Ingredients
- 5 pounds of chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons of freshly ground black pepper
- A generous tablespoon of savory celery salt
- A pound of crisp celery, finely diced
- A single medium red onion, diced with care
- A hint of aromatic caraway seeds
- A generous 30 ounces of creamy mayonnaise
Step 1
Begin by simmering chicken breasts in a pot of water until they lose their pink color and the juices turn clear, typically around 40 minutes.
Step 2
While the chicken is simmering, prepare an outdoor charcoal grill by preheating it to medium-high heat and greasing the grate lightly. Place about 10 coals on one side of the grill and ignite them; they are ready once a white dust forms on them.
Step 3
Enhance the smoky flavor by adding hickory chips to a container or wrapping them in aluminum foil and placing them on top of the hot coals. Carefully position the chicken breasts on the grill, as far away from the direct heat as possible.
Step 4
Allow the chicken to absorb a gentle smoky essence for no more than 15 minutes. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it cool for approximately 10 minutes.
Step 5
Next, cut the chicken breasts into small pieces and season them with pepper and celery salt. In a large bowl, combine diced celery and red onion. Gradually add the chicken in portions of 3 breasts, sprinkling each addition with a pinch of caraway seeds and mixing thoroughly.
Step 6
Incorporate mayonnaise into the mixture, ensuring all ingredients are well combined. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad until you are ready to serve it.
Extra Tips & Suggestions
- 1. Keep your smoked chicken fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain the flavors and prevent the chicken from drying out.
- 2. To add an extra punch of flavor to your chicken salad, store it with a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme. The herbs will infuse their aromas into the dish and enhance the overall taste.






