Best 2 Smoky Chicken Salad Recipes

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Indulge in a taste of smoky, savory delight with our comprehensive guide to preparing the ultimate chicken salad. This versatile dish tantalizes taste buds with its unique blend of flavors and textures. Discover three distinct recipes that showcase the versatility of chicken salad, each offering a unique culinary experience. Embark on a culinary journey as we explore a classic mayonnaise-based chicken salad, an avocado-infused rendition, and a tangy mustard-based variation. Along the way, uncover the secrets to selecting the perfect chicken, mastering essential techniques, and elevating your chicken salad with an array of delectable ingredients. Prepare to elevate your palate and satisfy your cravings with this collection of exceptional chicken salad recipes.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

SMOKY CHIPOTLE-CHICKEN CORN CHOWDER WITH SALSA SALAD



Smoky Chipotle-Chicken Corn Chowder with Salsa Salad image

Categories     Salad     Sauce     Chicken     Corn     Simmer

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 20

5 tablespoons EVOO (extra-virgin olive oil)
1 large onion, chopped
3 large garlic cloves, chopped
1 chipotle chili in adobo, chopped
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/3 handful
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (eyeball it)
Salt and black pepper
20 white or yellow tortilla chips, plus some for garnish
1 quart chicken stock
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise, then cut into small bite-size pieces
2 10-ounce boxes frozen corn kernels
Juice of 2 limes
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (eyeball it)
2 ripe Hass avocados
1 pint grape tomatoes
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, a palmful, chopped
1 small head romaine lettuce, washed and coarsely chopped
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, a generous handful, chopped

Steps:

  • Preheat a soup pot over medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons of the EVOO, twice around the pan. Add the onions, garlic, chipotle, celery, coriander, cumin, and a little salt and pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes or until the onions are slightly tender, stirring frequently.
  • While the onions are cooking, in a food processor grind the tortilla chips until they are pretty fine. If you don't have a food processor, put the chips in a resealable plastic bag and smash them up using a rolling pin until you don't feel like doing it anymore. They might not be ground as fine as they would be in the machine, but it won't matter in the end. You need about 1 cup of ground chips; since different brands of chips come in different sizes, adjust the amount you grind accordingly. Add the ground chips to the onions, stir to combine, then add the chicken stock, bring it up to a bubble, and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes. Add the chicken and frozen corn and continue to cook it for 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  • While the soup is cooking, prepare the salsa salad. To make the dressing, in a small mixing bowl combine the juice of 1 lime, the mustard, and a little salt and pepper. In a slow steady stream whisk in the remaining 3 tablespoons of EVOO. Reserve the dressing.
  • Cut all around the circumference of the avocados, lengthwise and down to the pit. Twist and separate the halved fruit. Remove the pit with a spoon, then scoop the flesh out in one piece from both halves, chop it into bite-size pieces, and transfer it to a salad bowl. Cut the grape tomatoes in half and add them to the avocados along with the cilantro, chopped romaine lettuce, and chopped red onion. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss it to coat and combine.
  • If the soup becomes too thick, adjust it by adding a little more stock, and if it is too thin, let it continue to cook and reduce until it is to your liking. Taste and check for seasoning, adjust with a little salt and pepper, and if you want more heat, you have that hot sauce on hand, so use it. Add the parsley and serve the soup with the salsa salad alongside. Garnish each bowl of soup with a chip or two.

SMOKY HAWAIIAN CHICKEN SALAD



Smoky Hawaiian Chicken Salad image

I was obsessed with this chicken salad when it was served at Long John Silvers in the late '80s. It was eventually removed from the menu and massive cravings led me to develop my own formula and reproduce it at home. The smokehouse almonds are the secret ingredient. I have tried it with both mayonnaise and Miracle Whip but the Miracle Whip is much more authentic. Sweet, smoky and super tasty!

Provided by Mercy

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

3 cups boneless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded or finely chopped
3/4 cup celery, diced
1 cup pineapple tidbits, drained
1 cup almonds, smoked flavor,finely chopped (almost ground)
1/2 cup raisins
1 cup Miracle Whip

Steps:

  • Toss the first five ingredients together until the almond chips coat all of the ingredients.
  • Fold in the Miracle Whip and blend well.
  • Chill for a minimum of an hour before serving in order to let the flavors develop (cooking time is actually chill time).
  • Serve a large scoop on a bed of lettuce with buttery crackers.

Tips:

  • For the best flavor, use smoked chicken that has been smoked over a variety of woods, such as hickory, oak, and mesquite.
  • If you don't have any smoked chicken, you can cook your own chicken breasts in a smoker or on a grill.
  • Be sure to shred the chicken into small pieces so that it will mix well with the other ingredients.
  • Use a variety of fresh herbs in the salad, such as parsley, cilantro, and dill.
  • Add some chopped nuts or seeds to the salad for a crunchy texture.
  • Serve the salad on a bed of lettuce or greens.

Conclusion:

Smoky chicken salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. It's a great way to use up leftover smoked chicken, and it's also a healthy and flavorful option. With its smoky flavor, variety of textures, and fresh herbs, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.

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