is all about Southern hospitality. From the time you walk in and place your order you are going to be welcomed warmly and checked on a time or two to make sure you’re well fed and happy. The space is decorated like a charming farmhouse (this extends to the restrooms – love the continuity!) and invokes that feeling of warmth and friendliness. I’m originally from a small farm town, so the space here definitely was heartwarming to me. It’s the perfect spot to pop in after a long day of shopping, to grab a quick bite with friends, or to bring the whole family when you don’t feel like cooking.

14 flavors of chicken salad, really? Really!

All of the flavors that are currently on the menu (more seasonal varieties can be expected soon) are created using fresh all-natural white meat chicken and all flavors are gluten-free.

The Original| mayo, minced celery and seasoning

The BBQ| bacon, cheddar and barbeque sauce

The Buffalo| red hot wing sauce

The Caesar| parmesan cheese and creamy Caesar dressing

The Chipotle| black beans, corn and smoky chipotle sauce

The Curry| raisins, almonds and curry seasoning

The Pesto| basil pesto sauce, feta crumbles and cream cheese dressing

The Popper| jalapenos, bacon and cream cheese dressing

The Southern| chopped eggs, mustard and sweet pickle relish

The Southwest| jalapenos, cheddar and Southwest seasoning

The Spicy Thai| cashews, green onion and spicy Thai sauce

The Sweet Berry| cranberries and pecans

The Veggie Dip| cucumber, carrots and home style ranch

The Waldorf| grapes, apples and walnuts

All of the flavors are mayonnaise based with the exception of The Pesto and The Popper that are cream cheese based. I recently got to try a bite of every flavor and while all of them were tasty, I definitely have my favorites.

The Buffalo was far and away my absolute favorite. It has all the subtle heat that you would expect and there is no better delivery system for buffalo sauce than chicken, right?

The Southern was another great one. I absolutely love deviled eggs and this had all of that flavor and the chicken gave it a new texture that I like.

I was surprised by how much I liked The Curry. The smoky flavor wasn’t too overpowering and the fruit and nuts welcomed.

I was so excited about The Waldorf, as this was a dish that was also at every single family get-together. The Chicken Scoop version took me back to be seven years old and trying to chase down my uncles with water balloons.

So, how does ordering at The Chicken Scoop work?

There are a few ways to go here when it comes to ordering. You can get a single, double or triple scoop meal that will come with crackers, your choice of a side and the most precious serving of banana puddin’ you ever saw. Mix it up however you like with all of one flavor or a variety.

You can also get The Scoopwich which will be the delivery system for one scoop of chicken salad of your choice along with a side and that puddin’. You can get sourdough, honey wheat, 9-grain, a croissant or spinach wrap.

The Toastie works the same way as The Scoopwich except, well, its toasted! You can get a Melted Scoop which is one scoop, tomato, your choice of cheddar, provolone, pepper jack or swiss cheese along with a side (and puddin’!).

Afraid of all those carbs? No worries! They also have The Garden Scoop with will get your choice of single scoop perched on top of an herb garden, sweet poppy or chopped blue cheese salad.

There are also a variety of sides from Black Eyed Pea Salad, Broccoli Slaw, Loaded Potato Salad, mixed fruit or Metro Deli kettle cooked chips.

If you’re looking to feed a crowd or need to bring something to a pot-luck, The Chicken Scoop also offers grab and go options as well as family style packages and catering options.

I really love the idea of this place and can’t wait to hear what you all think of it. If you head out between now and August 6^th, they are offering prizes to the first 50 customers of the day. Prizes will include free food (yum!), t-shirts, travel cups and catering for up to 10 people. Check them out once and I am sure you will be back!

Location

The Chicken Scoop| 16495 N. Scottsdale Road| Scottsdale| 85254| 480.219.9419

**We would never try to trick you! So you should know that I was invited to The Chicken Scoop to check out the space, learn about the concept and try some menu items. All the tastes, comments, and recommendations are made by me. Although I received my meal for free, my words and opinions are my own and cannot be influenced by a free meal. Check out our Disclosure Policy for more information. **

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© Taryn Jeffries 2016