"Ego Trip" the best damn chicken salad sandwich period

Yo, check it! Our chicken salad sandwich is straight fire, packed with flavor that'll make your taste buds groove. Creamy, smoky, and oh-so-fly, flavor-packed chicken salad sandwich on the go. Don't sleep on this flavor!

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• Nashville Hot Shrimp Sandwich
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I ain't one to boast but I make the best damn chicken salad sandwich period! It packs an abundance of flavor and is crunchy with the right balance of moisture and firmness texture-wise.

Let me be clear if you're expecting your tried and true traditional chicken salad, look elsewhere. This chicken salad sandwich is bursting with plump juicy grapes, fresh herbs, smokey chicken salad dressing, and complimentary spices.

MOOD MUSIC

Let me take a momentary break from ego trippin and explain the origin of the this sandwich. Oddly enough it evolved from my late Uncle Slick's tuna fish sandwich. Back in the day, he was always cooking but I could never eat any of his creations outside of his hood famous popcorn, which is another recipe I'll share on the blog at some point.

Uncle Slick made pork chops and tuna fish only. At the time I had a fish intolerance so both his staples were out since he fried his chops in the same oil used for fried catfish.

Anyway, fast forward to early 2000s I visited my Uncle Slick as he enjoyed a tuna fish sandwich and red Kool-aid from a large former glass pickle jar while watching the Fox TV sports show "Best Damn Show Period." By this time my fish issues were behind me, so I would finally be sampling the goods.

In my Ric Flair voice, WOO! is all I could say to describe how good the sandwich tasted. It was canned tuna damn it! with some store brand dill relish to boot, and hard-boiled eggs. You wanna talk about basic and humble, but it was doctored up with the greatness of a public school cafeteria lady who seemingly always made near gourmet out of the garbage.

CHICKEN SALAD INGREDIENTS

• Cooked Chicken or Canned Chicken Chunks
• Hard-Boiled Egg Whites - provide a velvety texture that complements the tender chunks of chicken, creating a more satisfying mouthfeel. Additionally, hard-boiled eggs contribute a subtle savory flavor and add protein to the sandwich, making it more filling and nutritious.
• Dill pickles - Pickles add a tangy and crunchy element to the chicken salad sandwich. Their briny flavor contrasts with the creamy chicken mixture, providing a burst of acidity that cuts through the richness.
• Red onion - adds a crisp and pungent flavor to the chicken salad sandwich. Its sharpness complements the creamy chicken mixture, providing a contrasting bite that adds depth to the sandwich.
• Green apple - add a crisp and refreshing texture to the chicken salad sandwich. Their tartness provides a tangy contrast to the creamy chicken mixture, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Their addition adds a refreshing and fruity dimension, making the chicken salad sandwich more dynamic and flavorful.
• Grapes - add a delightful burst of sweetness and juiciness to the sandwich. Their refreshing flavor contrasts beautifully with the savory chicken mixture, creating a harmonious balance of tastes and textures. Additionally, grapes provide a subtle crunch, enhancing the overall mouthfeel of the sandwich.
• Dijon Mustard - adds a tangy and slightly spicy kick to the chicken salad sandwich. Additionally, Dijon mustard adds a subtle acidity that helps balance the richness of the mayonnaise used in the salad. Overall, it adds a bold and zesty flavor that elevates the chicken salad sandwich, making it more flavorful and satisfying.
• Mayonnaise - adds creaminess and richness to the chicken salad sandwich. It acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the ingredients together while providing a smooth texture. Additionally, mayonnaise contributes a subtle tanginess and depth of flavor. Its creamy consistency coats the chicken and other ingredients, creating a luscious and satisfying mouthfeel.
• Canned Chipotle adobo sauce - adds a smoky kick to the chicken salad sandwich. Additionally, chipotle adds a subtle heat making each bite more flavorful and satisfying.
• Smoked Paprika - adds a rich, smoky flavor to the chicken salad sandwich. Its distinctive taste enhances the overall depth of the dish, giving it a unique and savory profile.
• Garlic Powder - adds a savory and aromatic flavor to the chicken salad sandwich. Its subtle garlic taste enhances the overall depth of the dish, providing a rich and savory note.
• Fresh cilantro (optional)
• Fresh basil (optional)

best chicken salad recipe instructions

This is an easy chicken salad recipe only requiring a few simple steps.

Make the Chicken Salad Dressing

Add mayo and chipotle sauce to a small mixing bowl and mix well.

Assemble The Sandwich

Add remaining ingredients plus the chipotle mayo to a large mixing bowl and mix well. Taste and adjust as necessary.

Serve as a sandwich on your bread of choice.

What To Serve With Chicken Salad Sandwich

Chicken salad sandwiches pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Classic options include a crisp green salad, fresh fruit, or crunchy potato chips. For a heartier meal, consider serving with a warm bowl of soup such as tomato basil or chicken noodle. Additionally, pickles, olives, or a side of coleslaw can add a tangy contrast to the creamy chicken salad. Get creative with your sides to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal!

CONSIDERATIONS AND TIPS

When making a chicken salad sandwich recipe, consider the following tips:

1. Chicken Selection: Use cooked chicken breasts or thighs for tender and juicy meat. You can use leftover chicken like rotisserie chicken or canned chicken chunks specifically for this purpose.
2. Flavor Enhancers: Add ingredients like mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, or lemon juice for creaminess and tanginess. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor.
3. Texture Variety: Incorporate ingredients like diced celery, red onion, pickles, or hard-boiled eggs for crunch and texture variation. Don't forget grapes or apples for a touch of sweetness.
4. Consistency: Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and finely dice the vegetables to ensure even distribution throughout the salad.
5. Chilling Time: Allow the chicken salad mixture to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.
6. Bread Choice: Select your favorite type of bread, such as whole wheat, sourdough, or croissants, for the sandwich. Toasting the bread can add an extra layer of flavor and prevent it from becoming soggy.

Best Damn Chicken Salad Sandwich Meal Planning

Feel free to follow the recipe exactly, or put your personal spin on the chicken salad sandwich. I wanted a fruit presence, so used both black grapes and diced green apples for the flavor and also the crunch. Pears could also work. The smokiness comes from the smoked paprika and chipotle sauce. These two ingredients also give the chicken salad it's unique non-traditional color.

I used leftover roasted chicken, but as Uncle Slick proved, canned chicken chunks work well as does chicken prepared in most ways. Just remember the canned stuff sits in water and tends to be bland, so bump up the seasonings for more flavor.

Chicken Salad Recipe Uses

This is a lunchtime staple for me, but can easily be for a picnic or snack. I often make up a batch and eat with:

• Crackers
• Fancy sandwich breads/buns like sourdough, ciabatta, or brioche
• Bibb or Romaine lettuce make for great salads or cups.
• Tortillas for wraps

Leftovers chicken salad makes for great lettuce wraps.

MORE SANDWICH RECIPES

Grilled BLT

Smoked Brisket Grilled Cheese 

Grilled Cheese with Andouille Sausage

Vegan BLT

Toasted Syrup Sandwich

Braised Beef Neck Bones Sandwich

Fried Bologna Sandwich

Nashville Hot Shrimp Sandwich

MAKE THIS RECIPE

With tender chunks of chicken, creamy mayonnaise, and a medley of flavorful ingredients, this classic dish is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether enjoyed as a quick lunch or a hearty meal, the versatility and simplicity of the chicken salad sandwich make it a timeless favorite.

So gather your ingredients, get creative with your flavors, and treat yourself to a delicious homemade sandwich that's sure to satisfy your cravings time and time again.

If you make this chicken salad sandwich recipe or any other from the site, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

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