Imagine biting into a chicken salad sandwich, bursting with flavors. You’ll taste tender chicken, creamy mayonnaise, crisp celery, and sweet grapes. One hot summer afternoon, we needed a easy chicken salad sandwich recipe. It had to be refreshing yet savory, perfect for everyone at our family picnic.
Walking through the farmer’s market inspired us. We saw juicy red grapes and crunchy celery. The smell of fresh parsley and tarragon got us excited. With these, plus tender chicken and homemade mayonnaise, we made the best chicken salad sandwich. It’s not just food; it’s a blend of amazing tastes and textures.
This dish is great for any time, a casual lunch or a fancy dinner. Our homemade chicken salad sandwich recipe is not only tasty but also nutritious. It has 524 calories and 36g of protein1. It’s perfect for hot days when you need something easy and light.
Check out our video tutorial below. Join us on this tasty adventure. With our step-by-step guide, anyone can make the perfect chicken salad sandwich.
Ingredients for the Ultimate Chicken Salad Sandwich
To create the best chicken salad, we need top ingredients that blend well. Each one adds something special to the taste and feel. For the ultimate sandwich, be sure to use fresh, high-quality items.
List of Ingredients
Below is a list of what you’ll need for a great chicken salad sandwich:
- 4 cups of cooked, chopped chicken breast (approx. 2 pounds)
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise or homemade dressing
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or toasted almonds for crunch
- 1 red onion
- 1 stalk celery
- 2 cups cooked chicken
- 3 tbsp walnuts
- 1/3 cup red grapes, halved
- Juice of 1/2 a lemon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried dill or parsley
Fresh herbs like parsley and tarragon add a lovely aroma. Red grapes and celery give a crunchy, sweet taste. The Dijon mustard adds a tangy kick, matching the creamy mayo.
This recipe serves six and is ready in about 10 minutes. It’s both fast and easy for any meal2.
For sandwich lovers, consider adding toasted bread, pesto, cheese, fresh tomato, or crispy bacon. These extras bring more textures and tastes. They also make the recipe flexible to fit different tastes and diets3.
How to Make the Best Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe
Start by perfectly poaching chicken breasts. This makes the chicken tender and juicy, perfect for our recipe.
Poach the Chicken
For poaching, put chicken breasts in a pot of lightly salted water. They should not touch, so they cook evenly. It usually takes about 5 minutes to cook them until just tender. After cooking, cool the chicken in the fridge before chopping.
Assemble the Chicken Salad
Putting together the chicken salad is easy. First, toast the almonds to bring out the nutty taste. Then, chop the cooled chicken into fine pieces. You’ll need around 1 lb or 4 cups of chicken4.
Add 2 cups of halved seedless red grapes, 1 cup of sliced celery, and 1/2 cup of finely chopped red onion4.
To make the dressing, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons chopped dill. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper4. Mix this dressing with the chopped ingredients until everything is coated.
Chill the salad in the fridge to blend the flavors. This makes a tasty chicken salad sandwich. Each serving has 438 calories, 15g of carbs, 22g of protein, and 33g of fat4.
Homemade Mayonnaise for Your Chicken Salad
Making your own mayonnaise can take your chicken salad sandwich to the next level. It adds a fresh, rich taste you don’t get from the store. Let’s look at how to make your chicken salad sandwich even tastier.
Ingredients for Homemade Mayonnaise
- 1 organic egg5
- 1 cup of canola oil
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions for Homemade Mayonnaise
- Crack the egg into a tall container suitable for an immersion blender.
- Add the lemon juice and Dijon mustard to the container.
- Slowly pour in the canola and olive oils.
- Insert the immersion blender and blend until the mixture thickens and emulsifies into a creamy consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
This homemade mayonnaise is perfect for our easy chicken salad sandwich. It brings a gourmet touch to our beloved recipe. Your mayonnaise can last about a week in the fridge, giving you time to enjoy several sandwiches5.
Serving Suggestions for Your Chicken Salad Sandwich
There are many delightful ways to enjoy our chicken salad. You might like it between soft bread with lettuce or spinach. Or, for fewer carbs, try it in lettuce wraps. You can also put a big scoop on a fresh salad for a healthy meal. The mix in our chicken salad makes every choice taste great. This means you’ll always enjoy your meal, no matter how you serve it.
Want to make your chicken salad sandwich even better? Try adding different sides. Croissants, sourdough, or whole grain bread can bring a nice texture6. Dill pickles, fresh herbs, and sour cream can make your sandwich taste even better6. And don’t forget to add a Caesar salad or a green salad for a full meal6.
Thinking about drinks? Iced tea, lemonade, and berry spritzers are great choices. They go perfectly with the light taste of chicken salad sandwiches6. These drink ideas can help make any lunch or party a hit6. Our recipe is a big favorite, scoring 4.89 out of 5 from 26 reviews7. Everyone is sure to love it.
Nutritional Information
Our Ultimate Chicken Salad Sandwich is a healthy choice for your meals. Each 198-gram serving has 489 calories, 27 grams of fat, and 29 grams of protein. This makes it packed with energy and essential nutrients8. Almonds add healthy fats, reaching 35% of what you need each day8. Plus, it’s filled with protein, aiding muscle repair and growth, meeting 58% of your daily needs8
It’s rich in vitamins and minerals too. You get 19.80 mg of calcium and 2.69 mg of iron which help bones and blood8. It has 2 grams of fiber for your gut, making up 17% of daily intake9. Vitamin A and C boost vision and immunity, with 14% and 9% of daily values, respectively9.
The sandwich has a low saturated fat content, only 1 gram or 4% of the daily need9. Its sodium level is high at 849 mg, so eat it in moderation8. With 37 grams of carbs, including fiber and sugar, it offers a well-balanced diet8. Zinc, important for your immune and metabolic health, makes up 9% of the daily value9.
For more info on why chicken salad is good for you, check out this source10.
Conclusion
Ending our food adventure, we looked into making the best Chicken Salad Sandwich. It takes about 10 minutes to make. It is a tasty and healthy meal choice11. The blend of shredded chicken, Hellmann’s mayonnaise, and optional fruits and nuts makes it special1112.
We also talked about homemade mayonnaise to spice up our chicken salad. Plus, we offered ideas like using lettuce wraps, croissants, or pineapple nut bread. This ensures it fits everyone’s taste12. Our advice on buttering the bread and saving leftovers makes every bite enjoyable11.
Give this recipe a shot and appreciate its easy and flexible approach. Its quick prep and delicious results make this sandwich a favorite. Discover why it’s essential for a yummy and healthy meal12. The secret? Fresh ingredients and a little homemade touch. Enjoy your meal!
FAQ
What are the main ingredients needed for the Ultimate Chicken Salad Sandwich?
How do we poach chicken for the salad?
Can we use store-bought mayonnaise instead of homemade?
Can we substitute any ingredients if we have dietary restrictions?
How should we serve the chicken salad for different meal preferences?
How many calories are in a serving of the Ultimate Chicken Salad Sandwich?
What are the benefits of using fresh herbs in the chicken salad?
How long should we chill the chicken salad before serving?
Can we make the chicken salad in advance?
Is this chicken salad sandwich recipe suitable for meal prep?
Source Links
- https://downshiftology.com/recipes/chicken-salad/
- https://bellyfull.net/chicken-salad-sandwich/
- https://hungry-blonde.com/loaded-chicken-salad-sandwich/
- https://natashaskitchen.com/chicken-salad-recipe/
- https://www.thevintagemixer.com/easy-chicken-salad-recipe-with-homemade-mayonnaise/
- https://www.thequickjourney.com/what-to-serve-with-chicken-salad/
- https://kristineskitchenblog.com/chicken-salad-sandwiches/
- https://www.nutritionvalue.org/Chicken_salad_sandwich,_chicken_701248_nutritional_value.html
- https://www.eatthismuch.com/calories/quick-and-easy-chicken-salad-sandwich-944779
- https://ifoodreal.com/healthy-chicken-salad/
- https://chefsnotes.com/best-chicken-salad/
- https://theendlessappetite.com/simple-chicken-salad-recipe/