Hey y’all! If you’re looking for the perfect, down-home Southern chicken salad, you’re in for a treat. This recipe comes straight from Brenda Gantt’s kitchen, made with love and simple ingredients that bring out the best flavors.
Brenda Gantt’s Chicken Salad is a Southern-style dish featuring tender boiled chicken, crisp celery, sweet apple chunks, and creamy mayonnaise, with optional mix-ins like pecans, grapes, or cranberries. It’s a delicious and versatile recipe like the Brenda Gantt’s Chicken and Dumplings, that works as a snack, meal, or make-ahead dish for gatherings.
Get ready to whip up this delicious chicken salad in no time. You’ll love how easy it is to make, and it’s perfect for keeping in the fridge for quick bites whenever hunger strikes!
What Does Brenda Gantt’s Chicken Salad Taste Like?
Brenda Gantt’s Chicken Salad is a perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, and slightly sweet flavors. The tender, juicy chicken is the star, while crisp celery adds a refreshing bite.
The chopped Gala apple brings a touch of natural sweetness and a slight tartness, balancing the richness of the mayonnaise. A hint of salt and black pepper enhances the overall taste, making it savory yet light. If you add pecans, grapes, or cranberries, you’ll get extra bursts of texture and sweetness.
Every bite is smooth, crunchy, and flavorful, making this chicken salad a comforting Southern classic that’s perfect for snacking or serving at gatherings.
Ingredients Required for Brenda Gantt’s Chicken Salad Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Brenda Gantt’s Chicken Salad
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4–5 ribs of celery, diced small
- 1 Gala apple, chopped (keep the peel for color and texture)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- Chopped pecans
- Red grapes, halved
- Dried cranberries
Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need
- Large pot (for boiling chicken)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6
How to Make Brenda Gantt’s Chicken Salad
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Brenda Gantt’s Chicken Salad at home
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a large pot and cover with water. Lightly salt the water and bring it to a gentle boil. Cook for about 12–15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove from the water and let cool for a few minutes.
Step 2: Chop the Ingredients
Cut the cooked chicken into small chunks (or shred it if you prefer). Dice the celery into tiny squares. Slice the apple into thin slivers, then chop into bite-sized pieces. (Avoid Red Delicious apples; their skin is tough!)
Step 3: Mix Everything Together
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, celery, and apple. Add mayonnaise, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well until everything is evenly coated. Adjust seasoning if needed-a little more pepper and mayo can make a big difference!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the chicken salad into a serving dish or airtight container. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve. Enjoy with crackers, on a sandwich, or straight from the bowl!
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Brenda Gantt’s Chicken Salad
1. Classic Chicken Salad Sandwich
Alright, let’s start with the obvious-sandwiches! We love piling this chicken salad high on two slices of soft white bread or buttery croissants. Add a little lettuce for crunch, and oh my goodness, it’s heavenly! Sometimes, we even toast the bread just a little to give it that perfect bite.
2. Chicken Salad with Crackers
When we’re feeling snacky (which is pretty much all the time), we grab a sleeve of buttery Ritz crackers or some crunchy saltines and just scoop up the chicken salad. It’s the perfect no-fuss snack, and let’s be honest, sometimes it turns into a whole meal!
3. Stuffed Avocado
If you’re trying to keep things a little lighter, this one’s for you. Just cut an avocado in half, take out the seed, and fill the hole with a big ol’ scoop of chicken salad. The creaminess of the avocado with the tangy chicken salad? Oh, it’s chef’s kiss!
4. Over a Bed of Lettuce
Sometimes, we’re in the mood for something fresh and light, so we serve it over a bed of crisp romaine or butter lettuce. A little sprinkle of black pepper on top, maybe even a drizzle of balsamic glaze-y’all, it’s a simple but fancy-looking salad that takes no effort at all.
5. Chicken Salad Wrap
Now, if you’ve never had chicken salad wrapped up in a soft flour tortilla, you’ve been missing out. We spread a little extra mayo or even a thin layer of cream cheese on the tortilla, pile on the chicken salad, and roll it up like a burrito. So easy and perfect for on-the-go lunches!
6. Inside a Tomato Bowl
This one’s a little old-school, but trust us, it’s good. Take a big, juicy Brenda Gantt’s Tomato Pie, cut the top off, scoop out the insides, and stuff it full of chicken salad. It’s fresh, it’s pretty, and it just feels fancy-even if we’re just eating it at the kitchen table in our pajamas!
7. With Pita Bread or Naan
When we want something a little different, we grab some soft pita bread or warm naan and scoop up the chicken salad with it. The bread soaks up all that creamy goodness, and it’s honestly addictive. Sometimes, we even sprinkle a little feta cheese on top for extra flavor!
8. Chicken Salad Crostini
Okay, this is our fancy party trick-take thin slices of baguette, toast them until crispy, and top each one with a spoonful of chicken salad. It’s the easiest little appetizer, and people always think we put way more effort into it than we actually did!
9. Wrapped in Lettuce Cups
For those days when we pretend we’re eating healthy, we swap out the bread for big crunchy lettuce leaves (but don’t worry, we still add a good amount of chicken salad!). It’s crisp, fresh, and makes us feel a little better about going back for seconds… or thirds.
10. On a Baked Sweet Potato
Now, hear us out on this one-a warm, baked sweet potato topped with a scoop of chilled chicken salad is something special. The sweetness of the potato with the creamy, savory chicken salad? Y’all, it’s a game-changer. Just trust us and try it!
Some Tips on This Brenda Gantt’s Chicken Salad Recipe
1. Don’t Overboil the Chicken
I learned this the hard way! If you boil the chicken too long, it gets tough and dry. Just cook it until it’s done, about 12–15 minutes, and let it rest before chopping.
2. Chunky or Shredded? Your Choice!
I like my chicken chunky, but if you love a softer texture, go ahead and shred it. Either way, it’s delicious!
3. Pre-Cut the Celery for a Head Start
If you’re short on time, cut the celery ahead of time and store it in the fridge. It saves time and keeps things easy when you’re ready to mix everything together.
4. Pick the Right Apple
Not all apples work for this recipe! I never use Red Delicious because the peel is tough. Gala apples are my go-to-they’re sweet, crisp, and easy to eat.
5. Add Mayo a Little at a Time
Start with less mayo than you think you need. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in!
6. Salt and Pepper Matter
I always season my chicken while it’s boiling-just a little salt in the water makes a big difference. Then, after mixing everything, taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Chill Before Serving
I like to let my chicken salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. It helps the flavors come together and makes it taste even better!
8. Make It Your Own!
This recipe is great as-is, but you can have fun with it! I love adding pecans, grapes, or dried cranberries-but I skip them when my grandson asks for it plain.
9. Serve It However You Like
You don’t have to eat it with just crackers! Try it on toasted bread, inside a croissant, or wrapped in lettuce for a fresh twist.
10. Store It Right
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll stay fresh for about 3 days. But let’s be real-it never lasts that long in my house!
How to Store and Reheat Brenda Gantt’s Chicken Salad Properly
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the chicken and chop the celery in advance for quick assembly later.
Do Not Freeze: Mayo-based salads don’t freeze well, as they tend to separate.
Brenda Gantt’s Chicken Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 –5 ribs of celery diced small
- 1 Gala apple chopped (keep the peel for color and texture)
- ½ cup mayonnaise adjust to taste
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped pecans
- Red grapes halved
- Dried cranberries
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in a large pot and cover with water. Lightly salt the water and bring it to a gentle boil. Cook for about 12–15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove from the water and let cool for a few minutes.
- Cut the cooked chicken into small chunks (or shred it if you prefer). Dice the celery into tiny squares. Slice the apple into thin slivers, then chop into bite-sized pieces. (Avoid Red Delicious apples; their skin is tough!)
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, celery, and apple. Add mayonnaise, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well until everything is evenly coated. Adjust seasoning if needed-a little more pepper and mayo can make a big difference!
- Transfer the chicken salad into a serving dish or airtight container. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve. Enjoy with crackers, on a sandwich, or straight from the bowl!
Video
Notes
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the chicken and chop the celery in advance for quick assembly later.
Do Not Freeze: Mayo-based salads don’t freeze well, as they tend to separate.
Common Queries on This Brenda Gantt’s Chicken Salad Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Brenda Gantt’s Chicken Salad Recipe that people often ask.
1. What is in a 3-ingredient chicken salad?
A simple 3-ingredient chicken salad usually includes cooked chicken, mayonnaise, and celery. It’s super basic but still tasty! If you want to add more flavor, try a pinch of salt, pepper, or a splash of lemon juice. But trust us, adding apples, pecans, or grapes takes it to a whole new level!
2. What recipes are in Brenda Gantt’s cookbook?
Brenda Gantt’s cookbooks, It’s Gonna Be Good, Y’all and Linger Around the Table, Y’all, are packed with Southern comfort food recipes. You’ll find classics like biscuits, cornbread, casseroles, pies, and of course, her famous chicken salad. If you love down-home cooking, her books are a must-have!
3. What are the ingredients in chicken salad?
A traditional chicken salad usually includes:
Chicken (boiled or roasted)
Mayonnaise (for creaminess)
Celery (for crunch)
Apples, grapes, or nuts (optional, for sweetness and texture)
Salt & pepper (for seasoning)
Everyone has their own twist, and Brenda Gantt’s version keeps it simple but delicious!
4. How does Gordon Ramsay make chicken salad?
Gordon Ramsay’s chicken salad is a bit fancier! He typically uses grilled chicken, a light dressing with Greek yogurt or crème fraîche, and fresh herbs like tarragon or parsley. He also loves adding toasted nuts, Dijon mustard, and a splash of lemon juice for extra flavor. It’s a more gourmet take, but if you want good old-fashioned Southern comfort, Brenda’s version is the way to go!
5. Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, we highly recommend making it ahead so the flavors blend together. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll be good for up to 3 days.
6. What’s the best type of apple to use?
From our experience, Gala apples work best because they’re crispy and slightly sweet without a tough peel. Avoid Red Delicious apples-their skin is too thick, and the texture gets mushy.
7. How do I make the chicken extra tender?
The key is not overcooking it! Boil the chicken just until it’s done (about 12–15 minutes for big chicken breasts), then let it rest before chopping. If you cook it too long, it’ll turn dry and tough.
8. What’s the best way to serve this chicken salad?
Oh, there are so many ways! We love it:
With crackers (perfect for snacking)
On toast or a croissant (makes a great sandwich)
Over lettuce (for a low-carb meal)
With a spoon right out of the bowl (because sometimes you just can’t wait!)
9. Can I add other mix-ins?
For sure! We love adding:
Pecans (for crunch). Grapes (for sweetness). Dried cranberries (adds a festive touch). Chopped boiled eggs (for extra protein). A dash of hot sauce (if you like a little kick). Brenda’s grandson keeps it simple, but you can mix it up however you like!
10. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of boiling my own?
Yep, and it’s a huge time-saver! Just shred or chop up a store-bought rotisserie chicken and mix it in. The seasoning from the rotisserie chicken adds even more flavor.
Brenda Gantt’s Chicken Salad is the ultimate comfort food-simple, delicious, and perfect for snacking or serving guests. Whether you make it for family, a holiday meal, or just to have on hand for quick bites, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Now, y’all go ahead and give it a try-trust me, it’s as good as it gets!
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looks delicious
tasty too
Thanks for the recipe
Welcome sir