What distinguishes this recipe as authentically Southern? It certainly doesn’t skimp on the mayonnaise! Having grown up in the South, I vividly remember my first bite of a Chick-Fil-A chicken salad sandwich. Here’s a little background: I was raised on predominantly homemade meals meticulously prepared by my Vietnamese-American immigrant parents. This meant if we wanted French fries, we had to peel the potatoes and fry them ourselves — absolutely nothing came from a freezer! Initially, the idea of a chicken sandwich drowning in processed mayonnaise didn’t appeal to me. However, the moment I tasted it, I was pleasantly surprised. The mayonnaise was a key ingredient that made it incredibly delicious!
Over the years, as I have moved around the country, my recipe has been continuously refined. However, I refuse to reduce the amount of mayonnaise used. I also believe that fresh dill significantly enhances the dish. Its licorice flavor adds an extra dimension of freshness and sophistication, in my opinion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Versatility: Serve it as a sandwich, dip, or salad.
- Flavor Packed: The perfect blend of savory, creamy, and slightly sweet.
- Make-Ahead: Ideal for preparing ahead of time for picnics, lunches, or parties.
Equipment You’ll Need
Large Mixing Bowl – I love these stainless steel mixing bowls from Priority Chef because it has a lid that is super convenient for refrigerator storage.
Food Processor (optional): you can shred the chicken with a fork or toss it into the food processor if you are pressed for time. I love my Cuisinart Food Processor, it is such a life-saver!
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Start with 2 cups of finely chopped or shredded cooked chicken. Roasting or poaching your chicken breasts is preferable for moist and tender meat.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, finely diced celery, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and fresh dill. Mix these ingredients until well blended.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
- Fold the chicken into the mixture until evenly coated. Here, you can also add optional ingredients like grapes, or nuts which is true to Southern Chicken Salad but I am not a fan therefore I left off of this recipe but I know many people love the added sweetness of the grapes or the texture of the nuts so by all means add them and see if you like it!
Step 4: Season and Chill
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and a dash of smoked paprika. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. This resting phase allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve your Southern chicken salad on fresh croissants, sourdough bread, as a topping for a green salad, or a dip with pita chips. It’s versatile and delicious any way it’s presented!
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Salad
- Chicken Prep: For the best flavor and texture, use chicken that is not too dry. Roasting chicken breasts in the oven with a simple seasoning of salt and pepper usually does the trick.
- Adjust Consistency: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the amount of mayonnaise to make the salad creamier or lighter.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving really enhances the flavors.
Southern-Style Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken** preferably roasted or poached, then finely chopped or shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise** adjust more or less to taste
- 1/4 cup finely diced celery** adds a nice crunch
- 1/4 cup finely chopped dill
- 4 hard-boiled eggs (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped sweet pickles** or relish *optional
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper** to taste
- Optional: Chopped grapes or nuts for extra texture and flavor**
Instructions
Prepare The Chicken
- Start with 2 cups of finely chopped or shredded cooked chicken. Roasting or poaching your chicken breasts is preferable for moist and tender meat.
Mix Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, finely diced celery, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and fresh dill. Mix these ingredients until well blended.
Add The Chicken
- Fold the chicken into the mixture until evenly coated. Here, you can also add optional ingredients like grapes, or nuts which is true to Southern Chicken Salad but I am not a fan therefore I left off of this recipe but I know many people love the added sweetness of the grapes or the texture of the nuts so by all means add them and see if you like it!
Season & Chill
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and a dash of smoked paprika. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. This resting phase allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve your Southern chicken salad on fresh croissants, sourdough bread, as a topping for a green salad, or a dip with pita chips. It’s versatile and delicious any way it’s presented!
Southern chicken salad is more than just a dish; it’s a reminder of home cooking, served with love and nostalgia. It’s simple yet satisfying, making it a timeless choice for any occasion. Whether it’s a casual lunch, family potluck, or a special gathering, this salad stands out with its delightful mix of flavors and textures. Give this recipe a try, and bring a piece of Southern charm to your table.
So go ahead, whip up this easy recipe and let the comforting flavors of the South transform your meal into something truly special. Bon appétit, y’all!
