Easy Chicken Salad Sandwiches with a Tangy, Crunchy Twist

These Chicken Salad Sandwiches are creamy, crunchy, and perfect for any occasion 🥪. Made with apples, cranberries, and pecans, they strike the right balance of sweet and savory. Serve them on croissants for parties, showers, or quick lunches. They come together fast and always get rave reviews. You will want to keep this recipe handy!

Two chicken salad sandwiches served on croissants with fresh lettuce and creamy filling, displayed on a white plate for a hero-style image.

I have a recipe for chicken salad sandwiches that you will love! I make these for lunch, for parties, and I even sell them as part of my catering menu. The apples, cranberries, and pecans really set this recipe apart, giving it a fun and delicious texture.

Why You’ll Love These Chicken Salad Sandwiches

These chicken salad sandwiches are versatile, easy to prepare, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re whipping up a quick lunch or catering a big event, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of tart, creamy, and crunchy ingredients elevates the flavor to the next level.

How to Make Chicken Salad Mixture

To start making the filling for the chicken salad sandwiches, you’ll begin by combining the wet ingredients and seasonings to create a flavorful, creamy base. This will ensure every bite is perfectly seasoned!

Step 1: Combine Wet Ingredients and Seasonings

The mixture for the chicken salad sandwiches is a cinch to make. You’ll need to put the following ingredients into a medium-sized bowl:

  • 3 (12.5 oz) cans white chicken breast, drained
  • 6 Tbsp light mayo
  • 6 Tbsp nonfat plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp each: Kosher salt, black pepper, and onion powder

Once in the bowl, use the back of a fork to break up the chicken and mix everything together. It should be thick and creamy.

Chicken salad sandwich base with canned chicken, Greek yogurt, mayo, Dijon mustard, and seasonings in a mixing bowl before blending.

Step 2: Add Fruits and Nuts

Now add in the following:

  • 1 large chopped Granny Smith apple
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

I like to use the Granny Smith apple because it is tart. The tartness of the apple and cranberry really balances the creaminess in the chicken. The pecans add a nice crunch.

Chopped green apples, dried cranberries, and pecans ready to be folded into the chicken salad sandwiches mixture for crunch and sweetness.

Step 3: Fold Everything Together

Fold everything together using a large spatula, making sure all the pieces are coated in creaminess!

The filling for the chicken salad sandwiches will stay good in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. But it probably won’t last that long because once you taste it, you won’t be able to stop!

Creamy chicken salad filling fully mixed with cranberries, pecans, and apples, ready to spoon onto croissants for chicken salad sandwiches.

Assembling Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Assembling your chicken salad sandwiches starts with choosing the right bread and fresh greens. Croissants are a classic, but any favorite bread works great. Add crisp greens for freshness.

Step 1: Choose Your Base and Greens

Assembling chicken salad sandwiches is a breeze! Classically, chicken salad sandwiches are served on a croissant with either spinach, spring mix, or lettuce. Simply cut a croissant in half horizontally, place your greens on the bottom (I like fresh spinach best!), and then scoop about 1/2 cup of the chicken salad mixture on top.

Chicken salad sandwich being assembled on a buttery croissant with leafy greens and thick filling, perfect for parties or lunches.

Step 2: Assemble and Secure

Replace the top of the croissant and cut it in half. If you plan on serving these chicken salad sandwiches for a party, I find it helpful to hold the halves together with a toothpick.

The chicken salad mixture can be made a day or two in advance, but it is important not to assemble the sandwiches until the day of because they can go soggy, and the greens will wilt.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

I have served these chicken salad sandwiches countless times for brunches, bridal showers, baby showers, and even game-day parties. I haven’t met someone who doesn’t LOVE them!

Multiple chicken salad sandwiches served on croissants, sliced and arranged on a party tray for a baby shower or brunch buffet.

Chicken Salad Sandwiches are Perfect for Parties and Gatherings

If you have a party, baby shower, or potluck coming up, this chicken salad sandwich recipe is a must-try! Its balance of creamy, tart, and crunchy textures will wow your guests and leave them asking for seconds. Whether served on croissants, rolls, or any bread of your choice, these sandwiches are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Closeup of sliced chicken salad sandwich showing cranberries, diced apples, and creamy chicken layered inside a flaky croissant.

Looking for more sandwich ideas to round out your menu? Pair these with Crockpot shredded BBQ chicken sandwiches for a hearty and smoky option. For something breakfast-inspired, avocado and turkey bacon breakfast sandwiches are always a hit.

These sandwiches are ideal for brunches, showers, game-day parties, or even meal prep for the week. Save or pin this recipe so it’s at your fingertips for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it! Happy cooking, y’all!

Croissant chicken salad sandwiches filled with creamy chicken mixture, lettuce, and cranberries, styled with bold text overlay for Pinterest.
Two chicken salad sandwiches served on croissants with fresh lettuce and creamy filling, displayed on a white plate for a hero-style image.

Chicken Salad Sandwiches

These chicken salad sandwiches feature a creamy, flavorful filling with tart Granny Smith apples, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans, making them the perfect choice for lunches, parties, or special gatherings. Served on buttery croissants or your favorite bread, they’re both easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Lunch, Main Course, Sandwich
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

  • 3 12.5 oz can white chicken breast drained
  • 6 tbsp light mayonnaise
  • 6 tbsp nonfat plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 large Granny Smith Apple chopped
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup pecans
  • 6 croissants or favorite sandwich rolls/bread, split
  • 1 ½ cups fresh spinach, lettuce, or spring mix for serving, amount optional

Method
 

  1. In a medium-sized bowl, add the drained chicken, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, and onion powder.
  2. Use the back of a fork to break up the chicken and mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
  3. Add chopped apple, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans to the bowl.
  4. Fold all ingredients together with a spatula until well mixed and evenly coated.
  5. To assemble sandwiches, slice croissants or your chosen bread in half horizontally.
  6. Place greens (spinach, lettuce, or spring mix) on the bottom half of the bread.
  7. Scoop about 1/2 cup of chicken salad mixture onto each sandwich.
  8. Replace the top half of the bread, cut the sandwich in half, and secure with toothpicks if needed.
  9. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Heidi Davison

Head Baker & Owner

Hi, I'm Heidi, Head Baker and Owner of Heidi's Bakery in Knoxville, TN.

What began as a blog to share family recipes has become a thriving bakery, thanks to community support.
Many recipes here are from my family’s cookbook. Give them a try and leave a comment below!

Heidi Davison the Owner of Heidis Bakery

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