In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken, minced celery, chopped egg whites, and almonds (if using). Add the creamy yolk-mayo mixture. Fold together with a rubber spatula using a gentle “cut and fold” motion—do not overmix. You want distinct pieces, not a mash.
Unlike some minimalist recipes, Mittie’s included hard-boiled eggs, but they were not dominant. The yolks were mashed into the mayonnaise base to add richness, while the whites were chopped finely and folded in. This gave body without chunkiness. The Most Authentic Reproduction Recipe After interviewing former employees, scouring archived food sections, and conducting taste tests with Louisville natives who remember the original, the following recipe has emerged as the consensus closest approximation to Mittie’s Tea Room Chicken Salad . mittie-s tea room chicken salad recipe
Celery is standard, but Mittie’s minced it almost to a brunoise—tiny, uniform cubes. This gave a delicate crunch without the aggressive, vegetal bite that can overwhelm. Some former employees have hinted that the celery was briefly soaked in ice water to crisp it further before mincing. In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken,
For nearly seven decades, Mittie’s was more than a restaurant. It was a gentle institution—a hushed sanctuary of floral wallpaper, silver teapots, and the quiet clink of spoons on china. And at the heart of its menu was a chicken salad so ethereal, so perfectly balanced, that former patrons still speak of it in reverent whispers, long after the tea room’s final service. You want distinct pieces, not a mash
Most chicken salads are either too dry or tragically over-sauced. Mittie’s achieved a perfect, moist cohesion without becoming a paste. The chicken was hand-pulled or cut into small, uniform chunks—never shredded into oblivion. This allowed each bite to retain the integrity of the poultry.
In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, drained relish, minced onion, sugar, celery salt, almond extract, and white pepper. Mash the hard-boiled egg yolks into this mixture with a fork until smooth and pale yellow. Set aside.