Gourmet Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe – A Creamy, Flavor-Packed Delight

I made this Gourmet Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe when I wanted something comforting but still a little fancy for lunch. I was craving a creamy chicken salad, but with more texture and flavor than the usual version. After trying a few combinations, this recipe turned out perfectly balanced and incredibly satisfying.

It feels homemade, fresh, and filling without being heavy. Now it’s one of my go-to recipes whenever I need an easy yet impressive sandwich. You can also enjoy similar flavors in a Chicken Parmesan Parmigiana Recipe for a warm, cheesy twist on chicken.

Ingredients

• 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast – Fresh chicken gives the best texture and keeps the salad juicy after shredding.
• 1 cup chicken stock – Cooking the chicken in stock adds moisture and deeper flavor than plain water.
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste – This brings a savory base note that makes the chicken taste richer.
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste – Adds a subtle warmth and balances the creaminess of the dressing.
• Salt and black pepper (to taste) – Proper seasoning is key to bringing all flavors together.
• 1 tablespoon oil – Helps cook the chicken gently and prevents sticking.
• 1 cup plain yogurt (nonfat or Greek) – Yogurt adds creaminess with a light, fresh taste and less heaviness.
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise – This gives the salad its classic richness and smooth texture.
• 1 large ripe avocado – Avocado adds natural creaminess and healthy fats.
• 1 bunch spring onions, finely chopped – These provide crunch and mild onion flavor without overpowering the salad.
• 1 package dried cranberries – Their sweet and tart flavor brightens every bite.
• 1 tablespoon cracked black peppercorns – Freshly cracked pepper gives stronger aroma and flavor.
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional) – Helps balance tangy yogurt and cranberries if needed.

Note: This recipe makes enough filling for about 4 sandwiches.

Variations

You can easily customize this chicken salad based on your preferences:

• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free yogurt and mayonnaise alternatives.
• Low-Fat Version: Replace mayonnaise with extra yogurt for a lighter salad.
• Extra Crunch: Add chopped celery, apples, or toasted nuts. You might also enjoy a breakfast twist with a Loaded Hash Brown Breakfast Nachos Recipe for a crispy, savory side.
• Herb-Forward Flavor: Mix in fresh parsley, dill, or chives.
• Zesty Twist: A little lemon juice or mustard adds brightness.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

• Saucepan – used to cook the chicken gently in stock
• Mixing bowl – for combining all salad ingredients
• Two forks – for shredding the chicken easily
• Knife and cutting board – for chopping vegetables
• Measuring cups and spoons – to keep flavors balanced

How to Make Gourmet Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe?

This recipe comes together smoothly when each step is done with care. From cooking the chicken to mixing the salad, everything is simple and beginner-friendly.

Prepare the Chicken

Start by trimming the chicken breast and cutting it into medium-sized pieces. This helps the chicken cook evenly and makes shredding easier later. Even sizing is important for consistent texture.

Cook the Chicken

Add oil to a saucepan and heat it gently. Mix the chicken with garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper, then add it to the pan along with chicken stock. Cook until the chicken is fully done and tender.

Shred and Cool

Remove the chicken from heat and shred it using two forks while it’s still warm. Leave a little cooking liquid with the chicken to keep it moist. Allow it to cool before mixing.

Prepare the Dressing

In a large bowl, mix yogurt and mayonnaise until smooth. This creates a creamy base without being too heavy. Adjust quantities slightly if you prefer more tang or richness.

Combine Ingredients

Add shredded chicken, chopped spring onions, diced avocado, and dried cranberries to the bowl. Season with black pepper and sugar if using. Mix gently to avoid mashing the avocado.

Chill Before Serving

Let the chicken salad rest in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend and improves the overall taste and texture.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this recipe many times, these tips always help improve the final result:

• I always let the chicken cool before mixing to protect the avocado texture.
• I taste the salad before chilling and adjust seasoning as needed.
• I prefer freshly cracked pepper because it adds stronger aroma.
• If the salad feels dry, I add a splash of leftover chicken stock.
• I keep the cranberries slightly chopped so they distribute evenly.

How to Serve Gourmet Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe?

I love serving this chicken salad on lightly toasted bread with crisp lettuce for contrast. It also tastes great in croissants for a café-style feel or wrapped in whole-wheat tortillas for a lighter option. You can serve it with chips, pickles, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal. Garnishing with extra spring onions or cranberries makes it visually appealing.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:

• Calories: Around 380–420
• Protein: Approximately 25–28g
• Carbohydrates: About 25–30g
• Fat: Roughly 18–22g

Make Ahead and Storage

Refrigerating

This chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I find it tastes even better the next day as the flavors settle.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended because yogurt and avocado change texture once thawed, which affects the creaminess of the salad.

Reheating

This recipe is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not advised, as it may separate the dressing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This recipe stands out because it combines comfort and freshness in one dish:

• It’s quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy days.
• The flavors are balanced with creamy, savory, and sweet notes.
• It’s versatile and works well in sandwiches, wraps, or salads.
• You can easily adjust ingredients to fit your dietary needs.
• It feels gourmet while using simple, everyday ingredients.

Ben Carraoli

Gourmet Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe

I made this Gourmet Chicken Salad Sandwich when I wanted something comforting but still a little fancy for lunch. I was craving a creamy chicken salad, but with more texture and flavor than the usual version. After trying a few combinations, this recipe turned out perfectly balanced and incredibly satisfying.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast – Fresh chicken gives the best texture and keeps the salad juicy after shredding.
• 1 cup chicken stock – Cooking the chicken in stock adds moisture and deeper flavor than plain water.
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste – This brings a savory base note that makes the chicken taste richer.
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste – Adds a subtle warmth and balances the creaminess of the dressing.
• Salt and black pepper to taste – Proper seasoning is key to bringing all flavors together.
• 1 tablespoon oil – Helps cook the chicken gently and prevents sticking.
• 1 cup plain yogurt nonfat or Greek – Yogurt adds creaminess with a light, fresh taste and less heaviness.
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise – This gives the salad its classic richness and smooth texture.
• 1 large ripe avocado – Avocado adds natural creaminess and healthy fats.
• 1 bunch spring onions finely chopped – These provide crunch and mild onion flavor without overpowering the salad.
• 1 package dried cranberries – Their sweet and tart flavor brightens every bite.
• 1 tablespoon cracked black peppercorns – Freshly cracked pepper gives stronger aroma and flavor.
• 1 teaspoon sugar optional – Helps balance tangy yogurt and cranberries if needed.

Method

 

1. Start by trimming the chicken breast and cutting it into medium-sized pieces. This helps the chicken cook evenly and makes shredding easier later. Even sizing is important for consistent texture.
2. Add oil to a saucepan and heat it gently. Mix the chicken with garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper, then add it to the pan along with chicken stock. Cook until the chicken is fully done and tender.
3. Remove the chicken from heat and shred it using two forks while it’s still warm. Leave a little cooking liquid with the chicken to keep it moist. Allow it to cool before mixing.
4. In a large bowl, mix yogurt and mayonnaise until smooth. This creates a creamy base without being too heavy. Adjust quantities slightly if you prefer more tang or richness.
5. Add shredded chicken, chopped spring onions, diced avocado, and dried cranberries to the bowl. Season with black pepper and sugar if using. Mix gently to avoid mashing the avocado.
6. Let the chicken salad rest in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend and improves the overall taste and texture.

Notes

• I always let the chicken cool before mixing to protect the avocado texture.
• I taste the salad before chilling and adjust seasoning as needed.
• I prefer freshly cracked pepper because it adds stronger aroma.
• If the salad feels dry, I add a splash of leftover chicken stock.
• I keep the cranberries slightly chopped so they distribute evenly.