Chicken Salad Sandwich
Hey there! If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just need a quick and easy meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Well, I’ve got just the thing for you—a simple, tasty Chicken Salad Sandwich that’s perfect for any day of the week.
I absolutely love making this recipe because it’s so easy to whip up, and it always hits the spot.
And, you can customize it however you like!
Whether you’re in the mood for a light lunch or need something quick for dinner, this chicken salad is a total lifesaver.
You only need a few ingredients, and in no time, you’ve got a hearty sandwich that’s fresh, creamy, and full of flavor. I know you’ll love it just as much as I do!
Now, let’s get started cooking, and I’ll show you how to make this delicious sandwich step by step. So you nail it in the kitchen!
Trust me, once you try it out, you’ll be making it all the time. You Ready? Let’s put our hands on it!
How to Make the Chicken Salad Sandwich: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Cook the Chicken – First, grab your chicken (about 2 breasts) and cook it however you like—grilled, boiled, or even leftover rotisserie chicken works! Once it’s cooked, shred it into bite-sized pieces. No need for perfection here, just shred away!
- Prep the Veggies – Dice up half a red onion and chop a celery stalk or two. These will add the perfect crunch to your salad. Think of them as your salad’s secret weapon!
- Mix the Salad – In a big bowl, toss your shredded chicken, chopped veggies, and about 1/2 cup of mayo. Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard (if you’re feeling fancy), a pinch of salt, and some pepper to taste. Give it a good stir, like you’re mixing up something magical!
- Toast the Bread – Take your favorite bread—sourdough, whole wheat, or even a fluffy roll—and toast it lightly. You want that perfect crunch without going overboard.
- Assemble the Sandwich – Now, pile your delicious chicken salad on one slice of bread and top it with the other. Feel free to throw in some lettuce or a slice of tomato if you want to take things up a notch.
- Enjoy!
That’s it! Time to Eat. Now, you’ve got yourself a sandwich that’s quick and tasty!
Common Mistakes to Avoid (and How to Avoid Them!)
Overcooking the Chicken
We’ve all been there—dry, rubbery chicken. Yuck. To avoid this, don’t overdo it! Keep an eye on your chicken while it cooks, and check it with a meat thermometer. 165°F is your sweet spot.
Too Much Mayo
A little mayo goes a long way. You don’t want your chicken salad swimming in mayo like a lifeguard at the beach! Start with a little and add more if needed. It’s about balance, not drowning your chicken.
Skipping the Toasting Step
Don’t skip toasting your bread—soft, soggy bread is the enemy here. A little crunch gives your sandwich the perfect contrast to the creamy filling. Plus, toasted bread just feels fancier!
Not Shredding the Chicken Enough
Big chunks of chicken in a sandwich? Nah, we’re not making chicken chunks; we’re making chicken salad! Shred the chicken well so every bite is packed with flavor.
Forget the Salt and Pepper
A little seasoning goes a long way. Don’t be afraid to season your chicken salad with a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper. Otherwise, it could taste a little…bland. And we don’t do bland, right?
Follow these tips, and you’ll avoid these common slip-ups! Trust me, your chicken salad sandwich will be the talk of the town.
Recipe Best Tips
Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a super quick and tasty option, grab a rotisserie chicken from the store!
It saves time and still gives your salad that tender, flavorful chicken. And, it’s super convenient!
Chill It: If you have the time, let your chicken salad chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving.
This lets the flavors really blend together and gives you a more delicious bite.
Mix It Up with Add-Ins
Want to spice things up? Add some dried cranberries, chopped apples, or even some sliced almonds for extra flavor and texture. Be creative!
Use a Good Bread
Don’t skimp on the bread. Go for something hearty like a thick-sliced sourdough or a soft, crusty roll. The bread makes a huge difference in how the sandwich feels.
Don’t Overdo the Mayo
Start with a little mayo and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in there!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be making the best Chicken Salad Sandwich every time!
Storage and Freezing
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store your chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge.
It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, but I bet it won’t last that long! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just give it a quick stir and it’s good to go.
Freezing
While the chicken salad itself can freeze well, the bread? Not so much. If you want to freeze the salad, scoop it into an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then serve it with fresh bread for that perfect crunch!
Serving Suggestions
On a Bed of Greens
For a lighter, refreshing option, serve the chicken salad on a bed of mixed greens or spinach. It makes a great salad alternative and adds a nice crunch without the carbs.
With Crunchy Chips or Fries
Pair your sandwich with classic crispy chips or even some homemade sweet potato fries.
It adds a salty, crunchy contrast that complements the creamy chicken salad perfectly!
Stuffed in a Wrap
Skip the bread and wrap the chicken salad in a whole-wheat or spinach wrap for a fun twist. This makes it portable, too—perfect for picnics or a packed lunch.
With Sliced Veggies
Serve alongside sliced cucumbers, carrots, or celery for a refreshing, crunchy side.
It’s a simple way to add more veggies to your meal without complicating things.
A Side of Pickles
You can never go wrong with a side of tangy pickles. They provide the perfect balance to the creamy and savory flavors of the chicken salad.
These ideas will make your chicken salad sandwich even more satisfying and fun to eat! Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you absolutely can! Canned chicken is a quick and easy substitute when you’re in a pinch. Just drain it well and shred it before mixing with the other ingredients. - Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, the chicken salad tastes even better after it sits for a few hours or overnight. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. - What’s the best bread for this sandwich?
Sourdough, whole wheat, or a nice crusty baguette are great options. Anything with a bit of texture to hold the chicken salad is perfect. Just toast it for that extra crunch! - Can I make this recipe without mayo?
Of course! You can use Greek yogurt or avocado as a lighter, healthier substitute for mayo. It’ll still be creamy and delicious! - Can I add other veggies?
Absolutely! You can mix in things like diced apples, grapes, or even shredded carrots for added crunch and sweetness. The possibilities are endless. - Can I freeze the chicken salad?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken salad itself (without the bread). Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge when you’re ready to eat! - How long does this chicken salad stay fresh?
It stays fresh in the fridge for about 3 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it as fresh as possible.
Conclusion
And there you have it—a simple, delicious Chicken Salad Sandwich that’s sure to impress every time.
Now that you know how easy it is to make, you’ll probably never go back to store-bought again.
Trust me, once you taste this homemade version, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for the pre-made stuff!
I’d love to hear how you made this recipe on your own. Did you add any secret ingredients or swap out the bread?
Share your version with me, and let’s keep the flavor train rolling!
You Might Also Want To Try These Delicious Ones…
- Chicken Marinade With Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Shredded Rotisserie Chicken Casserole
- Melt In Your Mouth Baked Chicken Breast Casserole

Chicken Salad Sandwich
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cooked chicken breasts shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard optional
- 1/2 red onion diced
- 1-2 celery stalks chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices of your favorite bread toasted
- Lettuce and tomato optional, for serving
Instructions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Dice the red onion and chop the celery.
- In a large bowl, mix together chicken, onion, celery, mayo, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Toast your bread to your preferred level of crunch.
- Assemble the sandwich by spreading the chicken salad between two slices of bread.
- Optionally, add lettuce and tomato for extra crunch and flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter version, swap mayo for Greek yogurt.
- Add extras like sliced grapes, almonds, or dried cranberries for a unique twist.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.