Unveil the secret to the ultimate chicken sandwich that tastes just like it came from your favorite deli! This recipe delivers a classic with an irresistible creamy texture and vibrant fresh flavors. The true magic lies in finely shredding the chicken, ensuring every bite of this gourmet spread is perfectly smooth and delightful. Get ready to elevate your lunch game with this fantastic chicken sandwich recipe.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Sandwich Recipe
You’ll adore this recipe for its ability to bring a gourmet deli-style chicken sandwich experience right into your kitchen.
- Enjoy a truly melt-in-your-mouth chicken filling that’s rich and satisfying.
- This versatile spread is perfect for elegant gatherings, casual picnics, or quick, satisfying lunches.
- It requires only simple, easy-to-find ingredients, yet consistently delivers impressive, delicious results.
- Preparing this delicious chicken sandwich is straightforward, even for beginner cooks.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients to create your exceptional creamy chicken sandwich filling:
- 500g/ 1 lb cooked chicken meat from 1 large store-bought roast chicken
- 1 celery stem, sliced 3mm/0.1″ thick then into 0.5cm/0.2″ pieces
- 1 green onion stem, finely sliced
- 3/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 3 tbsp finely chopped cornichon/dill pickle
- 1 1/2 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
- 2/3 cup whole egg mayonnaise (S&W is excellent)
- 2/3 cup sour cream (or full-fat yogurt)
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice (sub white wine or cider vinegar)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (or more garlic powder)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (or more onion powder)
- 3/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Salted butter, softened, for spreading on bread
- 20 slices white sandwich bread, day-old (or more slices for less filling)
Notes & Substitutions
- Chicken: A store-bought rotisserie chicken is ideal for convenience. You can also use poached or roasted chicken breast.
- Bread: Day-old white sandwich bread holds its shape best. Brioche or croissants also offer delicious variations for your chicken sandwich.
- Mayonnaise: Use a good quality whole egg mayonnaise for the best flavor and creamy texture.
- Sour Cream: It adds tang and richness. Full-fat plain yogurt is a suitable alternative for a lighter touch.
- Walnuts: These add a lovely crunch. Pecans or almonds work well, or you can omit them entirely.
Fresh dill provides a unique, bright flavor and offers several health benefits, including being a good source of antioxidants and vitamins. For more information on the nutritional aspects of dill, see this article about dill’s health benefits.
- Dill: Fresh dill provides a unique, bright flavor. If unavailable, a tiny pinch of dried dill can substitute, or simply omit.
- Pickles: Chopped capers can offer a similar briny kick if you don’t have dill pickles or cornichons.
- Celery/Onion: Don’t skip the celery; it’s crucial for that essential crunchy texture.
- Seasonings: Onion and garlic powders blend smoothly without adding texture, ensuring a silky filling.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors. White wine or cider vinegar are great substitutes.
Equipment
You won’t need much to create this delightful creamy chicken sandwich filling. Gather these essentials:
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment OR electric hand beater
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Instructions
Creating this gourmet chicken sandwich filling is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for a perfectly creamy result.
First, shred the cooked chicken meat as finely as possible. The best and easiest method is using a stand mixer: place the meat in the bowl with the paddle attachment and mix on medium speed for about 1 minute until it is really finely shredded. Alternatively, use an electric handheld beater or simply your hands. Fine shredding is key to the deli-style texture.
Next, mix all the sauce ingredients in a separate bowl until perfectly smooth. Use a whisk to ensure everything is thoroughly combined and lump-free.
Once the sauce is ready, pour it over the finely shredded chicken. Add the remaining filling ingredients: diced celery, sliced green onion, chopped walnuts, pickles, and fresh dill. Stir everything together until well combined and the chicken is thoroughly coated with the creamy sauce.
Now, it’s time to assemble your sandwiches. Lightly spread butter on one side of each bread slice. Then, generously spread the creamy chicken filling evenly onto the unbuttered side of half the bread slices. For a deli-standard sandwich, aim for about 100g (1/2 cup) of filling per sandwich, yielding 10 sandwiches from this recipe. For a very generous sandwich, use 130g (1/2 cup) for 8 sandwiches. If making everyday lunchbox sandwiches, use 80g (1/3 cup) per sandwich, making 15 in total.
If desired, remove the crusts for that authentic gourmet presentation. Then, carefully cut the sandwiches in half, either diagonally or straight across. For really neat, clean cuts, refrigerate the assembled sandwiches for 20-30 minutes before slicing; this allows the filling to firm up slightly.
Finally, serve your ultimate creamy chicken sandwich on platters. Garnish with a little extra fresh dill or green onion for an appealing presentation, if you wish. Enjoy your homemade deli masterpiece!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving Ultra-Creamy Texture: The secret to a perfect deli-style chicken sandwich is fine shredding. Use a stand mixer for the quickest, most consistent results. Super fine shredding prevents chunky bites and ensures a smooth, decadent filling.
Flavor Balance: The combination of mayonnaise and sour cream creates a rich, tangy base. Don’t skip the Dijon mustard and lemon juice; they cut through the richness and brighten the overall flavor.
Preventing Soggy Bread: Always butter your bread slices right to the edges before adding the filling. This creates a barrier that protects the bread from absorbing moisture from the creamy filling, keeping your sandwich fresh.
Neat Slicing: For professional-looking sandwiches with clean edges, chill the assembled sandwiches in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. The slight firming of the filling makes slicing much easier and cleaner.
Adjusting Seasoning: Always taste your chicken filling before assembling the sandwiches. Adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed to suit your preference. A perfectly seasoned filling makes all the difference.
Common Mistakes: Avoid over-chunky chicken, as it won’t give you that signature creamy deli texture. Also, ensure you use enough seasoning; under-seasoned chicken filling can taste bland.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This creamy chicken sandwich is incredibly versatile for various occasions.
Serving Suggestions: These sandwiches are perfect for elegant picnics, garden parties, or quick, satisfying lunch boxes. Pair them with a simple green salad or a bowl of soup for a complete meal. They are also fantastic as appetizers when cut into smaller, bite-sized squares.
For optimal food safety, the USDA recommends refrigerating cooked chicken within three to four days. Learn more about safe storage times for cooked chicken.
Storage: Store the chicken filling separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’ve already assembled the sandwiches, they are best eaten within a few hours to prevent the bread from becoming soggy. For longer storage of assembled sandwiches, tightly wrap them in plastic wrap.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the entire chicken filling up to 2 days in advance. This makes assembly quick and easy, ideal for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings. Just give the filling a good stir before spreading.
Creative Variations:
- Different Breads: Explore other bread options like fluffy brioche, rustic sourdough, whole wheat, or even crisp croissants for a delightful twist on your chicken sandwich.
- Herb Swaps: Experiment with different fresh herbs. Fresh parsley, chives, or even a touch of tarragon can replace or complement the dill for varied flavor profiles.
- Add-ins: Elevate your filling with additional ingredients like halved red grapes, finely diced apple for sweetness, or crispy cooked bacon bits for a smoky touch.
- Serving Ideas: Beyond traditional sandwiches, use the creamy chicken mixture as a filling for wraps, a topping for crisp lettuce cups, or a spread for crackers and crostini.
Nutrition Information
Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this creamy chicken sandwich. Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420-480 kcal |
| Protein | 25-30 g |
| Fat | 30-35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15-20 g |
| Fiber | 2-3 g |
| Sodium | 550-600 mg |
Disclaimer: These values are estimates and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a nutritionist for precise dietary information.
FAQ
What kind of chicken is best for this chicken sandwich?
A store-bought rotisserie chicken is ideal for convenience and flavor. You can also use perfectly poached or roasted chicken breast for your creamy chicken sandwich.
Can I make this chicken sandwich filling ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can prepare the entire filling up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for best freshness.
Why shred the chicken so finely for this recipe?
Finely shredding the chicken is the key to achieving that signature deli-style creamy and smooth texture. It ensures every bite of your chicken sandwich is consistently delightful.
What if I don’t have fresh dill for the chicken sandwich?
If fresh dill isn’t available, you can simply omit it. A tiny pinch of dried dill can be used, but fresh offers the best vibrant flavor.
Conclusion
This ultimate creamy chicken sandwich recipe proves that gourmet deli-style flavor is easily achievable at home. With its rich, melt-in-your-mouth filling and perfectly balanced flavors, it’s truly a standout. We encourage you to try this delightful recipe for your next lunch, picnic, or gathering. We are sure you will love this simple yet sophisticated take on a classic. Let us know what you think in the comments!
The Ultimate Creamy Chicken Sandwich: Gourmet Deli-Style at Home
Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Large bowl
- whisk
- Knife
- Platter
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 2/3 cup Whole egg mayonnaise (S&W best in Aus)
- 2/3 cup Sour cream (sub full fat yogurt)
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 tbsp Lemon juice (sub white wine or cider vinegar)
- 1/2 tsp Onion powder (or more garlic powder)
- 1/4 tsp Garlic powder (or more onion powder)
- 3/4 tsp Cooking/kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Filling Ingredients
- 500g/ 1 lb Cooked chicken meat from 1 large store bought roast chicken
- 1 Celery stem sliced 3mm/0.1″ thick then into 0.5cm/0.2″ pieces
- 1 Green onion stem finely sliced
- 3/4 cup Walnuts roughly chopped
- 3 tbsp Cornichon/dill pickle finely chopped
- 1 1/2 tbsp Dill finely chopped
Sandwich Assembly
- Salted butter for spreading on bread
- 20 slices White sandwich bread day-old, (or more slices for less filling)
Instructions
Making the Filling
- Shred the cooked chicken meat as finely as possible, using a stand-mixer with a paddle attachment for about 1 minute, or a handheld beater/your hands.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Combine the prepared sauce with the shredded chicken and the remaining filling ingredients, then stir until everything is well combined.
Assembling the Sandwiches
- Butter one side of each bread slice, then spread the chicken filling generously (approximately 100g or 1/2 cup per sandwich) on the unbuttered side.
- Optionally remove the crusts from the sandwiches, then cut them in half; for cleaner cuts, refrigerate briefly before slicing to firm up the filling.
Serving
- Serve the sandwiches immediately or chilled, optionally garnished with fresh greens.