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chicken salad sandwich recipe

Delightful Chicken Salad Sandwich

This chicken salad sandwich combines tender diced chicken with a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory elements. The dried cranberries provide natural sweetness while pecans add delightful texture, all bound together with creamy mayonnaise and tangy relish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup pecan pieces
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup relish sweet or dill, according to preference
  • ½ Vidalia onion finely diced (about ½ cup)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup dried cranberries
  • 4 cups cooked chicken diced (about 2½ pounds)
  • 1 cup celery finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 8 slices bread white or whole-grain

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken, finely diced celery, relish, mayonnaise, dried cranberries, and finely diced Vidalia onion.
  2. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Gently fold in the pecan pieces, mixing thoroughly but carefully to maintain the texture of the chicken.
  4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop and meld together.
  5. When ready to serve, scoop approximately ¾ to 1 cup of chicken salad onto a slice of bread.
  6. Top with another slice of bread to complete the sandwich.

Notes

For a time-saving option, use rotisserie chicken from the grocery store instead of cooking chicken from scratch. The chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half or all of the mayonnaise. You can also serve this chicken salad on croissants, in lettuce cups, or as a filling for wraps instead of traditional bread.
Toast the bread for extra crunch and flavor, or add a layer of lettuce and tomato for freshness.