Sassy Scotty Chicken Salad Recipe
If you’re a fan of Chicken Salad Chick’s flavors, then this Sassy Scotty Chicken Salad recipe is a must-try. Packed with crispy bacon, shredded Cheddar cheese, and a creamy ranch-seasoned dressing, this dish takes chicken salad to the next level.
Whether you’re planning a picnic, a meal-prepped lunch, or just craving something hearty yet refreshing, this recipe is a great way to add a flavorful twist to your week. Plus, you won’t need to visit a restaurant to enjoy these delicious flavors!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing seasoning mix
- 1 stalk celery, minced
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4 cups
Equipment
- Measuring spoons
- Cast-iron skillet
- Metal tongs
- Dry measuring cups
- Food processor
- Small mixing bowl
- Large mixing bowl
- Rimmed baking sheet
How to Make This Recipe?
Making Sassy Scotty Chicken Salad at home is both simple and satisfying, and the best part is that you can customize it to suit your preferences. Follow these easy steps to whip up a batch that tastes just like the one at the restaurant.
Step 1: Cook and Shred the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly season the chicken breasts with kosher salt and black pepper, then place them on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate to cool slightly. Cut it into chunks and shred it using a food processor for even results.
Step 2: Prepare the Bacon
While the chicken cools, cook the bacon in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Turn the slices occasionally until they’re browned and crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain. Once cooled, finely chop or crumble them into small bits.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
Combine the mayonnaise and ranch dressing seasoning mix in a small bowl. Stir it well to ensure the flavors are fully blended. This creamy mixture is the key to that signature taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Take the shredded chicken and place it in a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped bacon, minced celery, shredded Cheddar cheese, and the mayonnaise mixture. Mix everything thoroughly so that every bite is loaded with those delicious flavors. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Why I Love Making This Recipe?
I’ve always loved recipes that are quick to assemble and perfect for multiple occasions, and this Sassy Scotty Chicken Salad is no exception. Not only is it incredibly flavorful with its creamy, cheesy, and smoky notes, but it’s also a nostalgic dish that reminds me of family lunches or simple summer dinners. Plus, knowing I can recreate this restaurant favorite at home anytime feels like a win!
Tips and Variations
There’s so much versatility in this recipe, and I love experimenting with different tweaks to make it even better.
- Add more crunch with toasted pecans or sliced almonds. They make each bite extra interesting.
- Make it spicy by stirring in a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika into the mayo mixture.
- Try different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for subtle changes in flavor.
- Use rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time. Shredding a store-bought rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
- I recommend shredding the chicken while it’s still warm for the best texture. Using a mixer for shredding is another great hack!
Serving Suggestions
This chicken salad is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Scoop it onto buttery croissants for irresistible sandwiches, serve it over fresh greens for a lighter option, or pair it with crackers for an easy appetizer. It’s also a delightful addition to a trio of salads alongside egg salad and potato salad.
Storage and Leftovers
Store your Sassy Scotty Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best flavor and texture, I don’t recommend freezing it. To freshen up leftovers, give the salad a gentle stir before serving.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutrition per serving (approximately 1 cup):
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 30g
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to avoid mistakes with this recipe, but here are a few tips to ensure success every time.
- Undercooking chicken can make it unsafe to eat. Always check that the internal temperature hits 165°F.
- Overcooking the bacon can leave it too dry and crumbly. Remove it from the skillet as soon as it crisps up.
- Skipping the chilling time can prevent the flavors from fully melding, so don’t skip refrigeration.
- Relying on table salt instead of kosher salt might result in overly salty chicken. Kosher salt is more balanced for seasoning.
Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying Sassy Scotty Chicken Salad! It’s creamy, cheesy, and so easy to love.
Sassy Scotty Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly season the chicken breasts with kosher salt and black pepper, then place them on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate to cool slightly. Cut it into chunks and shred it using a food processor for even results.
- While the chicken cools, cook the bacon in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Turn the slices occasionally until they’re browned and crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain. Once cooled, finely chop or crumble them into small bits.
- Combine the mayonnaise and ranch dressing seasoning mix in a small bowl. Stir it well to ensure the flavors are fully blended. This creamy mixture is the key to that signature taste.
- Take the shredded chicken and place it in a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped bacon, minced celery, shredded Cheddar cheese, and the mayonnaise mixture. Mix everything thoroughly so that every bite is loaded with those delicious flavors. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Add more crunch with toasted pecans or sliced almonds. They make each bite extra interesting.
- Make it spicy by stirring in a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika into the mayo mixture.
- Try different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for subtle changes in flavor.
- Use rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time. Shredding a store-bought rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
- I recommend shredding the chicken while it’s still warm for the best texture. Using a mixer for shredding is another great hack!
