Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe: Creamy & Crunchy

Introduction

Chicken Salad Sandwich is the ultimate lunch classic: tender chicken in a creamy, tangy dressing with crisp celery, sweet grapes or apples, and crunchy nuts for the perfect bite every time. Make-ahead friendly, endlessly customizable—this is the sandwich that elevates picnics, lunches, and showers. Presented on toasted bread with lettuce and tomato, optionally garnished with extra herbs, this Chicken Salad Sandwich offers cool creaminess and pure satisfaction that makes everyone ask for the recipe.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Salad (makes 6–8 sandwiches): • 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie shortcut)
• ¾ cup mayonnaise (Duke’s or Hellmann’s preferred)
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream (for tang/lightness)
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup halved red grapes or diced apple
• ½ cup chopped toasted pecans or almonds
• ¼ cup finely diced red onion or green onion
• 2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder

For the Sandwiches: • Bread (croissants, whole wheat, sourdough, or lettuce wraps)
• Lettuce leaves, tomato slices

Step-by-Step Process

1. Prep the chicken
   Shred or dice cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Dice veggies & fruit
   Finely dice celery and onion. Halve grapes or dice an apple.
3. Toast nuts
   Toast nuts in a dry skillet 3–5 minutes until fragrant (or 350°F oven 8 minutes).
4. Make the dressing
   In a large bowl, whisk mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth.
5. Combine
   Add chicken, celery, grapes/apple, onion, nuts, and herbs to dressing.
6. Fold gently
   Fold until evenly coated—don’t overmix (keeps chicken tender).
7. Chill
   Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour (overnight is best—flavors meld).
8. Assemble sandwiches
   Toast bread if desired. Add lettuce, chicken salad, and tomato.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Salad Sandwich

• Rotisserie chicken—juiciest and fastest
• Chill 4+ hours—flavor improves dramatically
• Dice small—balanced bites
• Greek yogurt lightens without losing creaminess
• Toast nuts—unlocks flavor
• Make 24–48 hours ahead—peak flavor

Variations and Customization

• Curry Chicken Salad: curry powder + golden raisins
• Waldorf: grapes + apple + walnuts
• Spicy: diced jalapeño + hot sauce
• Cranberry Pecan: dried cranberries + pecans
• Light: all Greek yogurt + extra lemon
• Wraps or Croissants: different vessels

Storage and Serving Tips

• Improves daily—best day 2
• Fridge up to 5 days in an airtight container
• Do not freeze—mayo/yogurt separates
• Quick refresh: add fresh herbs + lemon squeeze
• Serve on bread, croissants, lettuce wraps, or with crackers
• Perfect for lunches, picnics, or showers

Nutritional Information

Based on 8 servings:
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Total Fat: 28g (Saturated 5g)
• Carbohydrates: 16g (Fiber 2g)

FAQ

1. Best chicken to use?
Rotisserie—juicy and seasoned.

2. No mayo—what can I use?
All Greek yogurt + extra mustard/lemon.

3. My salad watery?
Pat chicken dry + don’t add juicy extras.

4. Make-ahead for party?
Yes—up to 48 hours. Add delicate mix-ins day-of.

5. Nut-free?
Skip nuts or use sunflower seeds.

Conclusion

This Chicken Salad Sandwich is pure lunch magic—creamy, crunchy, tangy, and so versatile you’ll make it weekly. One bite on toasted bread and suddenly lunch feels exciting, picnics feel gourmet, and leftovers feel like a gift. Keep rotisserie chicken stocked, and you’re always 15 minutes away from the chicken salad that makes ordinary days feel special and special occasions feel effortless.