🥐 Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwich Recipe
📝 Description
Creamy, crunchy, fruity, and nutty — this chicken salad croissant sandwich is the ultimate combination of textures and flavors. Tender shredded chicken is tossed with crisp celery, sweet grapes, and toasted pecans in a creamy dressing, then nestled inside a buttery croissant with fresh lettuce. It’s perfect for lunch, brunch, or light dinner.
🧾 Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1/2 cup red grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup green grapes (or substitute with diced green apple for tartness)
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped (lightly toasted for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, adds tangy depth)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 4 fresh croissants, sliced open
- Romaine or leaf lettuce, for serving
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the chicken salad:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, grapes, celery, red onion, and pecans. - Make the dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and pepper. - Mix it up:
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning. - Assemble the sandwiches:
Slice each croissant open horizontally. Line with lettuce leaves, then spoon a generous amount of chicken salad into each. - Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes before assembling for extra flavor meld.
👩🍳 Tips & Variations
- Use leftover roast chicken or a rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- To lighten it up, substitute half of the mayo with Greek yogurt.
- Add crunch by tossing in a few sunflower seeds or almonds.
- Don’t skip the grapes! Their sweetness balances the richness of the mayo and the savory chicken.
- Make ahead: Chicken salad can be made up to 2 days in advance. Assemble sandwiches just before serving to avoid sogginess.
- Want spice? Add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce to the dressing.
🍽️ Servings
Makes 4 sandwiches
🔬 Nutritional Info (Per Sandwich, approx.):
- Calories: ~450–500
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 9g
- Sodium: 550mg
Values vary based on croissant size and mayo brand.
🌟 Benefits
- High in protein – Keeps you full and supports muscle repair.
- Heart-healthy fats – From pecans and olive-oil-based mayo if used.
- Rich in vitamins – Grapes, celery, and lettuce offer vitamin K, C, and antioxidants.
- Great for meal prep – Chicken salad keeps well and can be used in wraps or over greens.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes! Just use a dairy-free mayo and avoid yogurt-based dressings.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble croissants fresh.
Q: Can I use canned chicken?
A: You can, but for best texture and flavor, freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken is preferred.
Q: Are croissants the only option?
A: Not at all! Try it in wraps, pita pockets, on whole grain toast, or lettuce cups.
Q: How can I make it gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free croissants or serve the chicken salad over salad greens or in GF wraps.