Delicious Smoked Chicken Salad Recipe – Easy, Quick & Healthy

Elevate your lunch game with this irresistible smoky twist on classic chicken salad.

Discover the magic of smoky flavors in this delectable chicken salad. By utilizing your smoker to its fullest potential, you’ll create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to impress. The combination of tender smoked chicken, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing results in a salad that’s perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

This recipe transforms ordinary chicken salad into a culinary adventure. By slow-smoking a whole chicken over applewood, you’ll infuse it with rich, complex flavors that perfectly complement the creamy dressing. The addition of barbecue-inspired ingredients like smoked paprika and cider vinegar takes this dish to new heights, creating a unique fusion of traditional and smoky tastes.

Prepare to be amazed by the depth of flavor in this smoked chicken salad. The initial boldness of the smoked chicken is beautifully balanced by the creamy mayonnaise-based dressing. Fresh celery and scallions add a delightful crunch, while the vinegar and lemon juice provide a zesty tang reminiscent of white barbecue sauce. This isn’t just any chicken salad – it’s a smoky, savory masterpiece that will have you coming back for more.

Irresistible Smoked Chicken Salad

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (3 1/2 to 4 pounds;1.6 to 1.8kg), halved
• 1/4 cup your favorite barbecue rub (1 ounce; 30g)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (4 ounces; 115g)
• 3/4 cup (2 1/2 ounces; 70g) finely chopped celery (about 2 medium stalks)
• 1/3 cup (3/4 ounce; 20g) finely sliced scallion (about 1 medium)
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lemon juice from 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 fist-size chunk of light smoking wood, such as apple or cherry

Directions

1. Begin by generously coating the chicken with your chosen barbecue rub. Preheat your smoker or grill to 225°F (107°C). Once it reaches temperature, add chunks of smoking wood. When you see smoke, place the chicken in the smoker or grill, skin side up. Smoke until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 160°F (71°C), which typically takes 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Remove the chicken and allow it to cool completely for about an hour.
2. While the chicken cools, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, celery, scallions, lemon juice, vinegar, paprika, hot sauce, and celery seeds. Mix well to create a flavorful base for your salad.
3. Once cooled, remove the meat from the skin and bones, discarding them. Roughly chop the meat and place it in a large bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken and stir until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Your smoked chicken salad is now ready to serve! If not eating immediately, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Pro Tips

For best results, use a charcoal grill for smoking. The charcoal imparts an additional layer of flavor that complements the applewood smoke beautifully. Remember to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the smoking process for perfectly cooked chicken.