Mrs. Estelle’s Chicken Salad
This recipe is our family favorite. Using three special ingredients, you will create a classic flavor profile that makes for the best Southern chicken salad!
Jump to RecipeMy mother and grandma make the best chicken salad. Every time someone comes over and tries it, they immediately ask for the recipe. My grandmother was given the recipe by a lady at her church named Mrs. Estelle, and we have been using it ever since. Today, I am going to teach you how to make this delicious chicken salad. Be prepared for this to be your new favorite recipe!
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Ingredients
2 1/2 cups (12oz raw) cooked chopped chicken breast/tenderloin
1/2 cup of finely chopped celery
1/2 cup of peeled and finely chopped red apple
2 Tbsp. Sweet Pickle Salad Cubes
2 Tbsp. Finely Chopped Pecans
1/2 cup real mayonnaise
1/2 tsp yellow mustard
Salt and Pepper (To Taste)
Notes:
You do not have to use red apples, but we have found that they taste the best. Also, canned chicken and dark meat are replacement options. These replacements will alter the taste of the recipe.
Preparation:
You will start this recipe by cooking the chicken. While you can cook it any way you prefer, my favorite method is to boil the chicken.
Before you boil the chicken, you will want to cut it into even strips if using chicken breast. This is why I prefer to use tenderloins. After cutting up the chicken, bring a pot of water to boil. Drop into the water, then cover and cook on low for ten minutes. Make sure to temp your chicken after pulling it out of the water.
You’ll want to shred your chicken well before adding the rest of the ingredients. You can do this with two forks or with a hand mixer. If using a hand mixer, make sure to use an extra large bowl! Add the mayo and mustard first and mix them together. Then, you can slowly add the rest of the ingredients.
Once you have added the ingredients, taste the chicken salad. Add a spoonful of mayo until the desired texture is achieved!
Mrs Estelle’s Chicken Salad
Course: LunchCuisine: Southern AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes20
minutes287
kcalThis chicken salad is a favorite in our family! With the sweet taste of the pickles and the tartness from the apples, this salad will surely please everyone at your next gathering.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups (12oz raw) cooked chopped chicken breast/tenderloin
1/2 cup of finely chopped celery
1/2 cup of peeled and finely chopped red apple
2 Tbsp. Sweet Pickle Salad Cubes
2 Tbsp. Finely Chopped Pecans
1/2 cup real mayonnaise
1/2 tsp yellow mustard
Salt and Pepper (To Taste)
Directions
- Cooking the Chicken
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- If using chicken breast, cut into tenderloin-sized strips.
- Add chicken to boiling water and reduce heat to low.
- Cover and cook for ten minutes.
- Remove chicken from water and check temperature.
- Assembly
- Add cooked chicken to a large bowl, shred with a knife or use a hand mixer.
- Mix mayo and mustard together, and mix into chicken
- Mix in celery, red apple, sweet salad cubes, and finely chopped pecans. Add salt and pepper to taste. Use a little of the sweet pickle juice if desired.
- Refrigerate before serving.
Notes
- Store up to three days in the refrigerator.
What did you think of the recipe? Let us know in the comments, and leave a review! Remember to pin this recipe so you are able to find it easily next time!
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This chicken salad recipe was fantastic! Usually I’m picky with my chicken salad but this was great! Even down to the walnuts, it had great flavor and a good variety of texture. 10/10! Definitely in my family’s weekly meal rotation.
