Old-Fashioned Southern Chicken Salad
Introduction
Old-Fashioned Southern Chicken Salad is a classic comfort food with a creamy texture and a perfect balance of savory chicken, tangy pickles, and crunchy vegetables. Traditionally served on buttery croissants, it is a favorite at teas, luncheons, and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Cooked chicken breast – 4 cups, shredded or finely diced (rotisserie chicken works well)
Mayonnaise – 1 cup, high-quality (Duke’s is a Southern favorite)
Celery – 1 cup, finely diced
Sweet pickle relish or diced dill pickles – ½ cup
Hard-boiled eggs – 2 large, finely chopped
Green onions or red onion – ¼ cup, finely minced
Yellow mustard – 1 teaspoon
Salt – to taste
Black pepper – to taste
Fresh, large buttery croissants – for serving
Instructions
If not using pre-cooked chicken, poach or roast chicken breasts until tender.
Allow the chicken to cool completely, then shred or finely dice.
Finely dice celery, onions, and hard-boiled eggs.
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, relish, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken, eggs, celery, and onions to the bowl.
Fold gently until the chicken is thoroughly coated in the dressing.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
Serve on sliced croissants or a bed of fresh lettuce.
How to Make
Shred chicken instead of cubing to create a scoopable texture.
Pile the salad high on the bottom half of a toasted croissant.
Allow some salad to spill over the edges for a rustic, appetizing look.
Garnish with additional green onions or a light sprinkle of paprika.
Use a gentle folding motion to maintain the integrity of the eggs and celery.
Variations
Fruity Southern – Add 1 cup halved red grapes and ½ cup toasted pecans.
Spicy Southern – Mix in 1 tablespoon diced pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Herbed Chicken Salad – Fold in fresh dill or tarragon for brightness.
Classic with Bacon – Add ½ cup crispy cooked bacon pieces for extra savory crunch.
Lemon-Infused – Stir in 1 teaspoon lemon juice for a fresh, tangy note.
Tips
Don’t over-mix; folding preserves the texture of the eggs and celery.
Taste after chilling for 30 minutes and adjust salt or pepper as needed.
Pat celery dry after dicing to prevent watery salad.
Lightly toast croissants in the oven for 2–3 minutes to prevent sogginess.
Use high-quality mayonnaise for the creamiest flavor.
Conclusion
Whether served in a bowl for a potluck or piled onto a buttery croissant, Old-Fashioned Southern Chicken Salad is the ultimate comfort food. Simple, reliable, and full of nostalgic flavor, it proves that some classics are worth keeping unchanged.
If you want, I can also create a Southern-style side pairing guide, like honey mustard dressing or a potato salad, to complete the meal.
Do you want me to do that next?