Smoked Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Instructions

1. 01

   Preheat smoker to 225°F. Fill water tray with water and add bay leaves.

2. 02

   Pierce chicken breasts with a fork and sprinkle with meat tenderizer. Place chicken on middle rack of smoker and smoke for 45 minutes per lb or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

3. 03

   Meanwhile, place pecans in a small disposable aluminum foil pan, pour melted butter over top and sprinkle with kosher salt. Stir well to coat pecans.

4. 04

   Place pan on top rack of smoker during the last half of smoking time for the chicken. Smoke pecans for 30 minutes. Remove from smoker and drain on a paper towel.

5. 05

   Remove chicken. Let cool, then chop.

6. 06

   In a large bowl, combine chopped chicken, pecans, celery and dried cranberries. Add 1⅓ cups mayonnaise. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt and pepper. (Add additional salt and pepper to suit your taste, if necessary.)

7. 07

   Lightly spread each side of the buns with mayonnaise, and place a large leaf of red lettuce on the bottom half. Place a generous amount of chicken salad on top of lettuce and enjoy!