Sometimes, you just need a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and quick to whip up, and this Southern Chicken Salad fits the bill perfectly. It’s creamy, hearty, and brimming with the soulful flavors of the South.
Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it as a midday meal, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. With tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a perfectly seasoned dressing, this chicken salad will have you coming back for seconds. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a sunny day.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds chicken breast
- 1–2 teaspoons olive oil (for brushing chicken)
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon celery salt
- ½ cup celery, finely diced
- ½ cup onions, finely diced
- 5 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 2 tablespoons sweet relish
- ¼ teaspoon dill weed
- ¾ cup Duke’s mayonnaise (adjust for desired creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- Fresh cracked black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
Equipment
- Baking pan
- Aluminum foil
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Spoon or spatula
How to Make This Recipe?
This Southern Chicken Salad is an easy recipe you can quickly make with a handful of ingredients. The blend of tender chicken and well-seasoned dressing creates a balance of flavors you’re going to love. Here’s how you can make it step-by-step!
Bake the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Take your chicken breasts, brush them lightly with olive oil, and season generously with a mixture of Old Bay, garlic powder, onion powder, and celery salt. Arrange them on a foil-lined baking pan and bake for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked. Once done, set the chicken aside to cool before chopping it into bite-sized chunks.
Prepare the Other Ingredients
While the chicken cools, dice the celery and onions finely. Boil your eggs and chop them once they’re ready. These ingredients add a nice texture and crunch to the salad.
Combine Everything
Now, take a large mixing bowl and add the chopped chicken, celery, onions, eggs, and sweet relish. Sprinkle in the dill weed, and mix everything well to combine. Slowly add the mayonnaise, a little at a time, while stirring until the mixture reaches your desired creaminess.
Final Touches
Finish by adding dried parsley and a good sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Cover your bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Give it a stir before serving.
Why I Love Making This Recipe?
I love making this Southern Chicken Salad because it reminds me of those lazy summer afternoons spent with my family. The tangy relish and the rich mayo take me back to our backyard picnics, where this dish was always the star. It’s such a versatile and satisfying recipe that I often make a double batch because it disappears so quickly!
Tips and Variations
This chicken salad is versatile enough for a little experimentation. After making it a few times, here are some of my favorite variations that you could try:
- Add diced apples or grapes for a fresh, sweet crunch.
- Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version.
- Sprinkle in smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
- Swap celery for celery seed if you aren’t a fan of the crunch.
I’ve tried adding dried cranberries once, and it was a lovely sweet-tart twist that paired so well with the spices.
Serving Suggestions
This Southern Chicken Salad is a fantastic addition to almost any meal. Serve it on buttery croissants, over a bed of fresh lettuce, or with club crackers for a quick snack. It’s also great loaded onto toasted bread for a hearty sandwich. Pair it with refreshing sides like watermelon slices or iced tea for the ultimate Southern experience.
Storage and Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3–5 days. If the salad gathers some liquid, just give it a good stir before serving. Avoid freezing it, as the texture may change. For best results, try to enjoy the salad within a couple of days.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an estimate per serving:
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 22g
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making chicken salad might sound easy, but a few mistakes can easily affect its flavor and texture. Here are some common issues and how to avoid them:
- Overcooking or undercooking the chicken: Dry or rubbery chicken can ruin the salad. Bake the chicken until it’s just done to ensure it stays juicy.
- Using too much mayonnaise: Adding too much mayo can drown the other flavors. Add it gradually until you reach just the right creaminess.
- Skipping the chilling step: Giving the salad time to chill is crucial to allow the flavors to meld. Don’t skip this step for the best results.
- Not tasting as you go: Seasoning is key in this recipe, so taste and adjust while mixing to get a perfectly balanced flavor.
This savory Southern Chicken Salad is your next go-to dish on a warm afternoon or during a festive gathering. It’s easy to make, packed with rich flavors, and will leave everyone reaching for seconds!
Southern Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Take your chicken breasts, brush them lightly with olive oil, and season generously with a mixture of Old Bay, garlic powder, onion powder, and celery salt. Arrange them on a foil-lined baking pan and bake for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked. Once done, set the chicken aside to cool before chopping it into bite-sized chunks.
- While the chicken cools, dice the celery and onions finely. Boil your eggs and chop them once they’re ready. These ingredients add a nice texture and crunch to the salad.
- Now, take a large mixing bowl and add the chopped chicken, celery, onions, eggs, and sweet relish. Sprinkle in the dill weed, and mix everything well to combine. Slowly add the mayonnaise, a little at a time, while stirring until the mixture reaches your desired creaminess.
- Finish by adding dried parsley and a good sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Cover your bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Give it a stir before serving.
Notes
- Add diced apples or grapes for a fresh, sweet crunch.
- Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version.
- Sprinkle in smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
- Swap celery for celery seed if you aren’t a fan of the crunch.
