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Southern Chicken Salad Recipe
Ash Tyrrell

Southern Chicken Salad Recipe

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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Salad
Calories: 310
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.