This Best Ever Chicken Salad Sandwich delivers creamy, crunchy chicken salad nestled in soft brioche—perfect for homemade lunches or relaxed dinners. It’s easy to make and just tastes like something you’d be proud to serve at home.
Table of Contents
Why This Chicken Salad Sandwich Stands Out
What makes this sandwich exceptional is the balance of textures and flavors. Juicy shredded chicken meets crisp celery, bright herbs, mayo, mustard, and a hint of lemon—all packed into pillowy brioche slices with crunchy lettuce. Every bite feels indulgent yet homey.
It shares the same comforting vibe as my Easy Classic Chicken Salad, but taken up a notch by being sandwiched between buttery bread and fresher toppings.
Ingredients & Prep Tips
What You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cooked shredded chicken | 2 cups (breast or thighs) |
| Celery, finely chopped | 1 cup |
| Mayonnaise | ½ cup |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tsp (or yellow mustard) |
| Fresh lemon juice | 1 tsp |
| Fresh parsley or chives, chopped | 1 tbsp |
| Salt & black pepper | to taste |
| Brioche or soft sandwich bread | 8 slices |
| Lettuce leaves (romaine or butter) | 8 leaves |
Prep Tips for Sandwich Perfection
Use fine, uniform shredding for chicken so the salad spreads easily. Chop celery finely for balance without big chunks. Taste and adjust mayo, mustard, lemon, and herbs gently until balanced. Brioche works beautifully here—its soft crumb and subtle sweetness elevate flavors.
Serve with crisp sides or a cooling green salad to balance the sandwich’s richness. It also complements warm meals like my Slow Cooker Tuscan Garlic Chicken for a lighter weekday sandwich vibe with the same flavor DNA.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Chicken Salad
Combine shredded chicken, chopped celery, mayo, mustard, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir gently until everything is well coated and creamy.
2. Build the Sandwich
Lay out bread slices. Place lettuce leaves on half of the slices. Spoon chicken salad evenly over lettuce, then top with remaining bread slices. Press gently together so sandwich holds shape.
3. Slice and Serve
Cut sandwiches in half, diagonally or straight. Serve immediately, or wrap and chill until ready. Perfect for meal prep or casual entertaining.
Print
Best Ever Chicken Salad Sandwich
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
Description
This creamy, crunchy Chicken Salad Sandwich is made with tender shredded chicken, celery, lemon, and fresh herbs—packed between slices of soft brioche for a lunch that feels comforting and satisfying.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (breast or thigh)
1 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped parsley or chives
Salt and black pepper to taste
8 slices brioche bread or other sandwich bread
8 lettuce leaves (romaine or butter)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken and chopped celery.
2. Add mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, and herbs. Stir gently to combine.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust creaminess if needed.
4. Lay out bread slices. Place a lettuce leaf on each bottom slice.
5. Spoon chicken salad over lettuce, then top with remaining slices.
6. Press gently, slice in half, and serve immediately.
Notes
Store chicken salad (without bread) in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Great for meal prep. Assemble sandwiches just before serving to keep bread fresh.
Try with croissants or wraps for variation. Add grapes, apple, or pecans for a twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Chicken Salad Sandwich, Best Chicken Salad Recipe, Lunch Ideas, Brioche Chicken Sandwich
Creative Variations
Level up your sandwich with added crunch or flavor: toss in chopped apples, grapes, pecans, or pumpkin seeds. Or a small amount of curry powder and mango chutney can bring a sweet-spicy flair. Add avocado slices or bacon for richness—or switch to whole grain, ciabatta, or croissant for different textures.
Pair these with simple side dishes—like crisp pickle spears, homemade chips, or seasonal fruit—to add variety and color.
FAQs
What’s the best bread choice?
Brioche, croissant, or soft sourdough hold the salad well while complementing its creaminess. Avoid dense rye or ciabatta if you prefer a lighter bite.
Can I make ahead for meal prep?
Yes—make the salad up to 2 days ahead, storing it in a sealed container. Add lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp. Bread should be wrapped to avoid drying out.
Is this recipe healthy?
This sandwich provides protein and healthy fats. Substituting Greek yogurt or half avocado for mayo cuts fat and calories. Adding crisp celery, herbs, or seeds boosts fiber and nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
This sandwich works beautifully in packed lunches, picnic baskets, or quick dinners. Pair with light soups or smoothies. You can also serve open‑faced with a drizzle of olive oil, or atop mixed greens for a more refined plate.
Looking for side ideas? Pair with homemade potato salad, fresh fruit salad, or a cup of vegetable soup as featured in my One-Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup for a seasonal complement.
A Final Slice of Love
The Best Ever Chicken Salad Sandwich makes homemade lunches feel special. With tender, creamy chicken salad nestled in soft bread, every bite feels indulgent and familiar. Whether for an everyday meal or gathering with friends, it’s a recipe that’s always welcome at the table.