Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Sandwiches
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a well-made chicken salad sandwich, especially when it’s infused with the sweet and tangy flavors of honey mustard. This Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Sandwiches recipe is perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or even a quick dinner. It combines tender chicken, crunchy celery, and the delightful addition of dried cranberries, all enveloped in your choice of bread or croissant rolls. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is not just about flavor; it’s also about convenience and versatility. The creamy coleslaw dressing blends beautifully with the honey BBQ sauce and yellow mustard, creating a deliciously unique chicken salad. Plus, it’s a perfect way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand. The combination of textures—the crunch from the celery and the chewiness of the cranberries—adds another layer of enjoyment. And let’s not forget how easy it is to whip up this dish in mere minutes!
Ingredients at a Glance
- 2 cups cooked chicken, like rotisserie, chopped into small pieces (see post for other ways to prepare chicken)
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries, fruit-infused for an even more delicious chicken salad!
- 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup prepared coleslaw dressing (found near chilled dressings/dips in the grocery store; I like Marie’s brand)
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 3 tablespoons honey BBQ sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Bread or croissant rolls
- Lettuce
Cook’s Kit
- Mixing bowl: A medium-sized bowl will do for combining all your ingredients.
- Spatula: For mixing the chicken salad ingredients thoroughly.
- Knife: To chop the celery and any other ingredients as needed.
- Cutting board: Essential for preparing your veggies.
- Serving platter: To serve your delightful sandwiches.
Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Sandwiches in Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by shredding or chopping your cooked chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, you can easily pull the meat off the bones and chop it up.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, dried cranberries, and thinly sliced celery. This mix will serve as the foundation of your chicken salad.
Step 3: Add the Creaminess
To the chicken mixture, add the prepared coleslaw dressing, yellow mustard, and honey BBQ sauce. Stir gently until everything is well coated and incorporated.
Step 4: Season to Perfection
Taste the chicken salad and season with salt and pepper to your liking. This step is crucial to ensure that all the flavors come together harmoniously.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches
Take your choice of bread or croissant rolls and layer some fresh lettuce on the bottom. Spoon a generous amount of the honey mustard chicken salad over the lettuce, then top with the other half of the bread or croissant.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Slice your sandwiches in half, serve with a side of your favorite chips or a crisp salad, and enjoy the delightful flavors of your homemade Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Sandwiches.
Seasonal Ingredient Swaps
- Fresh herbs: Consider adding fresh dill, parsley, or chives for an extra flavor boost.
- Fruit: Swap out cranberries for chopped apples or grapes for a different texture and taste.
- Nuts: Add slivered almonds or chopped walnuts for a crunchy twist.
- Greens: Use arugula or spinach instead of lettuce for a peppery flavor.
Missteps & Fixes
Even the best cooks can make a few missteps along the way. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:
- If your chicken salad is too dry, add a bit more coleslaw dressing or honey BBQ sauce to achieve a creamier consistency.
- If you find it too sweet, balance it out with a pinch of salt or an extra dash of mustard.
- For a too-salty chicken salad, add a bit of sour cream or plain yogurt to mellow out the flavors.
- If the mixture is too chunky, give it a quick chop with a knife or pulse it a few times in a food processor for a smoother texture.
Cooling, Storing & Rewarming
This Honey Mustard Chicken Salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you need to rewarm the chicken, do so gently in the microwave or on the stove, but be cautious not to overheat it, as it may dry out.
- For best results, prepare the chicken salad in advance and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- When packing for lunch, consider placing the chicken salad in a separate container from the bread to prevent it from getting soggy.
Quick Questions
Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned chicken is a convenient option and works well in this recipe. Just drain it and break it up before mixing with the other ingredients.
Is there a vegetarian option for this chicken salad?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with chickpeas or shredded tofu for a delicious vegetarian alternative. Just mix them in with the same ingredients for a satisfying salad.
Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will enhance the flavors!
What can I serve with these sandwiches?
These sandwiches pair wonderfully with a light side salad, fresh fruit, or some crunchy potato chips for a complete meal.
Save & Share
If you enjoyed this recipe for Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Sandwiches, don’t forget to share it with friends and family! This dish is perfect for gatherings, lunchboxes, or just a quick weeknight meal. You can easily customize it to fit your taste preferences, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection. Happy cooking!
The blend of flavors in these Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Sandwiches is simply irresistible. With the perfect balance of sweetness from the honey and the tang from the mustard, this dish brings a delightful twist to a classic favorite. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic or enjoying it as a quick lunch at home, this recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients and get ready to savor every bite of this delicious chicken salad sandwich!
Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by shredding or chopping your cooked chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. If you're using rotisserie chicken, you can easily pull the meat off the bones and chop it up.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, dried cranberries, and thinly sliced celery. This mix will serve as the foundation of your chicken salad.
- To the chicken mixture, add the prepared coleslaw dressing, yellow mustard, and honey BBQ sauce. Stir gently until everything is well coated and incorporated.
- Taste the chicken salad and season with salt and pepper to your liking. This step is crucial to ensure that all the flavors come together harmoniously.
- Take your choice of bread or croissant rolls and layer some fresh lettuce on the bottom. Spoon a generous amount of the honey mustard chicken salad over the lettuce, then top with the other half of the bread or croissant.
- Slice your sandwiches in half, serve with a side of your favorite chips or a crisp salad, and enjoy the delightful flavors of your homemade Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Sandwiches.
Notes
- For best results, prepare the chicken salad in advance and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- When packing for lunch, consider placing the chicken salad in a separate container from the bread to prevent it from getting soggy.
- If your chicken salad is too dry, add a bit more coleslaw dressing or honey BBQ sauce to achieve a creamier consistency.
