Pittsburgh Chicken Salad Recipe

If you’re craving a salad that feels both hearty and refreshingly flavorful, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Pittsburgh Chicken Salad. This dish brings together tender, perfectly seasoned chicken with a zesty, creamy dressing studded with crisp veggies and the delightful zing of sweet pickle relish. It perfectly balances creamy, tangy, savory, and just a touch of sweetness—all wrapped up in one vibrant, satisfying salad that’s ideal for lunch or a light dinner. Trust me, once you try this Pittsburgh Chicken Salad, it might just become your new go-to for those days when you want something both comforting and bright.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Pittsburgh Chicken Salad is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the smoky spices on the chicken to the crunchy nuts and tangy dressing, these ingredients come together in the most delightful way—simple but essential.

• Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken for tender, lean protein that soaks up seasoning and dressing beautifully.
• Olive oil: Helps the spices stick to the chicken and adds a slight fruity richness.
• Smoked paprika: Gives the chicken a lovely smoky depth without overpowering.
• Garlic powder and onion powder: Add savory aromatic notes that enhance the chicken’s flavor.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy base that binds the salad together, Duke’s brand is recommended for its perfect tang.
• Sweet pickle relish: Brings a burst of sweetness and texture to the dressing, making every bite interesting.
• Celery and red onion: Provide crispness and a subtle bite, balancing the rich dressing.
• Dijon mustard: Adds tang and a slight kick, lifting the dressing perfectly.
• Apple cider vinegar and honey: Create a sweet-tart harmony that brightens the salad.
• Celery seed, salt, and black pepper: Season the dressing with just the right amount of earthiness and seasoning.
• Optional ingredients (blue cheese, dried cranberries, nuts): For that extra dimension of creaminess, sweetness, and crunch.
• Lettuce leaves, croissants, bread, crackers, tomato and avocado slices: Great options for serving that add freshness and texture.

How to Make Pittsburgh Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this helps the seasoning stick better and prevents steaming during cooking. Mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl, then coat your chicken well with this flavorful rub. This simple spice combo makes the chicken wonderfully fragrant and gives it that subtle smoky backdrop that defines this salad.

Step 2: Choose Your Cooking Method

Now is the part where you pick your favorite way to cook the chicken. Whether you decide to pan-sear, bake, or poach, the goal is juicy chicken cooked through to 165°F. Pan-searing creates a gorgeous golden crust, baking is low-fuss and hands-off, while poaching keeps the chicken exceptionally moist. Whichever method you choose, letting the chicken rest afterward is crucial to keep it tender and juicy.

Step 3: Shred or Dice the Chicken

Once rested, shred the chicken using two forks or dice into bite-sized pieces. This prepping step lets the chicken soak up the dressing evenly and makes every forkful satisfyingly tender.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk veggie additions and wet ingredients: mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, finely chopped celery and red onion, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Then stir in celery seed, salt, and black pepper. If using blue cheese, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts, gently fold them in now for added complexity and wonderful texture contrasts.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Dressing

Mix in the shredded or diced chicken with the dressing until everything is coated generously. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes—ideally 1 to 2 hours—so the flavors have a chance to mingle and deepen.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Before serving, give your Pittsburgh Chicken Salad a final taste test. Adjust salt, pepper, or a splash more vinegar if you want to brighten it a bit further. This little tweak ensures your salad hits the perfect balance every time.

How to Serve Pittsburgh Chicken Salad

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can elevate the Pittsburgh Chicken Salad to something truly special. Try topping with extra chopped nuts for crunch, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives for brightness, or a few thin slices of creamy avocado for buttery richness. Even simple tomato slices add a juicy, vibrant note that complements the salad beautifully.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Think crisp kettle-cooked chips or buttery croissants for a classic combo. A bowl of chilled soup or a light green salad on the side also makes an inviting contrast, perfect when you want a meal that feels balanced and not too heavy.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get creative! Serve the Pittsburgh Chicken Salad stuffed inside hollowed-out tomatoes or avocado halves for a lovely presentation. Lettuce wraps offer a refreshing low-carb alternative, while spreading it over toasted artisan bread turns it into a delightful open-faced sandwich that will impress guests at any casual gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pittsburgh Chicken Salad keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent the salad from drying out. Give it a gentle stir before serving leftovers to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and not recommended for freezing. The mayonnaise-based dressing can separate and the texture of fresh ingredients like celery and onion may suffer when thawed.

Reheating

Since this is a cold salad, reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer it slightly warmed, gently warm only the chicken before mixing it into the dressing to maintain freshness and texture.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Pittsburgh Chicken Salad?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and still delivers delicious results. Just shred or dice it and proceed with mixing it into the dressing as usual.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe?

If you want a lighter version, Greek yogurt is a great substitute that maintains creaminess with less fat. You can also try a blend of yogurt and a small amount of olive oil for richness.

Is Pittsburgh Chicken Salad gluten-free?

The salad itself is gluten-free if you skip the bread or croissants. Serve it on lettuce wraps or gluten-free crackers to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

How long should I chill the salad before serving?

At least 30 minutes, but preferably 1 to 2 hours helps the flavors meld beautifully and the salad taste even better.

Can I add other fruits or nuts to Pittsburgh Chicken Salad?

Definitely! Dried cranberries and walnuts or pecans are delightful, but you could also try dried cherries, toasted almonds, or even apple pieces for fun variations that suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

This Pittsburgh Chicken Salad is truly one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, meal prepping for the week, or serving guests, it’s a recipe that’s sure to impress and delight. Go ahead, give it a try and watch it become a cherished staple in your kitchen.

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