There’s something special about classic Southern chicken salad. It’s creamy, flavorful, and full of textures that keep every bite interesting. Growing up, I remember my grandmother making a big batch on Sunday afternoons, served with fresh buttered croissants or crisp lettuce leaves. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy celery, tangy relish, and rich mayonnaise made it impossible to resist.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
The beauty of classic Southern chicken salad lies in its balance — seasoned chicken, creamy dressing, and just the right amount of crunch. Using oven-baked chicken breast seasoned with Old Bay ensures the meat is tender yet flavorful, while hard-boiled eggs give it a rich Southern touch. The relish and dill weed add brightness, keeping the salad from feeling too heavy.
This recipe also holds up beautifully in the fridge, making it a perfect make-ahead option. Serve it on sandwiches, crackers, or even stuffed into fresh tomatoes for a cool, elegant presentation.
It’s a dish that works just as well for a casual picnic as it does for a baby shower or holiday brunch. If you like lighter twists, you might also enjoy my refreshing Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps or the slightly sweet and nutty Chicken Salad with Grapes & Pecans for a unique flavor variation.
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Classic Southern Chicken Salad – Creamy, Savory & Perfect for Any Occasion
Classic Southern chicken salad made with tender baked chicken, creamy dressing, crunchy celery, onions, and eggs. Perfect for sandwiches or crackers.
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
1½ pounds chicken breast
1–2 teaspoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon celery salt
½ cup celery, finely diced
½ cup onions, finely diced
5 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
2 tablespoons sweet relish
¼ teaspoon dill weed
¾ cup Duke’s mayonnaise
1 tablespoon dried parsley
Fresh cracked black pepper
Salt and extra seasonings if desired
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a pan with foil.
2. Brush chicken lightly with olive oil.
3. Mix Old Bay, garlic powder, onion powder, and celery salt. Sprinkle generously over chicken.
4. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until cooked through. Cool completely.
5. Dice chicken into small chunks and place in a large bowl.
6. Add celery, onions, eggs, relish, and dill weed.
7. Stir in mayonnaise gradually until desired creaminess is reached.
8. Add parsley and black pepper; adjust seasonings as needed.
9. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Use Duke’s mayonnaise for authentic Southern flavor.
Serve with croissants, crackers, or lettuce wraps.
Keeps up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking & Mixing
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Ingredients & Preparation Tips for Classic Southern Chicken Salad
Simple Ingredients with Southern Charm
What makes classic Southern chicken salad so comforting is how a few basic ingredients come together for incredible flavor. The base starts with cooked chicken breast — oven-baked with a blend of Old Bay, garlic powder, onion powder, and celery salt for that signature savory taste. Fresh celery and onions bring crunch, while chopped hard-boiled eggs add creaminess and a hint of richness.
The dressing is a mix of Duke’s mayonnaise, sweet relish, dill weed, and dried parsley, giving a tangy and herby flavor profile that complements the chicken perfectly. For other flavor-packed versions, you can check out my Chicken Salad with Avocado Dressing or the sweet-tart combination in my Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad.
Preparation Tips for the Best Texture
For tender chicken, avoid overbaking. Start checking for doneness at 20 minutes to keep it moist. Once cooled, dice the chicken into small, even chunks so it blends smoothly with the dressing. When mixing in the mayonnaise, start with less and add more until you reach your desired creaminess — this prevents it from becoming too heavy.
Chill the salad for at least an hour before serving. This step allows the flavors to meld together and gives the dressing a chance to thicken slightly, making the salad taste even better.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Classic Southern Chicken Salad
Cooking the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Brush chicken breasts lightly with olive oil, then season generously with Old Bay, garlic powder, onion powder, and celery salt on both sides. Bake for 20–25 minutes, checking early to avoid overcooking. Once done, allow the chicken to cool completely before dicing into bite-sized chunks.
If you enjoy fresh summer flavors in your salads, my Peach Basil Chicken Salad offers a sweet herbal twist, and the Grilled Peach Chicken Salad brings in a smoky element perfect for warm evenings.
Assembling the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, celery, onions, chopped hard-boiled eggs, sweet relish, and dill weed. Start by folding in the mayonnaise gradually, mixing until everything is well coated but not overly wet. Stir in dried parsley, season with freshly cracked black pepper, and taste for any adjustments. Add extra salt, pepper, or spices if desired.
Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Give the salad a quick stir before plating to redistribute the dressing and ingredients evenly.
Serving & Storage Tips for Classic Southern Chicken Salad
How to Serve
Classic Southern chicken salad is incredibly versatile, making it ideal for everything from weekday lunches to elegant gatherings. Serve it chilled on flaky buttered croissants for a rich, bakery-style sandwich, or spoon it onto a bed of crisp lettuce for a lighter, low-carb option. It also pairs beautifully with crackers as an appetizer.
If you love bold flavor twists, try my Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad for a spicy kick, or the fruity crunch of my Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad for a fresh and sweet variation.
Storage Tips
Store chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving to refresh the texture. For food safety, avoid leaving it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
If you’re prepping for a party or event, you can cook and dice the chicken a day ahead, then mix in the remaining ingredients right before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions about Classic Southern Chicken Salad
What is Southern style chicken salad?
Southern style chicken salad typically features diced cooked chicken, mayonnaise, hard-boiled eggs, celery, onions, and relish, all seasoned for a rich, tangy flavor. It’s often served on croissants, crackers, or lettuce.
What goes in classic chicken salad?
Classic chicken salad includes cooked chicken, mayonnaise, and a mix of crunchy vegetables like celery and onions. Many Southern recipes also add eggs, relish, and herbs for extra flavor.
What are the 4 ingredients in chicken salad?
The simplest chicken salad can be made with chicken, mayonnaise, celery, and seasonings. From there, you can customize it with extra mix-ins to suit your taste.
What’s in Olivia’s Old South chicken salad?
Olivia’s Old South chicken salad is known for its combination of chicken, mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, and hard-boiled eggs, creating a creamy, tangy, and traditional Southern flavor.
Conclusion
Classic Southern chicken salad is the kind of recipe that never goes out of style — creamy, savory, and endlessly versatile. With tender seasoned chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a rich, tangy dressing, it’s perfect for everything from weekday lunches to special events. Serve it on croissants, with crackers, or in lettuce cups, and you’ll have a dish that’s just as delicious as it is timeless.
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