Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe

The Heartiest Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe You’ll Crave Daily

My kitchen adventures recently led me to create a mouthwatering chicken salad sandwich that surprises even seasoned home cooks.

Creamy textures blend perfectly with crisp ingredients for unexpected flavor combinations.

Generations of sandwich lovers understand the power of simple, fresh components.

Mediterranean herbs and bright lemon zest give this classic dish a modern twist.

Wholesome ingredients whisper stories of comfort and quick meal preparation.

Tender chicken pieces nestled between soft bread promise a delightful lunch experience.

You’ll want to savor every delectable bite of this incredible sandwich creation.

Chicken Salad Sandwich That’s Light, Crunchy, and Fresh

  • Quick Prep Delight: This chicken salad sandwich takes just minutes to assemble, making it perfect for busy weekdays or last-minute lunch cravings.
  • Flavor Explosion: The combination of tangy Dijon mustard, sweet grapes, and crisp celery creates a vibrant taste profile that keeps every bite interesting and delicious.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for picnics, office lunches, or casual gatherings, this recipe adapts easily to different occasions and satisfies a wide range of taste preferences.
  • No-Fuss Nutrition: Packed with protein from chicken and loaded with fresh ingredients, this sandwich offers a balanced meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Chicken Salad Sandwich Ingredients

Salad Base:
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy base that binds ingredients together, rich and smooth.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy flavor and helps emulsify the dressing.
  • Red Wine Vinegar: Provides bright, acidic note to balance the richness.
  • Garlic Powder: Subtle background flavor that enhances overall taste.
  • Dill: Fresh herb that adds aromatic and slightly sharp undertone.
Protein:
  • Cooked Chicken: Main protein source, tender and versatile protein base for the salad.
Crunch and Freshness:
  • Celery: Adds crisp texture and light vegetable freshness.
  • Red Onion: Sharp flavor that provides contrast and depth.
  • Grapes: Sweet burst of flavor that introduces unexpected sweetness.
Sandwich Components:
  • Croissants: Buttery, flaky bread that serves as the sandwich vessel.
  • Butter Lettuce: Soft, delicate green that provides a fresh, crisp layer.

Chicken Salad Sandwich Assembly Guide

Step 1: Whip Up Creamy Dressing

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend together a zesty sauce by combining mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, a sprinkle of garlic powder, a splash of red wine vinegar, and chopped fresh dill.

Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.

Step 2: Incorporate Protein and Crunch

Shred or chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add to the dressing.

Fold in:
  • Finely diced celery
  • Halved sweet grapes
  • Thinly sliced red onion

Gently stir all ingredients until they’re evenly coated with the creamy dressing.

Step 3: Prepare Sandwich Base

Carefully slice the croissants horizontally, creating a perfect pocket for the chicken mixture.

The buttery, flaky croissant will add a luxurious texture to the sandwich.

Step 4: Assemble and Garnish

Generously spoon the chicken salad mixture onto the bottom half of each croissant.

Layer crisp butter lettuce leaves on top of the chicken salad for a fresh, green crunch.

Gently place the top half of the croissant to complete the sandwich.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the assembled sandwiches to serving plates.

These chicken salad croissants are ready to be devoured immediately, offering a delightful blend of creamy, sweet, and tangy flavors.

Sandwich Tips for Chicken Salad Lunches

  • Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the mayo mixture for an extra flavor kick that elevates the entire sandwich.
  • Swap grapes with chopped apples or toasted pecans to create different texture profiles and add delightful crunch.
  • Make the chicken salad mixture a day in advance to allow flavors to meld together, enhancing overall taste and saving time during meal preparation.
  • Use freshly cooked, tender chicken breast and crisp, fresh vegetables to ensure maximum taste and texture in your sandwich.
  • Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich alternative that maintains creamy consistency while reducing calories.

Chicken Salad Sandwich Storage

  • Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Keep it chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Avoid freezing this chicken salad, as mayonnaise and fresh grapes will separate and lose texture when thawed, creating an unappetizing consistency.
  • Do not reheat chicken salad, as it is meant to be served cold. The creamy mayo and delicate ingredients will break down and become watery if warmed.
  • Always smell and visually inspect leftovers before consuming. Discard if there's any sour odor or unusual appearance to ensure food safety.

Snack Picks for Chicken Salad Sandwich

  • Crisp White Wine Pairing: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the creamy chicken salad's tangy flavors and cut through the richness of mayonnaise.
  • Fresh Side Salad Companion: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the sandwich's creamy texture and add a peppery, refreshing counterpoint.
  • Crunchy Pickle Accompaniment: Serve cold dill pickle spears alongside the sandwich to enhance the herbal notes from dill and provide a crisp, acidic contrast to the smooth chicken mixture.
  • Sparkling Citrus Beverage: Choose a chilled sparkling water with lemon or a light citrus spritzer to refresh the palate and match the bright, zesty elements of the chicken salad.

Chicken Salad Sandwich Lunch Options

  • Low-Carb Wrap Option: Replace croissants with large lettuce leaves or low-carb tortillas for a lighter, gluten-free alternative.
  • Greek-Style Variation: Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, add crumbled feta cheese, and include chopped cucumber for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Vegan Protein Swap: Use shredded jackfruit or chickpeas instead of chicken, and substitute vegan mayonnaise for a plant-based version of the sandwich.
  • Spicy Kick Remix: Incorporate diced jalapeños, sriracha sauce, and add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to give the chicken salad a zesty, bold taste.

FAQs

  • What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken are perfect because they’re already cooked and provide tender, flavorful meat that shreds easily.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just wait to assemble the sandwiches until right before serving to keep the croissants fresh.

  • Is there a healthier alternative to mayonnaise?

Greek yogurt can be a great substitute, providing similar creaminess with less fat and more protein. You can use half yogurt and half mayonnaise for a balanced approach.

  • How can I add more crunch to the chicken salad?

Consider adding toasted almonds or chopped walnuts for extra texture. These nuts will provide a nice crunch and additional nutritional value to the sandwich.

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Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe

Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe


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4.6 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Delightful chicken salad sandwich blends succulent shredded chicken with creamy mayonnaise and crisp vegetables. Served between fresh bread slices, this classic lunch favorite offers a perfect balance of flavors you’ll savor with each delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
  • 1/2 cup halved grapes
  • 1 rib celery, diced
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 4 croissants
  • Butter lettuce for serving

Dressing Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons chopped dill

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Whisk mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, red wine vinegar, and dill in a spacious mixing vessel until smooth and well-integrated.
  2. Gently fold cooked chicken into the creamy dressing, ensuring each morsel is luxuriously coated.
  3. Incorporate finely diced celery, halved grapes, and thinly sliced red onion into the mixture, stirring delicately to distribute ingredients evenly.
  4. Carefully slice croissants horizontally, creating a soft, pillowy base for the vibrant chicken salad.
  5. Generously pile the prepared chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each croissant, allowing the flavors to meld.
  6. Layer crisp butter lettuce leaves atop the chicken salad to add a fresh, verdant crunch.
  7. Crown with the croissant’s top half, pressing gently to secure the filling.
  8. Serve immediately, allowing the sandwich’s harmonious blend of textures and flavors to tantalize the palate.

Notes

  • Choose rotisserie chicken for a quicker, more flavorful filling that saves preparation time.
  • Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich alternative that reduces overall calories.
  • Customize the salad by adding toasted nuts like almonds or pecans for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
  • For a low-carb option, serve the chicken salad in lettuce wraps instead of croissants to minimize bread intake.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 564
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 686 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 21 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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