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Southern Smoked Chicken Salad Recipe

Southern Smoked Chicken Salad Recipe

Shikta Ghosh
Southern Smoked Chicken Salad Recipes 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.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Course chicken salad
Cuisine American, Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

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
  • ½ red onion thinly sliced
  • ½ cucumber diced
  • ¼ cup sliced black olives
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ¼ cup toasted pecans chopped

For The Dressing

  • ¼ 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

  • Start by preparing your smoker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Aim for a temperature of around 225°F (107°C).
  • Combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This will be your dry rub.
  • Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated.
  • Sprinkle the dry rub mixture generously over both sides of the chicken breasts.
  • 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).
  • 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

  • In a large salad bowl, arrange the mixed greens as the base.
  • Add the cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, diced cucumber, sliced black olives, and crumbled feta cheese on top of the greens.
  • Scatter the sliced smoked chicken evenly over the salad.
  • Sprinkle the toasted pecans over the salad for that delightful crunch.

Preparing The Dressing

  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  • Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. You can adjust the amount of dressing to your taste.

Notes

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.
Keyword Southern Smoked Chicken Salad Recipe