Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe
When you’re craving a classic, simple, yet satisfying dish, a chicken salad sandwich hits the spot. This delicious recipe combines tender chicken with a creamy dressing, crisp vegetables, and aromatic herbs, making it perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Whether you’re preparing a meal for yourself or serving a crowd, this recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients List
The foundation of any great chicken salad sandwich lies in fresh, quality ingredients. A combination of savory chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a rich dressing creates a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. Start with 2 cups of cooked chicken, either chopped or shredded for a tender texture. The mayonnaise adds creaminess, while celery provides a refreshing crunch. Thinly sliced green onion offers a subtle sharpness, and Dijon mustard introduces a tangy kick. To balance the flavors, seasoned salt, black pepper, and fresh dill, either chopped or dried, are added. Each ingredient works together to create a perfect bite every time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
To prepare this chicken salad sandwich, start by gathering all your ingredients. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cooked chicken, mayonnaise, celery, and green onion. The mayonnaise acts as the binding agent, making sure every piece of chicken is well-coated. Stir in the Dijon mustard, seasoned salt, and black pepper, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the salad. The final touch is adding a hint of dill, which infuses the mixture with a subtle herby note. Once everything is thoroughly mixed, give it a taste. Adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper according to your preference. This mixture can be enjoyed in a sandwich or served atop a fresh, vibrant salad.
Customizing the Chicken Salad Sandwich
While this recipe is delightful as is, it’s highly adaptable to personal preferences. If you’re looking to elevate your sandwich, consider swapping the traditional sandwich bread for a croissant or a toasted brioche bun. Both options will add a buttery richness to the dish. For an extra layer of flavor, try mixing in additions such as sliced avocado, crispy bacon, or even a handful of toasted almonds. These small tweaks will make the sandwich even more indulgent. Feel free to experiment with the ratio of mayonnaise and mustard to suit your taste. You can also switch up the herbs by adding a pinch of tarragon or chives for a different aromatic twist.
What to Serve With This Recipe
A chicken salad sandwich pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. For a light and refreshing option, serve it alongside a mixed green salad with a simple vinaigrette. If you’re looking for something heartier, potato chips or a creamy coleslaw are classic accompaniments. Fresh fruit, such as grapes or apple slices, adds a sweet contrast to the savory chicken salad. Additionally, for a picnic or casual gathering, consider serving the sandwich with a chilled pasta salad or roasted vegetables. These sides complement the sandwich without overpowering its subtle flavors.
Recipe Tips
Using Fresh Ingredients:
Freshly cooked chicken will yield the best texture and flavor for this recipe. While you can use canned chicken in a pinch, roasting or boiling your own chicken ensures that it remains juicy and flavorful.
Make Ahead:
This chicken salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. It’s an ideal option for meal prepping, allowing you to have quick, ready-to-eat meals throughout the week.
Texture Preferences:
If you prefer a creamier consistency, increase the amount of mayonnaise slightly. For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and mayonnaise for the dressing.
Add-ins:
Feel free to customize the chicken salad with your favorite mix-ins, like grapes, cranberries, or chopped nuts. These extras can add both flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this recipe and adds an extra depth of flavor due to the seasonings used during its preparation.
Is it possible to substitute mayonnaise?
Absolutely. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt is a great substitute. You can also try mashed avocado for a different texture and flavor profile.
How long will the chicken salad last in the fridge?
The chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to give it a good stir before serving.
Can I freeze the chicken salad?
Freezing is not recommended as the mayonnaise can separate and alter the texture once thawed.
Can I make this chicken salad without mustard?
If you’re not a fan of mustard, you can omit it or replace it with a small amount of lemon juice for acidity.
Once you’ve perfected your chicken salad sandwich, it’s time to serve it up with style. Spread the chicken salad generously between two slices of your favorite bread or roll it in a tortilla for a wrap-style alternative. For a fun, open-faced variation, pile the chicken salad onto a slice of toasted sourdough and top with thinly sliced cucumbers or radishes for a refreshing crunch. You can also present it as a chic appetizer by serving the chicken salad on cucumber rounds or crackers at your next gathering. Whatever the occasion, this chicken salad sandwich is sure to impress with its versatility and classic flavor profile.
Ingredients
1 green onion, thinly sliced
1 rib celery, diced
½ cup mayonnaise
2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon seasoned salt
â…› teaspoon black pepper, or adjust to taste
1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped (or ¼ teaspoon dried dill, optional)
Instructions
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chicken, mayonnaise, celery, green onion, mustard, salt, pepper, and dill (if desired). Stir thoroughly until everything is well mixed.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve in a sandwich or enjoy over a fresh salad.
Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 rib celery diced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups cooked chicken chopped or shredded
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
- â…› teaspoon black pepper or adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill chopped (or ¼ teaspoon dried dill, optional)
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chicken, mayonnaise, celery, green onion, mustard, salt, pepper, and dill (if desired). Stir thoroughly until everything is well mixed.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve in a sandwich or enjoy over a fresh salad.