Chicken Salad Sub Recipe
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Looking for a delicious twist on your regular chicken salad sandwich? Try this Chicken Salad Sub, a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner! Filled with a creamy, flavorful chicken salad and served in a soft bread roll, this recipe is a fun and tasty way to enjoy a classic favorite. Serve it up with a side of sweet potato fries, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love!
Do you normally eat chicken salad on a regular sandwich bread? For a change from the usual chicken salad sandwich, try a chicken salad sub!
To make a chicken salad sub, you need a chicken salad and a long bread roll. For a small chicken salad sub, you can use a hot dog bun. On the picture above, that’s exactly what I have: a chicken salad sub on a hot dog bun, served with sweet potato fries.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Salad Sub
- Deliciously Creamy and Flavorful: The chicken salad is mixed with a perfect blend of mayo, crunchy celery, and chopped onion, creating a creamy, savory filling that’s bursting with flavor.
- Quick and Easy to Make: With only a handful of ingredients and no cooking required, this recipe comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients or add your favorite veggies, herbs, or spices to make this sub uniquely yours.
- Great for Lunch or Dinner: Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a simple dinner, this chicken salad sub fits the bill and can be paired with a variety of sides.
- Perfect for Sharing: The sub can be made large or small, making it an excellent choice for gatherings, picnics, or a family meal that everyone will enjoy.
For a large sub, buy larger bread rolls. To make a chicken salad sub, split the long bread roll and put the chicken salad inside.
Chicken Salad Sub Recipe
Ingredients
- Long bread roll: The base of your sub, soft and perfect for holding the creamy chicken salad.
- 1 chicken breast, cooked and chopped: Provides the protein and heartiness for the salad; cooked and chopped for easy mixing.
- 1 egg, cooked and chopped: Adds extra protein and a slightly creamy texture to the salad.
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped: Adds a bit of crunch and a mild, sweet flavor to the mix.
- 1/2 stalk celery, finely chopped: Adds a bit of crunch and a mild, sweet flavor to the mix.
- 1/4 cup mayo: The binding ingredient that makes the salad creamy and rich.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Chicken Salad Sub
- Mixing bowl: To combine all the ingredients for the chicken salad.
- Knife: For chopping the chicken, egg, onion, and celery.
- Cutting board: A surface for safely chopping all your ingredients.
- Spoon: For mixing the salad ingredients and spreading them onto the bread roll.
- Measuring cups: To measure out the mayonnaise and ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
Instructions How To Make Chicken Salad Sub
- Make the chicken salad: mix chicken, egg, onion, celery and mayo. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the chicken salad sub: split the bread roll and put the chicken salad inside.
The idea of the chicken salad sub is so simple, but serving the chicken salad this way is pretty unique. Chicken salad subs are surely crowd pleasers!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the Chicken Salad Sub with a side of crispy sweet potato fries or regular fries for a classic pairing.
- Add a fresh, green salad on the side with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the chicken salad.
- Pair it with a bowl of warm soup, like tomato or vegetable soup, for a comforting meal.
- For a refreshing twist, serve with a chilled fruit salad or sliced melon.
- Garnish the plate with pickle spears or olives to add a tangy contrast to the creamy sub.
Tips For Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly cooked chicken breast and hard-boiled eggs will yield the best flavor and texture for your salad. If you use leftover chicken, make sure it’s still moist and flavorful.
- Chop Ingredients Uniformly: For a pleasant eating experience, chop all the ingredients—chicken, egg, onion, and celery—into similar-sized pieces. This ensures every bite has a good mix of flavors and textures.
- Season to Taste: Don’t skip the seasoning! Taste the chicken salad before adding it to the bread roll, and adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference. You can also add a dash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley for extra flavor.
- Choose the Right Bread: The bread you choose can make a big difference in the overall taste and texture. Soft rolls are great for a classic sub, but you can also opt for a crusty baguette if you prefer more crunch. Consider toasting the bread lightly for added flavor and texture.
- Serve Fresh: The Chicken Salad Sub is best enjoyed immediately after assembling. If you’re not serving it right away, keep the chicken salad mixture chilled in the fridge and fill the bread roll just before eating to keep the bread from getting soggy.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to get creative with additional ingredients. You could mix in diced apples, grapes, or nuts for added crunch, or incorporate spices like paprika or curry powder for a different flavor profile.
Variations And Substitutions
- Make It Low-Carb: If you’re looking to reduce carbs, swap the bread roll for large lettuce leaves to create a chicken salad lettuce wrap. You’ll still enjoy all the flavors of the chicken salad without the extra carbs.
- Use Greek Yogurt: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy twist. Greek yogurt is rich in protein and lower in fat, making it a healthier alternative while still providing a creamy texture.
- Add Fruits for a Sweet Twist: Add diced apples, grapes, or dried cranberries to the chicken salad mixture for a touch of sweetness and extra crunch. This variation pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors of the chicken and adds a delightful contrast.
- Spice It Up: For those who love a bit of heat, mix in some chopped jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. You could also add a teaspoon of curry powder for an exotic flavor boost.
- Make It Vegan: To make a vegan version, replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegan mayonnaise. You can also add chopped avocado for creaminess, and load up on extra veggies like shredded carrots, bell peppers, or cucumbers.
- Use Different Bread Options: Experiment with different types of bread like ciabatta, whole wheat, sourdough, or even a croissant for a different texture and flavor profile. Gluten-free bread is also an option for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables to the chicken salad for added nutrition and crunch. Shredded carrots, diced bell peppers, or cucumber slices can bring freshness and color to your sub.
- Make It Dairy-Free: This recipe is already dairy-free, but if you substitute the mayo with a dairy-based option, keep it dairy-free by using a plant-based alternative.
Storage and Reheating
- Storing the Chicken Salad: If you have leftover chicken salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve again to maintain its freshness and prevent spoilage.
- Storing the Assembled Sub: If the sub is already assembled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in a sealed container. However, note that the bread may become soggy over time. For best results, store the chicken salad separately and assemble the sub just before eating.
- Freezing: Freezing the chicken salad is not recommended as mayonnaise tends to separate when thawed, altering the texture. Instead, only freeze the cooked chicken if needed and prepare fresh chicken salad when you’re ready to eat.
- Reheating: The chicken salad sub is best enjoyed cold, but if you prefer a warm version, you can lightly toast the bread roll before assembling the sub. If the sub has been refrigerated, bring it to room temperature or slightly warm the bread in an oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the chicken salad up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Just make sure to give it a good stir before using it, as the ingredients may settle.
What is the best type of bread to use for this sub?
A soft, long roll such as a hoagie, sub roll, or even a hot dog bun works well for this recipe. If you prefer a crunchier texture, try using a baguette or toasting your bread lightly before filling it with the chicken salad.
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken breast will work perfectly. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces and follow the recipe as usual.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make this recipe healthier, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise, use a whole-grain or multigrain roll, or add extra vegetables like shredded carrots or cucumbers to increase the fiber content. You can also opt for a lettuce wrap instead of bread for a low-carb option.
Can I freeze the chicken salad?
Freezing the chicken salad itself is not recommended, as mayonnaise does not freeze well and may separate or become watery when thawed. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately and then make fresh chicken salad when ready to eat.
How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
To keep the bread from getting soggy, it’s best to assemble the chicken salad sub right before serving. You can also lightly toast the bread or spread a thin layer of butter or mayonnaise on the inside of the roll to create a barrier that helps keep the bread dry.
What can I serve with the Chicken Salad Sub?
The Chicken Salad Sub pairs well with a variety of sides, such as sweet potato fries, a green salad, coleslaw, or even a cup of soup. Fresh fruit or veggie sticks also make a great accompaniment for a balanced meal.
Other Chicken Salad Recipe
Meal Prep Greek Chicken Salad in Jars: A delicious and convenient Greek-inspired chicken salad layered in jars, perfect for easy meal prep and lunches on the go.
Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad (Mayo-Free): A creamy and nutritious chicken salad made with ripe avocado instead of mayo, perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Easy Thai-Inspired Chicken Salad: A vibrant chicken salad packed with fresh veggies, herbs, and a tangy Thai dressing for a quick and flavorful meal.
Fresh Cucumber and Chicken Salad: A light and refreshing chicken salad featuring crisp cucumbers, perfect for a healthy lunch or side dish.
Mango Salsa Chicken Salad Sandwich with Sweet Potato Fries: A tropical twist on the classic chicken salad sandwich, topped with sweet mango salsa and served with crispy sweet potato fries.
Chicken Salad Plate with Corn and Cucumber Side: A hearty chicken salad served with juicy corn on the cob and a refreshing cucumber salad for a balanced and easy dinner.
Easy Chicken Salad Ideas: A collection of simple and delicious chicken salad recipes to suit any taste or occasion.
Chicken Salad Sub Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 long bread roll or hot dog bun for a smaller sub
- 1 chicken breast cooked and chopped
- 1 egg cooked and chopped
- 1/2 small onion finely chopped
- 1/2 stalk celery finely chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Spoon
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken breast, egg, onion, celery, and mayonnaise. Mix until everything is well-coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Split the bread roll lengthwise. Spoon the chicken salad mixture inside the roll, filling it generously.
- Serve immediately, ideally with a side of sweet potato fries or your favorite chips.
Notes
- For a healthier version, use whole grain or multigrain rolls.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise if you prefer a lighter option.
Chicken salad with chopped egg sounds delicious!
Simple and delicious – it’ll be a great lunch menu in my house! I love your sweet potato fries too. Yummy!