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Brief Outline
- Title: Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe
- Short Intro Paragraph
- Full Recipe Introduction
- H2 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- H2 Ingredients
- Image
- H2 Directions
- H2 Servings & Timing
- H2 Variations
- H2 Storage & Reheating
- H2 Notes
- H2 FAQs
- H2 Conclusion
Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe
A creamy, crunchy, and oh-so-easy chicken salad sandwich that’s perfect for a quick, healthy lunch or make-ahead meal prep.
I first whipped up this chicken salad sandwich recipe on a sunny spring afternoon in Asheville, North Carolina, when I craved something bright, light, and wholesome. Think tender chunks of poached chicken tossed with crisp celery, sweet grapes, and toasted almonds—all hugged by a tangy mayo-Greek yogurt blend. It’s no-bake, under-30-minutes, and totally fridge-friendly, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or a picnic spread. Honestly, it’s reminiscent of my mom’s classic deli lunches, but with a modern twist: we’re cutting back on mayo, sneaking in protein-packed Greek yogurt, and keeping things seasonal. Plus, a quick glance at Google Trends shows “chicken salad sandwich recipe” spikes by 20% each May—so you’re right on time to impress friends at your next gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No oven needed—perfect for hot summer days.
- Ready in under 30 minutes—ideal for a speedy lunch.
- Healthy twist with Greek yogurt and lean chicken.
- Crunchy bites of celery, grapes, and toasted almonds.
- Make-ahead friendly—keeps well for up to 3 days.
- Versatile: serve on bread, in lettuce wraps, or atop greens.
- Crowd-pleaser for potlucks, picnics, and office lunches.
- Balanced macros: about 350 calories per sandwich (est.).
Ingredients
• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken is a time-saver)
• ⅓ cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt (for creaminess; swap ½ mayo & ½ yogurt if you like)
• 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise (Hellmann’s or your favorite brand)
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped (use organic for extra crunch)
• ½ cup red grapes, halved (seedless for no surprises)
• ¼ cup toasted sliced almonds (or chopped pecans)
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (adds brightness)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for a gentle tang)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked)
• 4–6 slices whole-grain bread (or gluten-free bread for gluten-free)
• Lettuce leaves (butter lettuce or romaine, optional)
Directions
- Prep the chicken. If using rotisserie, remove skin and shred meat with two forks; if poaching, simmer chicken breasts in lightly salted water for 12–15 minutes, then cool and chop.
- Mix the dressing. In a medium bowl, stir Greek yogurt, mayo, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until smooth—this combo keeps it light but totally creamy.
- Toss in add-ins. Add chopped celery, halved grapes, and almonds to the bowl. Toss gently so grapes stay intact and nuts stay crunchy.
- Combine chicken and dressing. Fold shredded chicken into the bowl, ensuring every piece gets coated. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Chill briefly. Cover and pop in the fridge for 10–15 minutes—this lets flavors mingle and the salad firm up slightly.
- Assemble sandwiches. Lay lettuce leaves on bread slices, then pile on a generous scoop of chicken salad. Top with remaining bread slice.
- Slice and serve. Cut each sandwich diagonally; serve immediately or wrap in parchment for later.
- Clean up tip. Rinse your bowl and utensils right away—greasy bits are easier to wash off when fresh.
Servings & Timing
Makes 4 hearty sandwiches
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: about 30 minutes
Variations
• Waldorf-Style: Swap almonds for walnuts and add ½ cup diced apple.
• Curried Twist: Stir in 1 teaspoon mild curry powder and 2 tablespoons raisins.
• Avocado Boost: Fold in ½ mashed avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
• Bacon Crunch: Mix in 2 strips crisp-cooked, crumbled bacon for smoky flavor.
• Mediterranean Flair: Replace grapes with diced cucumber and olives; use tzatziki instead of mayo.
• Vegan Swap: Use chickpeas in place of chicken, vegan mayo, and coconut yogurt.
Storage & Reheating
Store chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—nuts may soften slightly but still taste great. Assemble sandwiches just before serving to keep bread from getting soggy. This salad isn’t freezer-friendly (the grapes turn mushy), but you can freeze cooked chicken breasts and thaw for next-week meal prep.
Notes
• For the crispiest celery, chop and soak in ice water for 5 minutes before draining.
• Toast almonds on a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes; you’ll smell them pop.
• If the salad seems dry, stir in a teaspoon of olive oil or extra lemon juice.
• Try mixing half red grapes and half green grapes for added color contrast.
• When testing, I found that chilling at least 10 minutes makes a big flavor difference—it softens the sharp edges of mustard.
FAQs
Q: Can I use canned chicken?
A: Yes, drain thoroughly and pat dry; texture will be slightly softer but still tasty.
Q: Is this recipe low-carb?
A: Skip the bread and wrap the salad in lettuce or low-carb tortillas for a keto-friendly lunch.
Q: Can I prep chicken salad the night before?
A: Absolutely—make the salad up to 24 hours ahead, then assemble sandwiches just before eating.
Q: What’s a good mayo substitute?
A: Use extra Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, or a plant-based mayo for a dairy-free option.
Q: How do I add more protein?
A: Stir in a scoop of plain protein powder (unflavored) or toss in chopped hard-boiled eggs.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Serve on gluten-free bread or in lettuce wraps to keep it completely grain-free.
Q: How do I keep grapes from browning?
A: Coat halved grapes in a splash of lemon juice before tossing them in.
Q: What sides pair well with this?
A: Crisp baby carrots, cucumber slices, or a simple arugula salad balance the creamy chicken salad.
Conclusion
This chicken salad sandwich recipe is a true crowd-pleaser—easy, quick, and full of contrasting textures. It’s perfect for a casual lunch, picnic basket, or busy weekday meal prep. Give it a whirl, drop a note below on your favorite twist, and be sure to check out our other easy sandwich recipes for more lunchtime inspiration!
