This chicken salad croissant sandwich has a special place in my kitchen—because it came straight from the memory of something I loved as a kid, then reshaped into something I’d be proud to serve now.
We always had a version of chicken salad at home, usually scooped onto plain sandwich bread or tucked into a pita. But once I tried it in a croissant, everything changed. That flaky, buttery crust mixed with the cool, creamy filling just worked.
I’m pretty picky about balance when it comes to flavor and texture, so I made sure this version gets it right. I use shredded chicken because it grabs onto the dressing better than chunks do.
Then there’s the fresh crunch from celery, and the slight sweetness from grapes that make each bite feel fresh and full.
I add just the right amount of lemon juice and mustard to round it out, so it’s not just creamy—but bright and full of flavor too.
This is the kind of sandwich you make when you’re not trying to impress anyone but still want them to ask for a second one.
It’s simple, satisfying, and tastes just as good packed up for lunch as it does freshly made. Nothing feels heavy. Nothing feels boring. Just a solid, flavorful chicken salad wrapped in the perfect croissant.
Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, finely shredded
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup red seedless grapes, halved
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onions (optional)
- 2 large butter croissants, sliced horizontally
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Add the chopped celery, halved grapes, and green onions to the bowl. Gently fold them in using a spoon or spatula, making sure everything is coated evenly without mashing the grapes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. You can add a pinch more salt or a dash of lemon juice depending on your flavor preference.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and to chill it for better texture.
- Slice the croissants in half lengthwise without cutting all the way through, keeping one edge intact so it holds the filling well.
- Spoon a generous amount of the chicken salad onto the bottom half of each croissant. Be sure to include a good mix of chicken, grapes, and celery for every bite.
- Gently press the top half of the croissant down and serve immediately. You can also wrap the sandwich in parchment paper if packing it for lunch.
Can I Make The Chicken Salad Ahead Of Time?
Making chicken salad ahead of time is not just possible—it’s actually a great idea for better flavor. Preparing it a few hours or even a day before gives all the ingredients time to blend together, making it taste even better.
For the best results, store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to stir it before using, as some moisture may separate during storage.
Adding delicate ingredients like walnuts or fresh herbs right before serving helps keep their texture and flavor fresh.
The assembled sandwiches, however, should always be made fresh to keep the croissants from getting soggy.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches?
Leftover chicken salad croissant sandwiches can be stored safely if you follow a few key steps. Here’s how to keep them tasting fresh:
- Store The Filling Separately: Always store the chicken salad filling by itself in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Keep Croissants In A Separate Container: Croissants can be kept at room temperature for a day or refrigerated if you plan to store them longer.
- Assemble Fresh Before Eating: Put the sandwiches together right before eating to avoid sogginess and maintain texture.
- Use Within Three Days: For safety and best flavor, enjoy the chicken salad within three days of making it.
What Can I Use Instead Of Walnuts In Chicken Salad?
If you don’t have walnuts or prefer a different crunch, there are several great options you can try. Each brings a slightly different texture or flavor:
- Pecans: Slightly sweeter and softer than walnuts.
- Almonds: Add a firmer crunch with a mild, nutty flavor.
- Cashews: Provide a buttery bite and rich texture.
- Pumpkin Seeds: Great for nut-free diets with a light crunch.
- Sunflower Seeds: Small, crisp, and slightly salty for added flavor.
Choose the one you like based on what you have or what taste you prefer. Just make sure to chop larger nuts into smaller pieces for better texture in each bite.
How Can I Keep The Apples From Turning Brown?
Apples naturally start to turn brown once they’re cut because of exposure to air. You can easily stop this from happening by adding a little acid to the mix.
- Use Lemon Juice: Toss the diced apples with a few drops of fresh lemon juice before adding them to the chicken salad. This keeps them fresh-looking and bright.
- Mix Quickly: Adding the apples right into the creamy chicken salad right after cutting also helps coat them and slows down browning.
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken For This Recipe?
Rotisserie chicken works really well for this recipe. It’s already cooked, tender, and flavorful, making your prep even faster.
Just remove the skin, take the meat off the bones, and dice it into small cubes. Make sure not to add too much of the darker leg meat if you prefer a milder flavor, since chicken breast usually gives the salad a lighter taste.
If using rotisserie chicken, skip adding extra salt at first because rotisserie meat is already seasoned. Taste before adjusting.
Can I Freeze Chicken Salad?
Freezing chicken salad isn’t usually recommended, especially when it has mayonnaise. The creamy texture will change once thawed, making it watery and separated.
If you really want to freeze it, freeze only the cooked chicken itself. Keep the mayonnaise, apples, and other fresh ingredients separate.
When you’re ready to use it, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator and make the fresh chicken salad then. This way, you keep the texture creamy and fresh without losing quality.
How Can I Make The Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches More Filling?
If you want to turn these sandwiches into a bigger meal, try adding more filling ingredients that won’t take away from the flavor.
- Add Cheese: Slices of cheddar or Swiss can give a creamy, rich layer.
- Layer More Lettuce: Crisp romaine or iceberg adds volume and crunch.
- Serve With A Side: Potato salad, pasta salad, or even a handful of mixed nuts pairs perfectly.
- Use Larger Croissants: Bigger croissants hold more filling and make it a full meal on their own.
What Are The Best Croissants To Use For This Sandwich?
Choosing the right croissants makes all the difference in how good your sandwich turns out. Here’s what to look for:
- Fresh And Buttery: Soft, flaky, and rich in flavor.
- Not Overly Sweet: Avoid croissants with a sugary glaze, as they clash with the chicken salad’s flavors.
- Large Enough For Filling: Pick medium to large-sized croissants so you can fit a generous scoop of chicken salad without everything falling out.
- Slightly Toasted (Optional): Toasting the inside lightly adds a bit of crispness and helps keep the sandwich from getting soggy.
What Are The Best Side Dishes To Serve With Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches?
Pairing your chicken salad croissant sandwiches with a good side dish turns them into a complete meal. Here are some tasty choices that balance the flavors:
- Mixed Green Salad: Light and fresh to balance the richness of the chicken salad.
- Potato Chips Or Crisps: Add a salty crunch that complements the creamy filling.
- Fruit Salad: Sweet fruits like grapes, melon, or berries go really well with the apple and walnut flavors in the chicken salad.
- Pickles Or Pickled Vegetables: Provide a sharp contrast and cut through the richness.
- Soup: Light soups like tomato or vegetable broth are cozy and satisfying with a sandwich.