Simple, creamy, and full of flavor — this homemade chicken salad sandwich is the ultimate go-to for lunch, picnics, or meal prep!
This timeless chicken salad recipe delivers the perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, and savory. Made with tender shredded chicken, crisp celery, and a touch of seasoning, it’s deliciously versatile and always satisfying.
🍽️ Recipe Card
Yield: 4 sandwiches
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes (if cooking chicken from scratch)
Total Time: 35 minutes
Dietary Tags: High-Protein | Family Lunch | Make-Ahead
✅ Ingredients
For the Chicken Salad:
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3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
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¾ cup mayonnaise (adjust to taste)
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional for tang)
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1–2 celery stalks, finely chopped
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¼ cup finely chopped onion (optional, for bite)
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1 tsp lemon juice
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¼ tsp garlic powder
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
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1–2 tbsp sweet pickle relish or chopped dill pickles
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2 boiled eggs, diced (for extra richness)
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¼ cup chopped pecans, apples, or grapes for a twist
For Serving:
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4 soft sandwich rolls, croissants, or toast slices
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Crisp lettuce leaves or baby spinach (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook & Shred Chicken
If using fresh chicken, boil or bake until tender (165°F internal temperature). Let cool, then shred using two forks or a mixer.
2️⃣ Mix the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
3️⃣ Add Chicken & Veggies
Fold in shredded chicken, celery, and onion. Mix well until evenly coated. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
4️⃣ Chill (Optional)
For best flavor, refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving — this lets the dressing soak into the chicken.
5️⃣ Assemble Sandwiches
Scoop chicken salad onto rolls, croissants, or toast. Add lettuce if desired, then serve immediately or wrap for lunch.
💡 Tips & Variations
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Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep and extra flavor.
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Swap mayo for Greek yogurt or half mayo + half sour cream for a lighter option.
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Add a dash of paprika or curry powder for a flavor twist.
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Make it spicy with diced jalapeños or a spoonful of buffalo sauce!
🌟 Introduction
This Creamy Chicken Salad Sandwich is the definition of comfort food. It’s cool, creamy, and endlessly customizable. Whether served on buttery rolls, crisp lettuce wraps, or flaky croissants, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Perfect for weekday lunches, meal prepping, or summer picnics — it’s one of those “make once, enjoy all week” recipes.
🥣 Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1 – Mix & Taste
Blend dressing ingredients first so the flavors balance before adding chicken. Adjust with a little lemon juice or mustard if you like it tangier.
Step 2 – Customize It
For texture, add celery or nuts. For sweetness, toss in grapes or apples.
Step 3 – Serve with Style
Scoop into sandwich rolls like pictured, or serve on a bed of greens for a low-carb lunch.
🍞 Serving Suggestions
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Classic Style: On soft sandwich buns or toasted white bread.
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Low-Carb: Wrapped in lettuce leaves or on top of salad greens.
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Party Version: Scoop into mini rolls or serve with crackers as a dip.
🧊 Storage & Meal Prep
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Refrigerate: Store in airtight container up to 4–5 days.
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Do Not Freeze: Mayo-based salads don’t thaw well.
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Meal Prep Tip: Portion into containers for grab-and-go lunches.
🧮 Nutrition (Per Sandwich, Approx.)
Calories: 410 | Protein: 32g | Fat: 28g | Carbs: 8g
Dietary Highlights: High-Protein | Keto-Friendly Option | Meal-Prep Approved
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes — it tastes even better the next day once the flavors meld!
Q: What’s the best bread to use?
A: Soft sandwich rolls, brioche buns, or buttery croissants work beautifully.
Q: Can I make it healthier?
A: Absolutely — swap part of the mayo for Greek yogurt and add more veggies.
❤️ The Story Behind the Recipe
This chicken salad is a staple of simple comfort food — the kind you find at family picnics and potlucks. It’s proof that sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones that stick with you the longest.
Whether made with leftover roast chicken or fresh-cooked, it’s creamy, cozy, and 100% satisfying every time.