Homemade Chicken Salad Sandwiches
A quick, flavorful chicken salad sandwich filling featuring tender leftovers, crunchy celery, almonds, and a tangy dressing—perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dice or tear the leftover baked chicken into small pieces.
- In a bowl, toss the chicken with chopped celery, pickle relish, slivered almonds, and reduced fat salad dressing.
- Add sugar and egg if desired, then mix until well combined and the mixture reaches a good sandwich consistency.
- Serve the chicken salad on whole wheat or your favorite bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or avocado mayonnaise as a substitute for reduced fat salad dressing. If you want extra flavor, try incorporating diced apples or grapes for sweetness. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken for added convenience. Don’t forget to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. This chicken salad is versatile and can easily be customized.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken salad on whole wheat bread or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Pair it with a side of fresh fruit or a crunchy vegetable salad for a light meal. This dish also goes well with chips or a bowl of soup for a comforting lunch. For a fun twist, serve it as a filling for mini croissants or as a topping for crackers.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing the chicken salad mixture without the bread, as the texture may change once thawed. To reheat, gently warm the chicken salad in a microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, but it's best served chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homemade Chicken Salad Sandwiches contains roughly 11 calories, with 1g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 use canned chicken for this recipe?
Yes, canned chicken can be used as a time-saver in this recipe. Just make sure to drain it well and shred it before mixing it with the other ingredients. The flavor may differ slightly, but it will still make a delicious chicken salad sandwich.
What can I substitute for slivered almonds?
If you don't have slivered almonds, you can substitute with chopped walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds for added crunch. Each option will bring a unique flavor to the chicken salad, so feel free to experiment based on your preference.
Is it necessary to add sugar or egg?
Adding sugar is optional and can enhance the sweetness, especially if your pickle relish is tangy. The egg is also optional; it can add richness and help bind the salad together. Adjust these ingredients to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
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).