The Ultimate Creamy Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe: Easy & Delicious
Prepare to indulge in the ultimate Chicken Salad Sandwich, crafted from our secret, incredibly delicious chicken salad recipe. This delightful filling combines succulent all-white-meat shredded chicken with the perfect balance of zesty lemon juice, creamy mayonnaise, a hint of mustard, sweet relish, fragrant dried herbs, and a touch of cheese. Whether served at casual gatherings, for a satisfying dinner, or a quick lunch, this chicken salad sandwich is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and a staple in your recipe collection!
This isn’t just any chicken salad recipe; it’s one of my absolute favorites, a truly versatile dish that will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen. Enjoy this chicken salad hot or cold, nestled inside your favorite type of bread, a soft wrap, or even crisp lettuce cups for a lighter meal. If you’re looking for more delicious chicken salad ideas, explore these other fantastic recipes for sandwiches and wraps: try our Buffalo Chicken Salad for a spicy kick, a refreshing Chinese Chicken Salad in Lettuce Wraps, hearty Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches, or even a quick Canned Chicken Salad that doubles as a spread!
Watch How to Make the Best Chicken Salad Sandwich at Home:
What Exactly Is Chicken Salad? A Culinary Essential!
At its heart, chicken salad is a delightful blend of cooked chicken meat, often shredded or cubed, combined with a creamy binding agent like mayonnaise, and typically enhanced with flavorful additions such as pickles and mustard. It shares a comforting similarity with other classic deli salads like tuna salad or egg salad, offering a rich and satisfying experience. Historically, chicken salad emerged as a way to utilize leftover cooked chicken, transforming simple ingredients into a versatile meal. It’s most commonly served on a bed of fresh lettuce or tucked into various sandwiches, but modern interpretations frequently incorporate a wide array of ingredients like crisp celery, finely diced onion, sweet grapes, or even protein-rich hard-boiled eggs to add texture and depth.
I first encountered this specific chicken salad recipe at a charming ladies’ tea party, and it instantly captured my heart – and my taste buds! Since then, it has become an unwavering favorite at countless gatherings. Its popularity isn’t just due to its incredibly delicious flavor; it’s also celebrated for its easy cleanup, cost-effective nature when feeding a crowd, and the consistently amazing taste of the chicken. Seriously, this is hands-down the best chicken salad recipe I’ve ever made. When I prepare these chicken salad sandwiches, I often find myself enjoying the filling straight out of the bowl before it even makes it into the bread! A huge thank you to Susanna and Evelyn, who generously shared these super amazing sandwiches at the tea party, adding yet another cherished family-favorite recipe to my collection. I guarantee you will absolutely LOVE these!
These chicken salad sandwiches are truly exceptional, whether you prefer them warm and toasty or cool and refreshing. They offer a wonderfully easy solution for entertaining large groups. We particularly adore them wrapped in foil and gently warmed in the oven, which creates a cozy, melty experience. Alternatively, for a lighter, refreshing take, simply fill croissants, your favorite sandwich bread, or tortillas with the cold chicken salad. They are so incredibly good that even my brother-in-law, a notoriously tough critic, raved about them, exclaiming “WOW!” and insisting, “People need to know how good they are!” High praise indeed for a simple, yet spectacular dish.
Choosing the Best Chicken Cut for Your Salad
When preparing chicken salad with mayonnaise, the optimal choice for the chicken component is typically a meaty chicken breast. Chicken breasts are not only versatile but also stretch the servings efficiently and are exceptionally easy to shred, making them ideal for creating that classic chicken salad texture. I exclusively use chicken breast for this particular recipe due to its lean nature and ability to absorb flavors beautifully. However, don’t feel limited – you can certainly use any cut of chicken you prefer. Just keep in mind that bone-in cuts will naturally require a longer cooking time. For a fantastic shortcut that saves time and effort, consider de-boning a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Its tender, flavorful meat is perfect for shredding directly into your salad, offering a convenient way to achieve delicious results without the extra cooking step.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Chicken Salad: Flavorful & Fresh
What are the key components that elevate a good chicken salad to a great one? While traditional chicken salad recipes often feature classic additions like crisp celery, finely chopped hard-boiled eggs, and pungent onion, the absolute essentials always include tender chicken meat and a binding ingredient to moisten and unite everything. Mayonnaise or a suitable salad dressing typically fills this role. Our homemade chicken salad, however, draws its unique and vibrant flavor profile from an ingenious shortcut: instead of dill pickle juice and chopped pickles, we opt for sweet relish. This ingredient conveniently provides already-minced pickles bathed in their flavorful juice, saving you prep time while delivering a burst of tangy sweetness. When combined with fresh lemon juice, this blend creates the juiciest, most flavorful chicken filling imaginable—so delicious, you’ll want to eat it straight out of the spoon!
- Chicken Meat: For this recipe, I frequently use my perfectly cooked instant pot shredded chicken, which yields tender and easily shreddable meat. However, feel free to use poached, grilled, pan-fried, or any other cooked chicken breast meat you have on hand. The key is to ensure it’s either finely cubed or beautifully shredded for the best texture in your salad.
- Mayonnaise: This creamy condiment forms the essential base of our chicken salad dressing, acting as a crucial binder that brings all the ingredients together, ensuring a rich, moist, and cohesive texture.
- Flavorful Dressing: The magic truly happens with a simple yet powerful combination of ingredients that create a highly flavorful dressing. Alongside the mayonnaise, we use classic yellow prepared mustard, the bright acidity of fresh lemon juice, the sweet tang of relish, and a fragrant trio of dried dill, dried parsley, and dried basil, all balanced with a dash of black pepper. This blend ensures every bite is packed with deliciousness!
- Bread: My go-to choice for these sandwiches is the large, wonderfully fluffy French Bread rolls from Walmart. They are not only incredibly affordable but also perfectly sized for feeding a crowd, providing a substantial and satisfying vessel for the rich chicken salad filling.
- Cheese: When it comes to hot chicken salad sandwiches, my absolute favorite cheese is melted Velveeta or classic American cheese, as they provide a wonderfully gooey, spreadable consistency that perfectly complements the warm filling. If you’re pressed for time or prefer a different flavor, shredded Monterey Jack and Colby cheese work beautifully too, melting into a delicious, tangy layer.
Chef’s Tip: For an effortless, spreadable cheese sauce that mimics Velveeta, simply melt 6 slices of American cheese with 1/4 cup of milk in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth and creamy!
How to Cook Chicken for Your Creamy Chicken Salad Sandwich
Preparing the chicken for your chicken salad can be approached in various ways, but chicken breast remains the top choice for its lean meatiness and ability to yield many servings, making it very economical. My preferred method for cooking chicken for this recipe is in the Instant Pot. It’s incredibly convenient: cleanup is a breeze, you avoid heating up your kitchen (a lifesaver during hot summer months!), and it consistently produces tender, perfectly shredded meat in a flash, all within a single pot.
If you don’t own a pressure cooker, don’t worry! You can easily poach chicken breasts in a saucepan on the stovetop or use a slow cooker for equally tender, shreddable results. For stovetop poaching, simply place chicken breasts in a saucepan, cover with water, add a pinch of salt, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until cooked through and tender, typically about 15-20 minutes. For slow cooking, place chicken breasts in your crockpot with a cup of broth or water and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 2-3 hours until easily shreddable. Alternatively, chicken breasts can be sautéed with seasonings and butter or grilled for a different flavor profile. If you choose these methods, remember to finely dice the cooked chicken meat, as it won’t shred as easily as poached or pressure-cooked chicken, but will still be delicious.
Cooks Tip: For an even quicker shortcut, use pre-cooked canned chicken (well-drained) or convenient rotisserie chicken. Both options significantly reduce prep time while still delivering a fantastic flavor base for your salad.
How to Master the Art of Making Chicken Salad: Step-by-Step
Learning how to make chicken salad has never been easier, especially with this incredibly simple recipe for hot chicken salad sandwiches! You’ll be delighted to know that this versatile chicken salad can even be made effortlessly with canned chicken, making it a fantastic last-minute meal option. While we absolutely adore warming these sandwiches in the oven for a comforting, gooey experience, you can just as easily serve this delectable salad filling cold in your favorite type of bread. To make sure you use up all that flavorful chicken salad, consider using a large loaf of bread, or simply fill multiple hoagie rolls for individual servings. This recipe is designed for flexibility and maximum enjoyment!
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by cooking your chicken until thoroughly done and then shred it into bite-sized pieces. Allow it to cool slightly before proceeding.
- Mix the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine all the pre-cooked, shredded chicken with the mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, relish, and dried herbs. Gently toss until all ingredients are well combined and the chicken is evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the desirable chicken chunks.
- Prepare the Bread: If using a French bread loaf, carefully slice it lengthwise down the middle. Gently hollow out the soft insides to create a cavity for the filling (you can save the removed bread for homemade breadcrumbs or feed it to the birds!). Set the prepared bread aside.
- Fill with Flavor: Generously scoop the chicken salad mixture into the hollowed-out French bread rolls, ensuring an even distribution of the delicious filling.
- Add the Cheesy Topping: If serving hot, top the chicken salad filling with your melted American cheese sauce (or Velveeta). For cold sandwiches, you can skip this step or use shredded cheese directly in the salad.
- Bake (for Hot Sandwiches): Carefully wrap the filled French bread loaf or individual rolls in aluminum foil. Place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed through and the cheese is bubbly.
- Slice and Serve: Once baked (or if serving cold), slice the large French bread loaf into 10-12 individual pieces. Serve immediately and enjoy the rave reviews!
Exciting Chicken Salad Variations to Explore: Beyond the Classic
Did you know there are endless ways to customize your chicken salad? Restaurants like Chicken Salad Chick specialize entirely in this versatile dish, offering a dazzling array of add-ins and seasoning ideas. You can draw inspiration from their innovative menus, which include delightful options like a zesty Lemon Basil (almost like a Pesto chicken salad), a smoky BBQ chicken salad, a sweet and fruity Cranberry chicken salad, or even exciting spicy variations. Here are some popular ways to customize your homemade chicken salad:
- Chicken Salad With Grapes: For a burst of sweet, juicy freshness, stir in about 1 cup of halved red seedless grapes. Their sweetness perfectly complements the savory chicken.
- Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe (Keto & Low-Carb Friendly): Transform your chicken salad into a healthier option by replacing mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a creamy, protein-packed base. For a low-carb, low-calorie meal, scoop this delightful mixture into crisp lettuce wraps instead of bread.
- Avocado Chicken Salad: Add 2 perfectly ripe, chopped avocados into the mix. The healthy fats contribute a rich, buttery texture, and the lemon juice in the recipe will help prevent the avocado from browning too quickly.
- Chicken Salad with Apples: For a delightful crunch and fruity tang, dice one crisp apple (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) and fold it into your chicken mixture.
- Mediterranean Chicken Salad: Infuse your salad with vibrant Mediterranean flavors by adding 1/4 cup of roasted red bell peppers and a can of drained chickpeas for extra texture and protein.
- Pecan Chicken Salad: For a nutty crunch and earthy flavor, mix in 1/2 cup of toasted pecans. They add a wonderful texture contrast.
- Southwest Chicken Salad: Create a zesty, flavorful blend akin to a chicken taco salad by incorporating 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning, 1/4 cup of diced tomatoes and red bell peppers, and a can each of black beans and corn. This combination delivers fantastic southwestern flavors.
- Spicy Chicken Salad: If you love a kick, amp up the heat by adding finely diced fresh jalapeños or a generous dash of your favorite buffalo hot sauce.
- Chicken Bacon, Ranch, and Cheese: For a truly indulgent variation, omit the mayonnaise entirely and use a creamy ranch dressing as your binder. Stir in crispy bacon bits and plenty of shredded cheddar cheese for a rich, satisfying flavor profile.
Quick Note: Easily adapt your chicken salad for different serving styles! Make a refreshing chicken salad wrap using a tortilla, or create an elegant chicken salad croissant by filling a flaky pastry. For a low-carb option, simply serve your chicken salad in crisp lettuce cups.
What to Pair with Your Delicious Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Homemade chicken salad, with its fresh and robust flavors, is wonderfully versatile and tastes amazing served in lettuce cups, on various breads, or in flaky croissants. When you transform it into hearty sandwiches, the experience is elevated even further with the right accompaniments. Classic pairings often include a side of crispy potato chips, golden French fries, tangy dill pickles, or some savory cheese crackers for added crunch. For those seeking a lighter, more refreshing complement, a fresh green salad – perhaps a vibrant Cobb salad or a simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette – makes an excellent side dish to these satisfying sandwiches. Think about balancing textures and flavors; the creamy richness of the chicken salad pairs beautifully with something crisp, tangy, or salty.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Salad
Can I Make Chicken Salad In the Crockpot?
Absolutely! Cooking chicken breasts in a slow cooker is a fantastic, hands-off method that typically takes about 8 hours on low heat. This approach is particularly convenient if you’re planning an event ahead of time or want to get some meal prep done with minimal effort.
My friend Susanna, for instance, often prepares her chicken by placing 5 large chicken breasts in a crockpot, almost covered with water, and seasoned with salt to taste. She starts it on high and then turns the crockpot down to low overnight. By morning, the chicken is perfectly cooked and tender. After it cools, she shreds and chops the chicken into smaller pieces, ready for her famous salad. This amount of chicken is enough to fill 4-5 French bread rolls, so if you’re serving a larger gathering of 40-50 people, simply multiply the other chicken salad ingredients by five to match the increased chicken quantity.
What is the Best Bread for Chicken Salad Sandwiches?
For this easy chicken salad recipe, my top recommendation is a soft French bread roll, especially the ones from Walmart. They are perfectly sized, easy to hollow out, and robust enough to hold a generous amount of creamy filling without getting soggy quickly. The key is to choose a soft bread with a sturdy crust that can stand up to the moist chicken salad. While regular sandwich bread might be too soft and prone to sogginess, these options provide excellent structure:
- Classic French Bread
- Hearty Steak Rolls or other hard rolls
- Substantial Hoagie Rolls or fluffy Hamburger Buns
- Rustic Kaiser Rolls
- Long Submarine Bread
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Fluffy Bolillo Rolls
How To Store Chicken Salad?
Chicken salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it will last wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain optimal freshness and prevent the bread from becoming soggy, it’s always best practice to store the wet chicken salad filling separately from your sandwich bread until you are ready to serve. However, if you’ve already assembled your chicken salad sandwiches and used a sturdy bread roll, they reheat surprisingly well! Simply wrap any leftover sandwiches tightly in aluminum foil and warm them in the oven until heated through.
How To Cook Chicken Breasts on the Stovetop?
If you don’t have an Instant Pot, the stovetop is an excellent alternative for making perfectly shredded chicken. The best method is poaching. You’ll need chicken breasts, water, a touch of salt, and a medium saucepan. Place the chicken breasts in the saucepan and cover them with water. Add salt to taste. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let the chicken simmer gently until it’s tender and fully cooked, which typically takes about 20 minutes depending on the thickness of the breasts. Once cooked, remove the chicken, let it cool slightly, and then shred it easily with two forks.
What are the Chicken Salad Calories per Serving?
For this specific recipe, using one large French Bread Baguette (the kind often found at Walmart) which can be cut into 8 equal pieces, one slice of this hearty chicken salad sandwich contains approximately 356 calories. This typically equates to about a 2-inch wide portion of the sandwich, offering a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Can You Freeze Chicken Salad?
It’s generally recommended to avoid freezing mayonnaise-based chicken salads. The texture of mayonnaise can change significantly upon thawing, often separating and becoming oily or watery, which can ruin the creamy consistency of the salad. Given how fresh and vibrant the filling for this chicken salad is, thanks to the lemon juice and quality dressing, I would advise against freezing the assembled salad to preserve its delicious texture and flavor. However, if you wish to prepare components in advance, cooked chicken meat freezes exceptionally well. You can freeze the shredded chicken until needed, then thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before adding all the dressing and seasonings just prior to serving. This way, you get the convenience without compromising on quality.
Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Salad:
- For the most flavorful chicken salad, always ensure you include a trio of essentials: a good quality mustard, fresh lemon juice for brightness, and the tangy crunch of pickles (or sweet relish as a shortcut!).
- This versatile chicken salad can be served in many ways beyond traditional sandwiches: spoon it over a bed of fresh lettuce for a light meal, fill flaky croissants for an elegant touch, or even use it as a hearty dip with crunchy tortilla chips!
- Making chicken salad for a large gathering is incredibly easy with this recipe! To serve a crowd of approximately 40-50 people, simply multiply all the ingredients by five, using 5 large French Bread loaves to hold all the delicious filling.
- Short on time? Opt for convenience! Use pre-cooked canned chicken (well-drained) or flavorful rotisserie chicken for a quick and simple chicken salad recipe that doesn’t compromise on taste.
- Give your chicken salad a smoky twist by making a creamy grilled chicken salad! Simply chop up any leftover grilled chicken and mix it into the salad for an amazing depth of flavor.
- My friend Evelyn’s original dill chicken salad, which inspired this recipe, was famously made with finely chopped fresh dill pickles and their flavorful juice. I’ve found that using relish offers a convenient shortcut, providing that same zesty pickle flavor with less prep work.
More Irresistible Chicken Recipes To Try:
- Chick-fil-A Inspired Grilled Chicken Sandwich – For a lighter option, skip the buns and enjoy the grilled chicken as a salad topping.
- Copycat Costco Chicken Bake – Features a delicious chicken Caesar salad dressing and cheese wrapped in pizza dough. This combination with chicken is truly amazing!
- Cheesy Bacon BBQ Chicken (Monterey Chicken) – A flavorful and cheesy dish that’s always a hit.
- Slow-Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches (Crack Chicken) – An incredibly addictive and easy-to-make sandwich filling.
- Comforting Curry Chicken – A fragrant and richly spiced chicken dish perfect for dinner.
Additional Chicken Salad Recipes to Explore:
- Spicy Buffalo Chicken Salad – A fiery and flavorful twist on the classic.
- Southwest Salad with Chipotle Ranch Dressing – A vibrant salad packed with zesty flavors.
Detailed Recipe: How To Make The Best Chicken Salad Sandwich
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Chicken Salad Sandwich
Equipment
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1 18×13″ Baking Sheet
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Aluminum Foil
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Large Mixing Bowl
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Small Saucepan (for cheese sauce)
Ingredients
For the Creamy Chicken Salad
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4 cups Cooked Shredded Chicken (preferably all-white meat)
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2/3 cups Mayonnaise (good quality)
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1 tsp Yellow Mustard (prepared)
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1 Lemon (freshly squeezed juice)
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2 Tbsp Sweet Relish (or finely minced dill pickles)
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1/2 tsp Dried Dill Weed
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1/2 tsp Dried Parsley
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1/2 tsp Dried Basil
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1/4 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground, to taste)
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Salt (to taste, if needed)
For Assembling the Hot Chicken Salad Sandwiches
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1 Large French Bread Loaf (e.g., from Walmart, about 14-inches)
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4 oz American Cheese (approx. 6 slices, or Velveeta)
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1/4 cup Milk (for melting cheese, optional)
Instructions
How to Make Hot Chicken Salad Sandwiches
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take your French bread loaf and carefully slice it in half lengthwise. Gently hollow out the soft insides of both halves to create a perfect cavity for your filling. You can save the removed bread for making breadcrumbs or discard it. Set the prepared bread aside on your baking sheet. -
In a large bowl, combine your prepared shredded chicken, mayonnaise, yellow mustard, fresh lemon juice, sweet relish, dried dill weed, dried parsley, dried basil, and black pepper. Gently toss all the ingredients together until the chicken is thoroughly coated and everything is well mixed. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain nice chunks of chicken for texture. Taste and adjust salt if necessary. -
Meanwhile, prepare your cheese topping. In a small saucepan, melt the American cheese slices with the milk over low heat, stirring constantly until you achieve a smooth, pourable cheese sauce. Generously scoop the chicken salad mixture into the hollowed French bread halves, then drizzle or spread the melted cheese sauce over the top of the chicken salad filling. -
Carefully place the two halves of the filled French bread back together, like a giant sandwich. Wrap the entire chicken salad sandwich securely with aluminum foil. Place it on your prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the cheese is wonderfully melted and gooey. -
Once baked, carefully unwrap the sandwich. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the large French bread into 10-12 individual pieces. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your incredibly delicious hot chicken salad sandwiches!
Helpful Notes & Tips for Success
- Cheese Substitutions: If American cheese isn’t your preference, you can easily melt 4 oz of Velveeta cheese with a splash of milk for a similar smooth sauce. Alternatively, use 1 1/2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack and Colby cheese blend directly in the salad mixture or sprinkled on top before baking for a different cheesy flavor and texture.
- Bread Choice: We find these sandwiches are particularly fantastic when made with an Italian Herb French Bread. However, a regular French bread loaf from Walmart, typically around 14 inches, works perfectly as the filling quantity is just right for one of these loaves.
- Pickle Power: My friend Evelyn’s original recipe, which this one is adapted from, uses freshly chopped dill pickles along with a bit of their juice instead of relish. If you prefer the distinct flavor of dill, feel free to make this substitution for a tangier profile.
- Scaling for Crowds: This recipe is wonderfully scalable for larger gatherings! To prepare enough chicken salad for approximately 50 servings, simply multiply all the ingredient quantities by five.
- For Shredded Chicken: If you need a reliable method for perfectly cooked shredded chicken, refer to my detailed Shredded Chicken Recipe for best results.
Nutrition Information Per Serving