Dinah Shore’s Southern Belle Chicken Salad
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Description:
Inspired by the culinary tradition of Southern hospitality, Dinah Shore’s Chicken Salad captures the essence of classic Southern flavors with a luxurious twist. Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, Dinah’s family recipe reflects the indulgent and rich characteristics of Southern cuisine, where the motto is often “the more, the merrier,” especially when it comes to delicious ingredients like mayonnaise and cream. This recipe is a testament to that tradition, incorporating tender chicken breast, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy, nutty dressing that brings out the best in each component. While the preparation time might seem extensive, the resulting dish is well worth the wait, offering a satisfying blend of textures and flavors perfect for a hearty lunch or as a delightful snack. Just remember, for the freshest taste, it’s best served chilled.
Ingredients:
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup grated onion
- 1/4 cup chopped hard-boiled eggs (about 2 eggs)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup pecans, chopped
- 2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup capers, drained
Instructions:
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Marinate the Chicken: Begin by cooking the boneless, skinless chicken breasts until fully cooked. Once cooked, cube the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Place these cubes in a bowl and cover them with French dressing. Refrigerate the chicken for 3 to 4 hours, allowing it to marinate and absorb the flavors. After marinating, drain off the French dressing and discard it.
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Prepare the Vegetables and Eggs: While the chicken is marinating, finely chop the celery, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Grate the onion and chop the hard-boiled eggs. This step can be done simultaneously with the chicken marinating to save time.
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Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, mix together the marinated chicken, chopped celery, bell peppers, grated onion, chopped hard-boiled eggs, salt, and pepper. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
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Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise with the heavy cream. Add in the chopped pecans, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and drained capers. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
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Mix the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Gently stir the salad to ensure the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.
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Chill and Serve: For best results, refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill thoroughly. If you’re preparing the salad in advance, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving. This will prevent the whipped cream from losing its light, airy texture.
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Enjoy: Serve the chicken salad chilled, and savor the rich, creamy flavors and crunchy textures that make this dish a classic Southern delight. Perfect as a stand-alone lunch or served with crackers, this recipe embodies the warmth and generosity of Southern cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 436.4
- Fat: 30.3g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 138.8mg
- Sodium: 977.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 11.1g
- Fiber: 1.1g
- Sugar: 7g
- Protein: 30.3g
Enjoy this delectable Southern Chicken Salad and indulge in a taste of classic Southern hospitality, where every bite brings comfort and delight.
