Few sandwiches feel as elegant yet comforting as Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches. With their flaky, buttery croissants and creamy, savory chicken salad filling, these sandwiches strike the perfect balance between rich and refreshing. They’re ideal for lunches, bridal showers, baby showers, brunches, picnics, and light dinners—any time you want something delicious but not heavy.
This recipe is quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd favorite. Once you try chicken salad on a croissant, you’ll never go back to regular sandwich bread again.
⭐ Why You’ll Love Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches
- Buttery, flaky croissants for a gourmet touch
- Creamy, flavorful chicken salad
- Perfect for lunch, brunch, and entertaining
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Make-ahead friendly
- Easily customizable with fruits, nuts, or herbs
These sandwiches look fancy but are surprisingly simple to make.
🥐 What Are Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches?
Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches feature a cold, creamy chicken salad mixture served inside soft, flaky croissants instead of traditional sandwich bread. The contrast between the rich croissant and the fresh, savory filling creates an irresistible texture and flavor combination.
They are often served at:
- Luncheons
- Tea parties
- Bridal and baby showers
- Office lunches
- Spring and summer gatherings
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Salad:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon or yellow mustard
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup seedless grapes, halved
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or almonds
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley
- ¼ teaspoon paprika or cayenne
For the Sandwiches:
- 6 large croissants, sliced in half
- Lettuce leaves (optional)
- Tomato slices (optional)
👩🍳 How to Make Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches
1. Prepare the Chicken
Use rotisserie chicken, baked chicken breasts, or leftover roasted chicken. Chop or shred into small bite-sized pieces.
2. Mix the Chicken Salad
In a large bowl, combine:
- Chicken
- Mayonnaise
- Mustard
- Celery
- Red onion
- Lemon juice
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder
Stir until fully combined and creamy.
3. Add Optional Ingredients
Fold in grapes, nuts, or herbs if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches
Slice croissants horizontally. Add lettuce if desired, then spoon generous amounts of chicken salad onto the bottom half. Top with the croissant lid.
5. Serve Chilled or Fresh
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
🍽 Best Side Dishes for Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches
- Pasta salad
- Potato chips
- Fresh fruit salad
- Coleslaw
- Tomato soup
- Cucumber salad
- Sweet potato fries
These sandwiches pair beautifully with light, fresh sides.
🔄 Delicious Variations
1. Classic Southern Chicken Salad
Add finely chopped boiled eggs and sweet pickle relish.
2. Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad
Add dried cranberries and walnuts for sweet crunch.
3. Buffalo Chicken Salad Croissants
Mix in buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles.
4. Healthy Greek Yogurt Version
Replace half of the mayo with plain Greek yogurt.
5. Avocado Chicken Salad
Mash in ripe avocado for a creamy, fresh twist.
✅ Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Salad Croissants
- Use freshly baked croissants for the best flavor and texture.
- Chill the chicken salad for 30 minutes before serving for better flavor.
- Don’t overdress the salad—you want creamy, not watery.
- Finely dice celery and onions for even texture.
- Serve cold filling on warm croissants for an amazing contrast.
❄️ Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigerate Chicken Salad:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Assembled Sandwiches:
Best enjoyed fresh within 12–24 hours.
Freezing:
Not recommended due to the mayo-based filling.
❤️ Why These Sandwiches Always Impress
The flaky croissant adds a buttery richness that transforms simple chicken salad into something special. Combined with the cool, creamy filling, fresh crunch from celery, and bright lemon flavor, every bite feels both comforting and refreshing.
They’re elegant enough for entertaining, yet simple enough for everyday meals.
Print
Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches: The Ultimate Light, Buttery & Flavorful Meal
Ingredients
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or grilled)
• ½ cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise (or ¼ cup each for balance)
• ¼ cup finely diced celery
• ⅓ cup halved red grapes (or diced apple for crunch)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill or parsley
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• 4 large croissants, halved horizontally
• Optional: butter lettuce, microgreens, or sliced almonds
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine chicken, yogurt/mayo, celery, grapes, herbs, lemon juice, and Dijon. Mix gently until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper. Chill 15+ mins (flavors meld beautifully).
- Lightly toast croissant halves if desired (adds crunch and prevents sogginess!).
- Spoon generous mounds of chicken salad onto bottom halves. Top with lettuce or greens if using.
- Cap with top halves. Serve immediately—or wrap tightly for picnics/lunchboxes (best within 4 hours).
PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time: 15 mins (+ chill), Total Time: 30 mins, Servings: 4
Calories: 420, Net Carbs: 28g, Fats: 22g, Protein: 26g
✅ Lower-carb option: Serve chicken salad in lettuce cups or over mixed greens — net carbs drop to ~6g/serving.