The Swan House in Atlanta is a stunning historic home in Buckhead, home to The Swan Coach House restaurant, where Bernice and Claire share a meal together in the novel. This chicken salad is inspired by the Swan Coach House Classic, traditionally served in timbales alongside frozen fruit salad and cheese straws.
Ingredients
- 4 cups finely chopped chicken breasts, boiled
- 1/2 cup finely minced or grated celery
- 1 1/4 to 1 1/3 cups mayonnaise (depending on preferred consistency)
- 1/4 cup whipping cream, whipped
- Salt to taste
Directions
Boil chicken breasts in water until fork tender, let cool, then refrigerate. Chop the chicken and celery very finely with a sharp knife until almost minced—a food processor or mixer is not recommended, as it will make the texture too mushy. Add the mayonnaise. Use a hand whisk to whip the whipping cream, then fold it into the chicken mixture. Depending on the moistness of the chicken, it may be necessary to adjust the mayonnaise and/or whipping cream to taste. Add salt to taste. Refrigerate for two hours to let the chicken soak up the flavor, then use an ice cream scoop to serve in lettuce leaves or—if you're like The Swan House—in timbales.
If you're ever in Atlanta, visit The Swan House and treat yourself to the Swan Coach House Classic—chicken salad in timbales with frozen fruit salad and cheese straws on the side!
