Smoked Curried Chicken Salad

Whenever I think of summer gatherings, one dish that always comes to mind is my Smoked Curried Chicken Salad. This vibrant salad brings together warmth and richness, making it a hit among family and friends. I remember the first time I made it for a picnic at the park; the smoky aroma of the chicken combined with the bright flavors of the curry vinaigrette had everyone asking for seconds. The beauty of this dish is not just in its flavor but also in its versatility. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch or as a hearty side at a barbecue, it fits perfectly into any occasion.

The highlight of the Smoked Curried Chicken Salad is undoubtedly the smoked chicken. Just imagine biting into tender pieces of chicken, infused with the rich essence of hickory smoke, mingled with the aromatic spices of curry and ginger. As the salad comes together, I love how the fresh greens and the crunch of the cashews add a delightful contrast to the soft chicken. It’s a colorful plate that screams summer and freshness, reminding me of sunny days spent outdoors with loved ones. So grab your smoker and let’s get cooking!

Recipe Ingredients for Smoked Curried Chicken Salad

The ingredients in this Smoked Curried Chicken Salad work harmoniously together, creating a medley of flavors and textures that are irresistible. The star of the dish is, of course, the smoked chicken, adding a rich depth. The spices like curry powder and cumin infuse warmth and complexity, while the fresh herbs and greens provide brightness and crunch. These elements come together to create a satisfying, balanced meal.

• 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 4 large thighs) – The main protein, offering rich flavor and a great texture when smoked.
• Kosher salt – Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing its natural flavors.
• Freshly ground black pepper – Adds a subtle kick to the dish.
• 1 tablespoon + ⅔ cup olive oil, divided – Used for both the vinaigrette and cooking, it brings richness to the salad.
• ½ yellow onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
• 1 garlic clove, minced – Provides a lovely aromatic foundation.
• 2 ½ tablespoons minced fresh ginger – Offers a fresh and zesty flavor that brightens the entire dish.
• 1 teaspoon curry powder – Introduces warmth and an exotic flavor profile.
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin – Enhances the savory notes of the chicken.
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric – Adds a beautiful color and earthy flavor.
• ⅓ cup white vinegar – Provides acidity to balance the richness of the chicken.
• Spring mix or other tender lettuce – The base for the salad, adding freshness and crunch.
• Golden raisins – Introduces a touch of sweetness that contrasts nicely with the savory elements.
• Sliced red onion – Adds crunch and a bite of sharpness.
• Chopped toasted cashews – Provides a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
• Cilantro leaves – Fresh herbs that brighten the salad with color and flavor.

Cooking Method for Smoked Curried Chicken Salad

Cooking the Smoked Curried Chicken Salad is an engaging experience that brings together various flavors and techniques. The smoking process is key, as it infuses the chicken with a rich flavor that can’t be replicated by other cooking methods. Once the chicken is ready, preparing the vinaigrette is a breeze, and assembling the salad is just the cherry on top!

1. Start by filling a quarter of your smoker box with hickory wood chips. This will give the chicken that smoky flavor we’re aiming for. Preheat your smoker to 225°F. This low and slow cooking is essential for tender, juicy chicken.
2. Season the chicken thighs generously all over with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This is your first chance to infuse flavor into the meat.
3. Place the seasoned thighs directly on the top rack of the smoker. Let them smoke for about two hours. Keep an eye on the internal temperature; you want it to reach 165°F. This will ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly.
4. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for five minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. After resting, remove the skin and pull the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set aside in a medium bowl.
5. While the chicken is smoking, it’s time to prepare the vinaigrette. Warm one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger with a pinch of salt. Sauté until soft, about five minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Next, add the curry powder, ground cumin, and ground turmeric. Cook while stirring frequently for about one minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.
7. Transfer the sautéed aromatics to a blender, add the white vinegar, and blend until smooth. With the blender running, slowly add the remaining ⅔ cup of olive oil in a steady stream to form a smooth vinaigrette. Season to taste with additional salt.
8. Take the pulled chicken and add several spoonfuls of the vinaigrette. Toss to combine, ensuring the chicken is well-coated without being drenched in the sauce. Adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.
9. To serve, place a handful of spring mix on a plate. Add a quarter of the chicken salad on top. Finish with a sprinkling of golden raisins, sliced red onion, chopped toasted cashews, and fresh cilantro leaves. Drizzle with additional vinaigrette if desired.

Making Adjustments

Adjusting the Smoked Curried Chicken Salad to suit your taste is easy. Here are some tips for customizing this delicious dish.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will meld beautifully over time.
• Freezing: While the salad is best fresh, you can freeze the smoked chicken separately for up to three months. Thaw and use in salads or wraps.
• Pairing: Serve the salad with crusty bread or pita chips for a delightful crunch. It also pairs well with a refreshing yogurt dip.
• Variations: Substitute the golden raisins with dried cranberries or apricots for different sweetness notes. You can also try using different nuts.
• Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of curry powder based on your heat preference. You can also add a touch of cayenne pepper for more heat.
• Greens Variety: Experiment with different greens such as arugula or spinach to change up the flavor profile.

What to Serve Alongside Smoked Curried Chicken Salad

When it comes to serving the Smoked Curried Chicken Salad, the possibilities are endless! Here are some great ideas to enhance your meal:

• Grilled Vegetables: Charred vegetables complement the smoky flavor of the salad beautifully. Consider zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers.
• Rice or Quinoa: A side of fluffy rice or quinoa can make for a hearty meal. The grains add a lovely texture and are great at soaking up the vinaigrette.
• Chickpea Salad: A refreshing chickpea salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta can add a Mediterranean twist to your meal.
• Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh fruit such as watermelon or mango can provide a sweet contrast to the savory notes of the salad.
• Yogurt Sauce: A cool yogurt sauce with herbs can balance the spices in the Smoked Curried Chicken Salad perfectly.
• Occasions: This salad is perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or as a light lunch throughout the year.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Smoked Curried Chicken Salad is truly a standout dish, combining rich flavors and textures that make every bite a delight. It’s a versatile salad that can be enjoyed at any gathering or as a quick meal. I encourage you to try it; once you do, you’ll have a flavorful dish that will surely become a favorite in your home!

Smoked Curried Chicken Salad

The ultimate comfort food, Smoked Curried Chicken Salad combines tender, smoky chicken with a zesty curry vinaigrette. Packed with vibrant flavors and textures, this easy weeknight dinner is perfect for any occasion. Make it tonight for a delightful meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2 hours hrs

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs about 4 large thighs
• to taste Kosher salt
• to taste Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ⅔ cup olive oil divided
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 2 ½ tablespoons fresh ginger minced
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
• ⅓ cup white vinegar
• to taste Spring mix or other tender lettuce
• to taste Golden raisins
• to taste Sliced red onion
• to taste Chopped toasted cashews
• to taste Cilantro leaves

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Blender
• Cutting Board
• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl
• Skillet

Method

 

1. Fill a quarter of your smoker box with hickory wood chips and preheat your smoker to 225°F. Season the chicken thighs generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Place the thighs directly on the top rack of the smoker and smoke for about two hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for five minutes, remove the skin, and pull the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Meanwhile, prepare the vinaigrette by warming one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger with a pinch of salt, sautéing until soft, about five minutes. Add the curry powder, ground cumin, and ground turmeric, cooking while stirring frequently for about one minute.
3. Transfer the sautéed aromatics to a blender with the white vinegar and blend until smooth. With the blender running, slowly add in the remaining ⅔ cup of olive oil to form a vinaigrette. Season to taste with salt.
4. Take the pulled chicken and mix in several spoonfuls of the vinaigrette, tossing to combine until the chicken is well-coated, but not drowning in the sauce. Adjust seasoning with more salt if necessary.
5. To serve, place a handful of spring mix on a plate and add a quarter of the chicken salad on top. Finish with a sprinkle of golden raisins, sliced red onion, chopped toasted cashews, and fresh cilantro leaves. Drizzle with additional vinaigrette if desired.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will meld beautifully over time.
• Tip 2: While the salad is best fresh, you can freeze the smoked chicken separately for up to three months. Thaw and use in salads or wraps.
• Tip 3: Serve the salad with crusty bread or pita chips for a delightful crunch. It also pairs well with a refreshing yogurt dip.
• Tip 4: Substitute the golden raisins with dried cranberries or apricots for different sweetness notes. You can also try using different nuts.
• Tip 5: Adjust the amount of curry powder based on your heat preference. You can also add a touch of cayenne pepper for more heat.
• Tip 6: Experiment with different greens such as arugula or spinach to change up the flavor profile.

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Meet Harper Dean

I love the creative challenge of making weeknight dinners feel special without the fuss. I work alongside the team to develop and test recipes that are reliable but never dull. I prepared this meal in my own kitchen, refining the steps to make sure your cooking experience is smooth, fun, and delicious.