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Gourmet Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe
Ash Tyrrell

Gourmet Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe

I’ve always loved a good chicken salad sandwich, but making this gourmet version at home completely changed the game for me. The flavors are richer, the textures more satisfying, and it’s surprisingly easy to put together.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken chopped – I prefer poached or roasted chicken for a tender, juicy texture.
  • 1/2 cup celery finely chopped – Adds a subtle crunch; fresh celery works best, avoid frozen.
  • 1/4 cup red grapes halved – Brings a hint of sweetness that balances the savory chicken.
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds toasted – Adds a nutty flavor and extra crunch. Toast them lightly in a dry skillet.
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise – I like using a quality full-fat mayo for creaminess.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Gives a gentle kick without overpowering the flavors.
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice – Brightens the taste and prevents the chicken salad from tasting heavy.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground is best for aroma.
  • 4 slices of whole-grain or sourdough bread – Fresh soft bread makes a big difference.
  • Optional: Lettuce or baby spinach leaves – Adds color and freshness.

Method
 

  1. Start by chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces. I find using poached chicken gives a moist, tender texture that works beautifully in this salad.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine chicken, celery, grapes, and almonds. Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. I mix gently to avoid breaking up the chicken too much.
  3. I like to chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before assembling. This step really lets the flavors meld together and makes the salad even more delicious.
  4. Lay your bread slices flat and add a generous layer of chicken salad. Top with lettuce or spinach if desired. I like pressing the top slice lightly to hold everything together.

Notes

  • I always toast the almonds lightly; it brings out a richer nutty flavor.
  • Chilling the chicken salad before serving improves the flavor dramatically.
  • I use fresh, crisp bread; it makes a noticeable difference in texture.
  • Don’t overmix the salad—I like some chunks of chicken for bite.
  • Adding a little extra lemon juice gives a fresh zing that balances the richness of mayonnaise.