Thank you so much for stopping by! This recipe is near and dear to my heart, and I’m thrilled to share it with you. Nana’s Chicken Spread is one of those old-school favorites that brings back memories of family gatherings, cozy lunches, and finger sandwiches at church potlucks. It’s creamy, savory, with just the right hint of spice—and that bit of pecan crunch takes it over the top!
I promised you flavorful and nostalgic, and this right here is both. It’s made with pantry staples, whipped up in minutes, and gets better the longer it chills. Perfect for spreading on crackers, layering in sandwiches, or serving as a dip at your next party.
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🥪 Why You’ll Love This Chicken Spread
- Easy and quick – 10 minutes is all it takes!
- Perfect for entertaining or a light lunch
- Make-ahead friendly – tastes better after chilling
- Rich, savory, and slightly smoky
- A fantastic use of canned pantry chicken
- Great for crackers, crostini, sandwiches, or even celery sticks
😋 What Does It Taste Like?
It’s creamy and deeply savory with that comforting chicken flavor. The Underwood chicken spread adds a tangy richness, while the garlic, onion, and paprika bring warmth and depth. Chopped pecans add a satisfying texture that makes every bite feel a little special.
You’ll taste:
- Creaminess from the cream cheese
- Chicken flavor with a hint of umami
- Soft spice from paprika and oregano
- A satisfying crunch from toasted pecans
Everything works together beautifully—it’s simple but not boring. Anything but boring!!
🛒 Ingredients
Makes enough to serve 8–10 as an appetizer or sandwich filling:
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 (4 oz) can Underwood chicken spread
- 1 (12.5 oz) can chicken breast, drained
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped
- Salt & pepper, to taste
✨ Tip: Toast the pecans for added depth and crunch—it makes a difference!
🧂 Optional Additions & Swaps
This recipe is versatile and forgiving. Try these variations to make it your own:
Add-ins:
- Diced celery for fresh crunch
- Chopped green onions or chives for a savory bite
- Dash of hot sauce or cayenne for extra kick
- Shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese for cheesy goodness
Substitutions:
- Swap Greek yogurt for some cream cheese to lighten it up
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken instead of canned
- Use almonds or walnuts if you’re out of pecans
🛠️ Tools You’ll Need
- Medium mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or sturdy spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Knife & cutting board (for pecans)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Whip the Cream Cheese
In a medium mixing bowl, whip the room temperature cream cheese until light, fluffy, and smooth. You want to eliminate any lumps.
2. Mix in Chicken and Spices
Add:
- Underwood chicken spread
- Drained canned chicken breast
- Oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Use a spoon or mixer to blend until smooth and fully combined.
3. Fold in Pecans
Gently stir in chopped pecans to maintain their texture. If using toasted pecans, let them cool first!
4. Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor. The spices will meld and the texture will firm up slightly—perfect for spreading.
🍽️ How to Serve Nana’s Chicken Spread
Here are just a few ways to enjoy it:
- With buttery crackers like Ritz or Club
- Spread on mini croissants or Hawaiian rolls for party sandwiches
- Scooped into celery sticks or cucumber rounds for a low-carb option
- Tucked into a wrap with spinach and tomato
- Served in a bowl with crostini or pita chips at gatherings
- Slathered onto a toasted bagel or slice of sourdough for lunch
🧊 Storage Instructions
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days
- Stir before serving if it’s been sitting
- Not recommended for freezing due to cream cheese texture changes
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.
Can I freeze chicken spread?
It’s not ideal. Cream cheese can become grainy or watery when thawed. Best to keep this fresh in the fridge.
What can I use instead of Underwood chicken spread?
You can use a little more canned chicken and a teaspoon of mayo or mustard to replace the tangy richness of the Underwood version.
Is this spicy?
Nope, just flavorful! But you can add heat with hot sauce, cayenne, or chopped jalapeños.
🧮 Approximate Nutrition Info (Per Serving – 2 Tbsp)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Fiber: <1g
Note: This is a rough estimate and may vary based on exact ingredients used.
💡 Tips for Success
- Let cream cheese come to room temp so it mixes smoothly.
- Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes for best flavor.
- Chill before serving so the spread firms up and flavors deepen.
- Taste as you go! Some brands of canned chicken can be saltier than others, so adjust seasoning accordingly.
🥰 More Nostalgic Spreads & Dips
- Deviled Ham Salad Spread
- Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese
- Southern Chicken Salad
- Cheesy Bacon Ranch Dip
💬 Tried It? Show It Off!
If you made Nana’s Chicken Spread, I’d love to hear how it turned out!
📸 Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram @yourkitchenfriend
📝 Leave a comment below to share your twist or your favorite way to serve it!
Final Thoughts
Simple recipes are often the best, and Nana’s Chicken Spread is a perfect example. It’s creamy, flavorful, versatile, and just plain comforting. Whether you’re packing lunch, hosting a baby shower, or prepping for game day, this spread belongs on your table.
