Chicken Salad Finger Sandwiches
Creamy chicken salad finger sandwiches feature tender chopped chicken mixed with crunchy celery, boiled eggs, and tangy relish, all bound in mayonnaise. Served on soft bread and decorated with fresh garnishes, they make elegant, flavorful appetizers perfect for parties, brunches, or light luncheons.
Ingredients
- 1 c. chopped cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1/4 c. plus 2 Tbsp. finely chopped celery
- 2 hard-cooked eggs, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sweet pickle relish ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 c. plus 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 lb. loaf unsliced sandwich bread ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. butter or margarine, softened
- 4 oz. container whipped cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 8 tomato roses ⓘ
- sprigs of fresh dill ⓘ
- 8 small green onion fans ⓘ
- 8 strips pimiento ⓘ
- 3 whole canned pimientos ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine chopped cooked chicken, finely chopped celery, finely chopped hard-cooked eggs, sweet pickle relish, salt, and pepper in a bowl, tossing well.
- Stir in mayonnaise until well coated.
- Cover and chill the chicken salad mixture.
- Spread softened butter or margarine on slices of sandwich bread.
- Spread whipped cream cheese on the buttered bread slices.
- Cut the bread into finger-length pieces to make sandwiches.
- Decorate the sandwiches with tomato roses, sprigs of fresh dill, small green onion fans, strips of pimiento, and whole canned pimientos as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise. You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you prefer crunch, add diced apples or walnuts. To make the sandwiches more colorful, consider using whole grain or multigrain bread instead of white. For added flavor, mix in some herbs like dill or parsley.
Serving Suggestions
These finger sandwiches are perfect for tea parties, picnics, or brunch. Serve them alongside a fresh green salad or a bowl of Cream Of Broccoli And Cheese Soup for a delightful meal. They also pair beautifully with fruit platters or vegetable crudités for a light afternoon snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If sandwiches are made, they are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for a couple of hours. To reheat, remove any toppings and microwave the filling briefly, then reconstruct the sandwich.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Salad Finger Sandwiches contains roughly 1206 calories, with 9g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 119g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (122% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (60% of the Daily Value), and iron (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1484mg per serving (65% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld together, making it even more delicious when served. Just add toppings just before serving for the best presentation.
What can I substitute for the pimiento?
If you can't find pimiento, roasted red peppers or chopped bell peppers can serve as a suitable substitute. They provide similar color and a touch of sweetness. For a twist, try using olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
Can I use another type of bread for the sandwiches?
Absolutely! While sandwich bread is traditional, you can use whole grain, rye, or even croissants for a unique twist. For a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps, which can make for a refreshing alternative.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).