If you are craving a delightful lunch that feels both refreshing and indulgent, this Chicken Salad Sandwiches Recipe is going to become your new go-to. It combines tender chicken, crisp celery, juicy grapes, and a tangy, creamy dressing all layered inside buttery croissants, creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re packing a picnic or simply need a quick, satisfying meal, this recipe is as simple as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Chicken Salad Sandwiches Recipe plays an essential role, from the creamy mayonnaise that binds everything together to the fresh dill that adds a burst of herbal brightness. Together, they create a symphony of tastes and textures that make this dish truly shine.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): Provides the rich and creamy base for the salad dressing, ensuring every bite is smooth and luscious.
- Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle tang and depth, balancing the richness with a little punch.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses a gentle garlicky warmth without overpowering the flavors.
- Red wine vinegar (2 teaspoons): Brings acidity to brighten the mixture and cut through the creaminess.
- Chopped dill (2 tablespoons): Offers fresh herbal notes that lift the overall flavor profile.
- Cooked chicken (2 cups, chopped or shredded): The hearty protein star that makes this sandwich filling and satisfying.
- Celery (1 rib, diced): Gives a crisp texture and refreshing crunch in every bite.
- Grapes (½ cup, halved): Introduces natural sweetness and juiciness, a delicious surprise to the palate.
- Red onion (¼ cup, diced): Adds sharpness and a little bite, balancing the creamy and sweet elements.
- Croissants (4): Buttery and flaky, these serve as the perfect vessel to hold all the wonderful filling.
- Butter lettuce (for serving): Adds a fresh, crisp layer that contrasts beautifully with the creamy chicken salad.
How to Make Chicken Salad Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Dressing
Begin by combining the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, red wine vinegar, and chopped dill in a large bowl. Whisk these together until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy. This dressing is the heart of your chicken salad, marrying all the flavors into one delicious base.
Step 2: Mix in the Chicken and Add-Ins
Next, add the cooked chicken, diced celery, halved grapes, and red onion to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together, making sure each ingredient is evenly coated without mashing the grapes or celery. This step is where the magic happens, blending crunch, sweetness, and protein into each bite.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
Slice your croissants in half and generously scoop the chicken salad onto the bottom halves. Top with fresh butter lettuce to add that crisp bite and then close your sandwiches with the tops of the croissants. The flakiness of the croissant perfectly complements the creamy filling for a truly irresistible lunch treat.
How to Serve Chicken Salad Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple but effective finishing touch, sprinkle a few extra dill sprigs or finely chopped green onions on top of the chicken salad before closing your sandwich. These little pops of color and flavor make your presentation look intentional and elevated.
Side Dishes
Pair your Chicken Salad Sandwiches Recipe with a crisp green salad or kettle-cooked chips for crunch. Fresh fruit or a light vegetable soup also make excellent companions, balancing out the creamy and buttery elements of the sandwich.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve the chicken salad in mini croissant sliders or use lettuce leaves as wraps instead of bread. You can also turn the mixture into a colorful chicken salad platter with crackers and veggie sticks for a fun, shareable appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or snacks.
Freezing
This Chicken Salad Sandwiches Recipe is best enjoyed fresh since the mayonnaise-based dressing and grapes don’t freeze well. However, you can freeze cooked chicken separately if you want to prepare ingredients ahead of time.
Reheating
Since this dish is served cold, reheating is not necessary. Instead, simply give the chicken salad a good stir before assembling and enjoy it chilled for best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this Chicken Salad Sandwiches Recipe, saving prep time while adding great flavor and tenderness.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise if I want a lighter version?
You can swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and avocado to keep the creaminess while cutting down on calories and adding a slight tang.
Are grapes necessary in the chicken salad?
While grapes add a delightful sweetness and juiciness, you can replace them with dried cranberries or chopped apples if you prefer a different kind of fruity touch.
Can I use bread other than croissants?
Definitely! Although croissants are fantastic here, hearty sandwich breads like sourdough, whole wheat, or brioche also work beautifully with the chicken salad.
How long does the chicken salad keep once assembled into sandwiches?
For the best texture, assemble the sandwiches right before serving. If you make them in advance, store the chicken salad and bread separately to prevent sogginess.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Salad Sandwiches Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s wonderfully easy to prepare yet packed with complex flavors and textures. It’s perfect for casual lunches, picnics, or anytime you want a satisfying and fresh meal. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorite quick recipes to make and share!
Print
Chicken Salad Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Salad Sandwich recipe is a fresh, easy-to-make lunch option combining tender cooked chicken with a tangy and creamy dressing. Featuring crisp celery, sweet grapes, and crunchy red onion, the chicken salad is served on buttery croissants with fresh butter lettuce, making a delicious and satisfying sandwich perfect for any day.
Ingredients
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons chopped dill
Chicken Salad Mix
- 2 cups cooked chicken (chopped or shredded)
- 1 rib celery (diced)
- ½ cup halved grapes
- ¼ cup diced red onion
To Serve
- 4 croissants
- Butter lettuce (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, red wine vinegar, and chopped dill until well combined and smooth.
- Mix the Chicken Salad: Add the cooked chicken, diced celery, halved grapes, and diced red onion to the bowl with the dressing. Fold gently to combine all ingredients evenly without mashing the grapes.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Slice the croissants in half horizontally. Scoop the chicken salad mixture generously onto the bottom half of each croissant. Top with fresh butter lettuce and then cover with the top croissant halves. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken from a rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken for convenience.
- For a slightly healthier version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Grapes add sweetness and moisture; red onion provides a nice crunch and zing.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.
- Butter lettuce adds a delicate crunch without overpowering the sandwich.
