Southern Smoked Chicken Salad Recipe

Southern Smoked Chicken Salad Recipe cuisine has always had a special place in my heart.

One of my favorite ways to celebrate its rich flavors is by creating a dish that combines smoky, hearty elements with fresh, vibrant ingredients.

Today, I’m thrilled to share my Southern Smoked Chicken Salad recipe, a dish that is as delightful to the palate as it is beautiful on the plate.

This recipe combines perfectly smoked chicken’s deep, smoky flavors with the fresh, crispness of a bountiful salad.

The chicken rubbed in a blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs, is smoked to tender perfection, infusing each bite with a rich, savory depth.

The colorful medley of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers, black olives, and feta cheese offers a refreshing contrast to the warm, smoky chicken.

Topped with toasted pecans, each forkful brings a satisfying crunch that complements the soft textures of the salad.

Preparing this dish is a journey of sensory delights. From the aromatic spices that coat the chicken to the smoky tendrils that waft from the smoker, every step in the preparation process is an experience.

The final touch, a homemade dressing of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard, ties all the flavors together in a sweet and tangy embrace.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro at the smoker or trying it out for the first time, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding.

The joy of slicing into the juicy smoked chicken, assembling the vibrant salad, and drizzling it with the luscious dressing is incomparable.

It’s a dish that’s perfect for a family dinner, a weekend barbecue, or even a special occasion. I will guide you step by step through making this recipe. ‍So let’s go start.

Southern Smoked Chicken Salad Recipe

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: Approximately 45 minutes (including marinating and salad assembly)
• Cooking Time: 1.5 to 2 hours for smoking the chicken
• Total Time: About 2.5 to 3 hours
• Yield: Serves 4
• Calories: Approximately 400-450 calories per serving (varies based on portion size and dressing amount)

Ingredients

For The Smoked Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

For The Salad

• 4 cups fresh mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula, etc.)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup toasted pecans, chopped

For The Dressing

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Smoking the Chicken

Step-1.

Start by preparing your smoker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Aim for a temperature of around 225°F (107°C).

Step-2.

Combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This will be your dry rub.

Step-3.

Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Step-4.

Sprinkle the dry rub mixture generously over both sides of the chicken breasts.

Step-5.

Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the smoker grates and close the lid. Smoke for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step-6.

Once smoked to perfection, remove the chicken from the smoker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

Assembling The Salad

Step-1.

In a large salad bowl, arrange the mixed greens as the base.

Step-2.

Add the cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, diced cucumber, sliced black olives, and crumbled feta cheese on top of the greens.

Step-3.

Scatter the sliced smoked chicken evenly over the salad.

Step-4.

Sprinkle the toasted pecans over the salad for that delightful crunch.

Preparing The Dressing

Step-1.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step-2.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. You can adjust the amount of dressing to your taste.

Cooking Tips

• Marinate for Flavor: Marinate the chicken with the spice rub for at least 30 minutes before smoking to deepen the flavors.
• Monitor Smoker Temperature: Keep the smoker consistently at 225°F for even cooking.
• Rest the Chicken: Allow the smoked chicken to rest before slicing to retain juiciness.
• Fresh Greens: Use crisp greens for the salad base for better texture and flavor.
• Balance Dressing: Taste and adjust the salad dressing ingredients to find a perfect balance between sweet and tangy.
• Toast Pecans: Toast the pecans lightly to enhance their nutty flavor and crunch.
• Dress at the Last Minute: Add the dressing right before serving to keep the salad crisp.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Southern Smoked Chicken Salad with crusty bread or garlic toast, pair it with a light, crisp white wine or iced tea, and consider a fresh fruit dessert or a scoop of sorbet to complete the meal.

Conclusion

The Southern Smoked Chicken Salad Recipe was a delightful culinary adventure that seamlessly blended the deep, smoky flavors of the chicken with the crisp freshness of the salad.

Preparing and serving this dish was an immensely satisfying experience. The smiles and satisfied appetites of my guests were a testament to the success of this recipe.

The combination of tender smoked chicken, fresh greens, and the tangy-sweet dressing created a symphony of flavors that was both comforting and refreshing.

With its balance of heartiness and lightness, this recipe proved to be a perfect choice for any occasion, leaving everyone asking for more.

It was a proud moment to share a piece of Southern cuisine prepared with love and served with joy.

So you don’t delay anymore, start now. Don’t forget to share your salad-making experience with me. If you like this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friend.

FAQS