Creamy Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe – Quick, Delicious, and Perfect for Lunch!
Looking for a tasty and easy-to-make lunch or dinner? A Chicken Salad Sandwich might just be what you need! This recipe is a classic that never gets old – tender chicken, creamy dressing, crunchy vegetables, and the perfect combination of flavors all nestled between soft bread. Whether you’re prepping for a family meal, looking for a work lunch, or serving it at a picnic, this sandwich is always a hit!
Let’s get started and learn how to make this simple yet flavorful Chicken Salad Sandwich that will leave everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients 🛒
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked chicken (shredded) | 2 cups |
| Mayonnaise | ½ cup |
| Greek yogurt (optional) | ¼ cup |
| Celery (chopped) | 1 stalk |
| Red onion (chopped) | ¼ cup |
| Dill pickles (chopped) | 2 tbsp |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp |
| Lemon juice | 1 tsp |
| Fresh parsley (optional) | 1 tbsp, chopped |
| Sandwich bread (whole wheat, white, or croissants) | 4 slices |
Instructions 📋
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by shredding the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. You can use leftover roasted or grilled chicken, or simply poach chicken breasts until fully cooked, then shred with a fork.
- Mix the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if using), Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Stir until the dressing is smooth and well-combined.
- Add the Veggies: Stir in the chopped celery, red onion, and dill pickles. These ingredients will add a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor to the salad.
- Combine the Chicken and Dressing: Add the shredded chicken to the bowl and mix everything together until the chicken is well-coated with the creamy dressing.
- Taste and Adjust: Give the chicken salad a taste, and if needed, adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a dash of extra lemon juice for a zesty kick.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread the chicken salad onto your choice of bread slices. You can use whole wheat, white bread, or even buttery croissants for a special touch. If you like, garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve: Enjoy your chicken salad sandwich immediately, or wrap it up for a delicious packed lunch!
Tip: For a lighter option, serve the chicken salad on a bed of greens or in lettuce wraps instead of bread.
Recipe Notes 📝
- Make It Healthier: To make this sandwich lighter, you can swap out the mayonnaise for avocado or use a low-fat Greek yogurt.
- Add-ins: Feel free to customize the salad by adding ingredients like grapes, apples, or nuts (like almonds or walnuts) for extra crunch and flavor.
- Vegan Option: For a vegan twist, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use plant-based mayo and yogurt.
Time and Servings ⏱️
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 15 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
Storage 🏠
If you have leftovers, store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get better as it sits, so feel free to make it ahead of time! However, it’s best to assemble the sandwiches right before serving to keep the bread fresh.
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving) 🥗
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
[cal_calc]
Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect 🌟
- Make It Creamier: If you like your chicken salad extra creamy, add a bit more mayo or Greek yogurt until you reach your preferred texture.
- Crunchy Options: To add more texture, try adding some crunchy nuts or crispy bacon bits.
- Seasoning Variations: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. A little paprika or garlic powder can add some extra depth to the flavor.
How to Serve this Chicken Salad Sandwich 🍽️
Chicken Salad Sandwiches are incredibly versatile and can be served in so many ways. You can enjoy them for a casual lunch, serve them at a picnic, or even make them for a party. Pair them with a side of chips, pickles, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Kitchen Tools Needed 🍴
- Mixing bowl: To combine the chicken salad ingredients.
- Sharp knife: For chopping vegetables and chicken.
- Fork or shredding tool: To shred the chicken.
- Spreader or spoon: For spreading the chicken salad onto the bread.
Health Benefits 🌱
This Chicken Salad Sandwich is not just delicious, but it also offers a good source of protein from the chicken. The addition of celery, onion, and pickles provides fiber and important vitamins, while the yogurt adds a creamy texture and a boost of probiotics for gut health. Opting for whole-grain bread or a lettuce wrap increases the fiber content, making it a balanced and satisfying meal.
FAQs ❓
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this chicken salad actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld. You can prepare it the day before, but assemble the sandwiches just before serving to keep the bread fresh.
2. Can I use canned chicken?
Yes! Canned chicken is a quick and easy alternative. Just make sure to drain it thoroughly before shredding.
3. Can I make this without mayo?
Absolutely! You can use Greek yogurt, avocado, or a dairy-free mayo alternative for a lighter or vegan version.
4. Can I freeze chicken salad sandwiches?
It’s best not to freeze the sandwiches because the bread can become soggy once thawed. However, you can freeze the chicken salad mixture and then assemble the sandwiches fresh when you’re ready to eat.
5. Can I add fruits to the chicken salad?
Yes, fruits like grapes or apples work great in chicken salad! They add a touch of sweetness that contrasts nicely with the savory flavors.
Final Thoughts 💭
This Chicken Salad Sandwich recipe is a classic that’s quick to make and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re in need of a light lunch or looking for a dish to take to your next picnic, this sandwich is a reliable go-to. It’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients, so feel free to experiment! Whether you stick with the basics or add a personal twist, this Chicken Salad Sandwich will surely hit the spot every time. Enjoy!
