My Smoked Chicken Salad bursts with flavor—tender, juicy chicken paired with tangy dressing, fresh herbs, sweet grapes, and crunchy pecans. For a family-favorite sandwich, serve it on buttery, flaky croissants.
Homemade Chicken Salad
Tender, smoky, bite-through chicken in a chicken salad? Absolutely! We’re saying goodbye to bland canned chicken and making this rich, creamy chicken salad with mouthwatering BBQ chicken grilled fresh in your own backyard. Plus, it’s packed with so many fresh, delicious ingredients that you’ll be tempted to devour it before serving. But hold off on that first bite!
When your friends and family try this mouthwatering salad, packed with sweet grapes, crunchy pecans, and fresh herbs, and topped with my signature rubs and sauces, they won’t be able to resist asking for more. Once your smoked chicken is ready, you’re just a few simple steps away from creating amazing sandwiches with this quick and easy chicken salad recipe. Let’s dive in!
The Best Chicken for Salad
I’ve provided simple instructions in this recipe for smoking tender, juicy chicken breasts. If you’re looking to explore other cooking methods or prepare a whole chicken to use across multiple dishes, I’ve got everything you need.
Chicken Salad Ingredients
With your choice of chicken decided, here’s a complete list of everything you’ll need for your smoked chicken salad, along with some healthy and dietary-friendly substitutions.
Chicken mixture
- Chicken Rub: Feel free to use any chicken seasoning you have on hand; keeping it simple will let the other flavors take center stage.
- Toasted Pecans: Swap in other chopped nuts like almonds or cashews if preferred.
- Red Grapes: For a sweet twist, try using diced apples or strawberries.
- Celery Ribs Green Onions
Salad Dressing
- If you’re aiming for a healthier salad option, you can swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt.
- Personally, I think it’s already healthy enough, but go with what feels best for you.
- You can grab Zesty Gold Sauce here, or alternatively, use Dijon mustard.
- Don’t forget the red wine vinegar, Italian parsley, celery seed, kosher salt, and black pepper for added flavor.
Smoked Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 Tablespoons Chicken BBQ Rub
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans lightly chopped
- 1 cup red grapes halved
- 3 ribs celery thinly sliced
- 3 green onions sliced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons Zesty Gold BBQ Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons fresh Italian parsley minced
- 1 Tablespoon celery seed
- Kosher salt to taste
- fresh cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by seasoning both sides of the 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 2 tablespoons of Chicken BBQ Rub. Meanwhile, preheat the smoker to 275°F.
- Smoke the chicken by placing the breasts on the grill grates and let them smoke for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once done, remove the chicken and allow it to cool completely.
- Get the mix-ins ready by chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces and placing them in a large bowl. Add the toasted pecans, red grapes, sliced celery ribs, and green onions to the bowl with the chicken (1/2 cup toasted pecans, 1 cup red grapes, 3 ribs celery, 3 green onions).
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of Zesty Gold BBQ Sauce, 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped Italian parsley, 1 teaspoon of celery seed, and a pinch of kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper in a separate bowl until well combined.
- Gently combine the chicken mixture with the dressing using a rubber spatula, then serve chilled.