Pittsburgh Chicken Salad: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Pittsburgh Chicken Salad: Prepare to ditch your preconceived notions about chicken salad! This isn’t your grandma’s bland, mayo-laden concoction. We’re talking about a flavor explosion, a textural masterpiece, and a dish that perfectly embodies the spirit of Pittsburgh – bold, unexpected, and utterly satisfying.

While the exact origins of Pittsburgh Chicken Salad are shrouded in a bit of mystery, local lore suggests it emerged from the city’s vibrant culinary scene, a fusion of Eastern European and Italian influences. Think beyond the typical celery and grapes; this salad incorporates tangy pickles, hard-boiled eggs, and a creamy, slightly sweet dressing that will have you craving more.

What makes this chicken salad so irresistible? It’s the delightful contrast of flavors and textures. The tender chicken is perfectly complemented by the crunch of pickles, the creaminess of the dressing, and the satisfying bite of hard-boiled eggs. It’s a symphony in your mouth! Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Enjoy it on a croissant, in a lettuce wrap, or simply straight from the bowl – we won’t judge! Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a potluck dish that will disappear in minutes, or a unique appetizer, this Pittsburgh-inspired chicken salad is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience chicken salad like never before!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• For the Pittsburgh Salad Base:
• 8 cups mixed greens (romaine, iceberg, spinach blend works well)
• 1 cup french fries (thick-cut, crispy)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• For the Coleslaw:
• 4 cups shredded cabbage (green and/or red)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp celery seed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Hot Fries Dressing (or your favorite Ranch):
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the Chicken

Okay, let’s get started with the most important part – the chicken! We want it to be juicy and flavorful, so follow these steps carefully.

1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts: First, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear. Trim off any excess fat or unsightly bits. If the chicken breasts are very thick, you can slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This will help them cook more evenly and quickly.
2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This is our simple but effective spice rub. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, making sure they’re well coated. Don’t be shy!
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the pan to be nice and hot before adding the chicken. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook the chicken in batches to ensure proper browning.
4. Cook the Chicken: Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. If the chicken is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
5. Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing or shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
6. Slice or Shred: After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips or shred it with two forks. Set aside.

Making the Coleslaw

Next up, let’s whip up a batch of creamy and tangy coleslaw. This adds a wonderful textural contrast to the salad.

1. Combine the Cabbage: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage. If you’re using both green and red cabbage, this will add a nice pop of color.
2. Prepare the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, and celery seed. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your liking. Some people prefer a sweeter coleslaw, while others prefer a more vinegary one.
3. Dress the Cabbage: Pour the dressing over the shredded cabbage and toss well to combine. Make sure all the cabbage is evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Chill the Coleslaw: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes, or preferably longer. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to soften slightly. The longer it sits, the better it tastes!

Preparing the Hot Fries Dressing (or Ranch)

Now, let’s make the dressing that ties it all together. I’m giving you a recipe for a “Hot Fries” inspired dressing, but feel free to use your favorite Ranch dressing if you prefer. The key is to have something creamy and flavorful to complement the other ingredients.

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Season to Taste: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the level of spiciness.
3. Chill the Dressing: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is important for developing the best flavor.

Assembling the Pittsburgh Chicken Salad

Alright, we’ve prepped all the components, now it’s time to assemble our masterpiece! This is where the magic happens.

1. Prepare the Salad Base: In a large serving bowl or individual salad bowls, arrange the mixed greens. This forms the foundation of our salad.
2. Add the Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion over the greens.
3. Pile on the Fries: This is the quintessential Pittsburgh touch! Arrange the crispy french fries on top of the salad. Don’t be shy; the more fries, the better!
4. Add the Coleslaw: Spoon the chilled coleslaw over the fries. This adds a creamy, tangy element that complements the fries perfectly.
5. Top with Chicken: Arrange the sliced or shredded chicken over the coleslaw.
6. Drizzle with Dressing: Generously drizzle the Hot Fries dressing (or your favorite Ranch) over the entire salad.
7. Serve Immediately: Serve the Pittsburgh Chicken Salad immediately. The fries will start to soften if they sit for too long, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh.

Tips and Variations:

• Chicken Variations: Feel free to use grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even leftover chicken in this salad. You can also experiment with different seasonings for the chicken.
• Cheese Options: If you’re not a fan of cheddar cheese, you can use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, or even crumbled blue cheese.
• Vegetable Additions: Add other vegetables to the salad, such as cucumbers, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
• Dressing Alternatives: If you don’t like Hot Fries dressing or Ranch, you can use other dressings, such as Italian, vinaigrette, or even a creamy Caesar dressing.
• Fry Options: Waffle fries, curly fries, or even sweet potato fries can be used in place of regular french fries.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the coleslaw or dressing for a little extra heat.
• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or black beans for a vegetarian option.

Enjoy your delicious and authentic Pittsburgh Chicken Salad! It’s a taste of the ‘Burgh right in your own kitchen.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Pittsburgh Chicken Salad recipe is more than just a sandwich filling; it’s a taste of home, a comforting classic with a delightful twist. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone looking to elevate their lunch game or impress guests with a unique and flavorful dish. The combination of tender chicken, crispy fries, creamy coleslaw, and that tangy honey mustard dressing is simply irresistible. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more.

But why is this recipe so special? It’s all about the experience. It’s about taking familiar ingredients and transforming them into something extraordinary. It’s about the joy of biting into a sandwich that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s about sharing a meal with loved ones and creating memories that will last a lifetime. This isn’t just food; it’s an experience, and I’m confident you’ll love it as much as I do.

Looking for serving suggestions? This Pittsburgh Chicken Salad is fantastic on toasted sourdough bread, but don’t let that limit you! Try it in a wrap with some fresh lettuce and tomato for a lighter option. You could also serve it as a topping for a bed of mixed greens for a delicious and satisfying salad. For a fun twist, consider using pretzel rolls for your sandwiches – the slight saltiness complements the sweetness of the honey mustard perfectly.

And the variations? Oh, the possibilities are endless! If you’re feeling adventurous, add a sprinkle of crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor boost. For a spicier kick, incorporate a dash of hot sauce into the honey mustard dressing. If you’re not a fan of coleslaw, you can substitute it with shredded lettuce or even some chopped celery for added crunch. Vegetarian? No problem! Substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or even some seasoned chickpeas for a protein-packed alternative. The key is to experiment and find what works best for your taste buds.

Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen! Cooking should be fun, and this recipe is the perfect opportunity to unleash your inner chef. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking and make it your own. Add more fries if you’re a fry fanatic, or go heavy on the coleslaw if you’re a slaw lover. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile and forgiving.

I’m so excited for you to try this Pittsburgh Chicken Salad recipe! I know you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a conversation starter, and a guaranteed hit at any gathering. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create something truly special.

Once you’ve made it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! I can’t wait to see what you come up with. Happy cooking! And remember, the best meals are made with love and shared with those you care about. This Pittsburgh Chicken Salad is the perfect way to do just that. So go ahead, give it a try – you won’t regret it!