If you’re in the mood for chicken salad croissants, you’re in for a treat! This recipe features creamy chicken salad wrapped in buttery croissants, making it a hit for lunches or casual gatherings.
This chicken salad croissant recipe solves issues with dry chicken shredding, lacks ingredient options, and misses storage advice and nutritional details for health-aware cooks.
I’ve faced my share of kitchen mishaps while trying to perfect this dish, especially when it comes to shredding the chicken just right. It’s so handy for busy nights or when surprise guests drop by, and honestly, the smell of that fresh chicken salad is hard to resist!
This recipe really works because it allows the flavors to meld beautifully while you relax, only requiring a few hours in the fridge before serving. You’ll find each bite is refreshingly crunchy and satisfying, making it a reliable choice every time.
If you want something light and refreshing to pair with it, you might also enjoy my Lemon Lavender Scones. They’re a great addition for brunch or a sweet afternoon snack!
Table of contents
Dietary Considerations
- This recipe is not gluten-free due to the croissants made from wheat flour containing gluten.
- The recipe contains mayonnaise, so it is unsuitable for vegan diets.
- The recipe is not keto or low-carb due to croissants’ carbohydrate content in this recipe.
- This recipe is nut-free as none of the ingredients include nuts or nut derivatives.
- The recipe is not dairy-free because traditional croissants often contain butter as a key ingredient.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Great for Any Occasion This dish fits in perfectly at picnics, brunches, or light dinners. It’s a fresh and tasty option when you want something simple yet satisfying.
- No Cooking Required With no cooking involved, you can whip these sandwiches up in no time. Just mix everything together and let it chill while you get other things done.
- Simple Ingredients The flavor comes from everyday items like shredded chicken, grapes, and fresh dill. You won’t need to hunt for special ingredients, making it an easy choice for busy weeknights.
- Make-Ahead Friendly It’s an ideal dish to prepare ahead of time. Just assemble the chicken salad a night before, letting the flavors meld, and enjoy the next day on fluffy croissants.
How to Make Chicken Salad Croissants
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cool Time: 4 hours
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: sandwich
- Method: no cooking required
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
Delicious Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches made with shredded chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy dressing, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds (680 g) shredded chicken, cooked and shredded (rotisserie chicken recommended)
- 1 ½ cups (180 g) chopped celery, fresh and crisp
- 1 ½ cups (225 g) red grapes, halved
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 8 croissants, flaky and buttery with golden-brown exterior
- 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise, good quality recommended
- ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream or ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons (8 g) fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
- 1 teaspoon (2 g) black pepper
- Juice of 1 small lemon (approx. 1 tablespoon or 15 ml), freshly squeezed
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the shredded chicken, chopped celery, halved red grapes, and thinly sliced green onions in a large bowl. Toss these ingredients together until uniformly mixed. Set the bowl aside while you prepare the dressing.
- Step 2: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or ranch dressing), chopped fresh dill, salt, black pepper, and freshly squeezed lemon juice until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
- Step 3: Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture in the large bowl. Gently stir with a spoon or spatula until all the chicken mixture is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Step 4: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld and develop fully.
- Step 5: Carefully slice each croissant in half horizontally using a serrated knife. Take care to avoid tearing the croissants; if the croissants are too soft and difficult to slice, freeze them for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting to make slicing easier.
- Step 6: Spread about ½ cup (120 ml) of the chilled chicken salad evenly over the bottom half of each croissant. Then place the croissant’s top half back on.
- Step 7: Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate if preparing ahead of time.
Notes
- Store assembled chicken salad croissants in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and texture.
- Store croissants and chicken salad separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Assemble croissants just before serving for best texture.
- Wrap assembled croissants tightly in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- If the chicken salad appears too dry, add an additional 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 ml) of mayonnaise, mixing it in about 10 minutes before serving to achieve the desired creaminess.
- For the most even and intense flavor, ensure the chicken salad chills in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- To prevent croissants from tearing when slicing, chilling them briefly in the freezer for 10–15 minutes before slicing is effective.
- Adding ½ cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or pecans can increase texture and crunch if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Ingredient Notes
- Cooked chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is convenient and adds great flavor. Look for juicy, tender pieces to enhance your salad’s texture.
- Mayonnaise: Use a good quality mayonnaise for creaminess and richness. Hellmann’s is a reliable option, but feel free to substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Dijon mustard: It gives a nice tanginess that elevates the flavor. Look for smooth varieties; they blend in well and won’t leave gritty bits.
- Celery: Fresh, crisp celery adds a nice crunch. Choose firm stalks without blemishes for the best texture in your salad.
- Red onion: Diced red onion brings sweetness and a hint of sharpness. Opt for medium-sized bulbs to balance the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Dill: Fresh dill can add a bright, herbaceous note. If fresh isn’t available, dried dill works but use it sparingly since it’s more potent.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens and elevates all the flavors. Make sure to use juice from ripe lemons for optimal brightness.
- Croissants: Flaky, buttery croissants are key. Choose ones with a golden-brown exterior for a perfect texture when filled.
Recipe Tips
- If your chicken salad is too dry, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, mixing it in 10 minutes before serving for optimal consistency.
- For uneven flavor in your chicken salad, let it chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight for the best taste.
- If the croissants tear while slicing, freeze them for 10-15 minutes before cutting to make the process easier and prevent damage.
- For leftover chicken salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to maintain freshness.
- If you want to increase crunch, add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to your chicken salad mixture for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of mixed green salad or carrot sticks for crunch. A bowl of fruit salad or cucumber slices also complements well.
Use to make lettuce wraps or serve atop a bed of quinoa. Add to a grain bowl or create a chicken salad sandwich.
Top with sliced avocado or a drizzle of vinaigrette. A sprinkle of herbs or hot sauce adds a flavorful kick.
Recipe variations
- You can use rotisserie chicken or cooked shredded chicken for the chicken salad croissants. Both work well and save time on preparation.
- Add fresh dill at 2 tablespoons, lemon juice from one small lemon, and 1 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper to keep the salad flavorful and light.
- Either sour cream or ranch dressing can enhance the creaminess. Use 1/4 cup of either with 1 cup mayonnaise for the dressing base.
- If making more servings, double the ingredients to serve 16. Adjust croissants accordingly or try these Croissant Party Sandwiches for larger events.
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How to Store?
To keep your chicken salad croissants fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store chicken salad croissants in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days to retain freshness and texture.
Refrigeration: Place chicken salad croissants in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 4 days. Keep croissants separate if possible.
Freezing: Wrap croissants with chicken salad tightly in plastic wrap, put in a freezer bag, freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator.
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If you enjoyed this Chicken Salad Croissants or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
