Chicken Salad In Toast Cups
Delicious chicken salad served in crispy toasted bread cups, perfect for parties or light lunches, combining tender chicken, crunchy celery, and creamy cheese flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cooked, chopped chicken, chopped celery, chopped pimiento, cream cheese, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Cut 30 (2-inch) rounds from the bread slices; butter both sides of each bread round.
- Press the buttered bread rounds into 1 3/4-inch muffin cups to form cups.
- Bake the bread cups for 10 to 15 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Allow the bread cups to cool.
- Fill each bread cup with 1 1/2 teaspoons of the chicken salad mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the chicken salad mixture. If you prefer a crunchier texture, swap the celery for chopped apples or nuts. You can use any type of bread, but sourdough or whole grain adds extra flavor. Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing.
Serving Suggestions
These chicken salad toast cups make an excellent appetizer or party snack. Pair them with a light salad or fresh vegetable platter for a complete meal. For a delightful twist, serve alongside a bowl of fruit salad or complement with a refreshing beverage. They also pair beautifully with American recipes like Chicken Salad Or Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bread cups can be kept at room temperature for 1 day but will lose their crispness. To reheat, place the bread cups in a warm oven for a few minutes, but avoid microwave reheating to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Salad In Toast Cups contains roughly 50 calories, with 2g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 591mg per serving (26% 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 and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to fill the bread cups right before serving to keep them crisp. This will enhance the flavors as they meld overnight.
What can I use instead of bread for the cups?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, consider using polenta or gluten-free tortillas to create your cups. You can also use puff pastry for a flaky alternative, which adds a different texture and flavor to the dish.
Can I freeze these chicken salad cups?
It's not advisable to freeze the filled bread cups as they will become soggy upon thawing. However, you can freeze the chicken salad mixture separately and assemble the cups fresh when you're ready to serve them.
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).