Super Simple Chicken Salad Sandwiches on Croissant

I love chicken salad. If it’s made right. And by right I mean high-quality, all white meat chicken without any ridiculous ingredients–which can be shockingly hard to come by. That’s why I created ths super simple chicken salad recipe.

My favorite chicken salad sandwich of all time was from a place called Spanky’s in Harrisonburg, Virginia, where I went to college. We used to stop in weekly for their colossal sandwiches with name like The Titanic, The Mona Lisa, and my favorite Custer’s Last Stand. Their fresh all white meat chicken salad was served with melted muesnter cheese, lettuce, and tomato (that I always took off). It was devine.

Since leaving Harrisonburg many, many years ago, I’ve struggled to find a suitable replacement. So many places put almonds or pecans in their chicken salad. I was never a fan of that , even long before nut allergies came on the scene.

Or they use sub-par chicken. Or add weird spices. Look, I love a great curry, but it does’t belong in chicken salad.

So, I did what I always do when I can’t find a food that I’m looking for. I got busy in the kitchen. After countless itierations of mid, good, and even really good, I settled on this super simple chicken salad recipe.

Why You’ll Love It:

Super simple chicken salad is, as the name implies, super easy to make. Thanks to your slow cooker, it only takes about five minutes of hands-on preparation. You can let the chicken cook while you make dinner, clean the house, or run the kids to soccer practice.

This salad is also packed with protein. You get the protein from the chicken, plus an extra dose from the Greek yogurt. It makes a terrific lunch box lunch becasue it is satisfying and keeps you full until dinner (or at least until after school).

And of course, this chicken salad is delcious. It’s fresh and tangy. The lime juice is the perfect compliment to the Greek yogurt. The chicken is tender and melts in your mouth. And the longer it sits in the fridge, the more delcious it gets. Just be sure to liberally salt the salad to bring out the best flavor,

How to Make Super Simple Chicken Salad:

This chicken salad recipe couldn’t be easier to make. Place four boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and then add 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for about 4 hours. (Even on low, chicken breasts cook quickly. If you need to cook them longer than that, add a bit more broth.)

When the chicken is cooked, drain off the liquid. Be sure to use pot holders to pick up the crock as it will be HOT. Then, use a hand mixer to shred the chicken right in the crock pot. Transfer to a bowl and all to cool slightly.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups Greek yogurt (I use FAGE) with 3 tablespoons of lime juice and a healthy shake of salt. Keep the additional 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt to add after you mix in the chicken.

When the chicken has cooled, add it to the Greek yogurt mixture and stir to combine. Add the additioanl half cup of Greek yogrut if necessary. (I almost always do.)

Transfer to a covered container and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or, even better, over night.

Serve a scoop of chicken salad on a fresh croissant with crunchy lettuce. Store leftovers int he fridge for up to 4 days.

Enjoy!

This chicken salad is also delcious on whole whear bread. And it makes excellent finger sandwiches if you are having a tea party. Or if you just like little things.

Feel free to add a slice of cheese to spice things up. I’m still partial to Muenster with chicken salad from my college days, but provolone and cheddar are both delicious too.

I also love to enjoy this chicken salad on a big bed of lettuce with some tomatoes, red peppers, and cucumbers on the side.

And, you may have noticed them in the photos, but I love dill pickles with chicken salad. (I love dill pickles with everything. In fact, I even have a version of dill pickle chicken salad).

Let me know if you try this recipe and what your favorite way to enjoy chicken salad is.

Off we go!

P.S. Want another delicious protein-packed salad recipe? Try my Buffalo Chickpea Salad. You’ll love it!