Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Chicken Salad Sandwiches – a classic recipe that never goes out of style. Perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, or casual gatherings, these sandwiches are bursting with flavor and packed with wholesome ingredients. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this delectable dish, share tips and variations to suit your taste buds, and provide keto and low-carb versions for those with specific dietary needs. Get ready to elevate your lunch game with Chicken Salad Sandwiches!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon full-fat mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon dill
- 1/2 teaspoon dried onion flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 2 cups chopped or pulled chicken, cooled OR 1, 12.5 oz can chicken (drained)
- 3 tablespoons chopped cashews, walnuts, or pecans
- 3 tablespoons celery, minced
- 1/2 cup red grapes, halved or quartered
- 4 butter croissants, sliced open
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, dill, dried onion flakes, garlic powder, dried basil, and seasoned salt. Stir until well blended and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: If using leftover cooked chicken, chop or pull it into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, if using canned chicken, drain the liquid and flake the chicken with a fork. Add the chicken to the bowl with the dressing.
- Add the Mix-Ins: To the bowl with the chicken and dressing, add the chopped nuts, minced celery, and halved red grapes. Gently fold everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the dressing and the mix-ins are distributed throughout.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Slice open the butter croissants and place a generous scoop of the chicken salad mixture onto the bottom half of each croissant. Top with the remaining croissant halves to form sandwiches.
- Serve: Arrange the Chicken Salad Sandwiches on a platter and serve immediately. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures in every bite!
Cook Notes and Variations
- Texture Preference: Adjust the texture of the chicken salad to your liking by finely chopping or coarsely shredding the chicken. For a chunkier salad, leave the chicken in larger pieces. For a smoother consistency, finely chop or shred the chicken.
- Customize Your Mix-Ins: Get creative with your mix-ins to add extra flavor and texture to the chicken salad. Consider adding diced apples, dried cranberries, chopped green onions, or diced pickles for a unique twist.
- Nut-Free Option: If you have nut allergies or prefer to omit nuts from your chicken salad, simply leave them out or substitute with seeds such as sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch.
- Lighten Up: For a lighter version of chicken salad, you can use Greek yogurt or a combination of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise in place of full-fat mayonnaise. This reduces the calorie and fat content while still providing creaminess and tanginess to the salad.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here’s how you can adapt Chicken Salad Sandwiches to fit your dietary needs:
- Keto Version: Skip the croissants altogether and serve the chicken salad on a bed of lettuce or mixed greens for a keto-friendly salad. Alternatively, wrap the chicken salad in large lettuce leaves for a low-carb lettuce wrap option.
- Low-Carb Version: Substitute the butter croissants with low-carb bread or sandwich wraps made from almond flour, coconut flour, or flaxseed meal. Look for brands that are specifically labeled as low-carb or keto-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Chicken Salad Sandwiches ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad filling ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Assemble the sandwiches just before serving to prevent the croissants from becoming soggy.
Q: Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe? A: Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is a great option for making chicken salad sandwiches. Simply shred the cooked chicken and follow the recipe instructions as written.
Q: Can I customize the seasoning in the dressing? A: Of course! Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the dressing to suit your taste preferences. Add more garlic powder for extra flavor, or sprinkle in some smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.
Chicken Salad Sandwiches are a timeless classic that never fails to satisfy. With their creamy dressing, tender chicken, and crunchy mix-ins, these sandwiches are a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Whether enjoyed as a quick lunch or a leisurely picnic, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
So, gather your ingredients, whip up a batch of Chicken Salad Sandwiches, and savor every bite of this deliciously satisfying meal. With its versatility and simplicity, it’s the perfect dish for any occasion!
Indulge in the comforting goodness of Chicken Salad Sandwiches and treat yourself to a taste of culinary nostalgia. Enjoy!
