Hot Chicken Sandwiches
Hot Chicken Sandwiches feature tender shredded chicken in a creamy, savory sauce with a hint of celery crunch. Perfect for a comforting lunch or casual dinner, this dish pairs well with soft buns and offers a flavorful, satisfying experience for family or friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the chicken without salt until done, then shred into small pieces.
- Make a roux by blending melted butter, flour, salt, and pepper over low heat until bubbly.
- Remove from heat and stir in chicken broth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in 2 cups of shredded chicken and the sliced celery.
- Serve the mixture on buns to make sandwiches.
Tips & Substitutions
To make the sauce richer, consider adding a splash of cream or a tablespoon of Dijon mustard. If you need a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. You can use leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking a whole chicken. For a kick, add a teaspoon of hot sauce to the roux.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these hot chicken sandwiches on soft buns or toasted hoagie rolls. Pair them with a side of coleslaw or potato salad for a classic touch. For a heartier meal, consider serving them alongside a bowl of soup, such as Chicken Florentine or a fresh green salad. They also make great game day snacks!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it, but be sure to cover it to retain moisture and prevent it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Chicken Sandwiches contains roughly 385 calories, with 1g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 487mg per serving (21% 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 use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred about 2 cups of cooked chicken and add it to the sauce in step 5. This not only speeds up preparation but also enhances the flavor by using well-seasoned chicken.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don't have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth or even water can be used as substitutes. For a richer flavor, consider adding a bouillon cube or a tablespoon of soy sauce to your liquid to mimic the depth of chicken broth.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, mix in cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the roux before adding the chicken broth. You can also serve the sandwiches with sliced jalapeños or a spicy aioli on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick!
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).