Name: Old-Fashioned Southern Chicken Salad (Classic Creamy Recipe)
Ingredients: 4 cups cooked chicken, finely chopped or shredded; 1 cup mayonnaise; 2 celery stalks, finely diced; 2 hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish (optional but traditional); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon paprika; Optional: pinch of sugar (very Southern touch)

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups cooked chicken, finely chopped or shredded
1 cup mayonnaise
2 celery stalks, finely diced
2 hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish (optional but traditional)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika

Optional: pinch of sugar (very Southern touch)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and cooled. Chop or shred it finely for a classic Southern texture—avoid large chunks.

Step 2: Chop the Add-Ins

Finely dice the celery and chop the hard-boiled eggs. Keep pieces small for an even, creamy consistency throughout the salad.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, salt, black pepper, paprika, and optional sugar. Stir until smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the chicken, celery, eggs, and pickle relish to the bowl. Gently fold until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Cover and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and deepen.

Notes

Use rotisserie or boiled chicken for best flavor.
Finely chopped ingredients create the classic Southern texture.
Chill time is essential for proper flavor development.

Adjust mayonnaise gradually to avoid an overly wet salad.