Classic Creamy Chicken Salad Sandwich
Description
This Classic Creamy Chicken Salad Sandwich is a delicious, satisfying meal made with tender shredded chicken, hard-boiled eggs, crisp celery, crunchy onions, and a creamy seasoned dressing. Served between slices of soft toasted bread, this sandwich is perfect for lunch, picnics, meal prep, or a quick dinner. The combination of juicy chicken, creamy mayonnaise, fresh vegetables, and simple seasonings creates a timeless recipe that’s flavorful, filling, and easy to prepare in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Salad
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 2 tbsp finely diced onion
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish (optional)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Sandwich
- 8 slices sandwich bread (white, wheat, or sourdough)
- Butter for toasting (optional)
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
If using raw chicken, season two chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Boil, bake, or grill until fully cooked (165°F/74°C internal temperature). Let cool, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Salad
Add the shredded chicken, chopped eggs, celery, onion, pickle relish, and parsley to the bowl.
Fold everything together gently until evenly coated with the dressing.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Chill
Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to blend and improves the texture.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches
Lightly toast the bread if desired.
Layer lettuce on one slice of bread, spoon a generous amount of chicken salad on top, then add tomato slices if using.
Top with the second slice of bread and slice in half before serving.
Tips
- Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick and convenient.
- Chill the chicken salad before serving for the best flavor.
- Add diced apples or grapes for a sweet twist.
- Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds add a delicious crunch.
- For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
- Serve on croissants, wraps, or over a bed of lettuce instead of bread.
Storage
- Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Assemble sandwiches just before serving to keep the bread fresh.
- Do not freeze, as the mayonnaise-based dressing may separate after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes! Drain it well and shred before mixing with the dressing.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. The chicken salad actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours or overnight.
What bread works best?
White sandwich bread, sourdough, whole wheat, rye, or buttery croissants all pair wonderfully with this filling.
Can I make it healthier?
Yes. Replace some or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt and use whole-grain bread for added fiber.
Servings
Makes 4 sandwiches
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 485
- Protein: 33g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Cholesterol: 145mg