This Chicken Salad Croissant is light, tasty, and oh-so-easy to make! With juicy chicken, crunchy celery, and a touch of mayo, it’s the perfect mix for a quick lunch.
I’ll admit, I love how the buttery croissant adds a special crunch. Grab one and you might find yourself reaching for a second! 🥐😄
What I enjoy is how simple it is to whip up the chicken salad. Just mix, scoop, and serve in a croissant! It’s my go-to when I want something yummy without much fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken for its flavor and convenience. If you prefer, leftover grilled or baked chicken works great too. Just make sure it’s diced to mix easily with other ingredients.
Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise adds creaminess, but if you want a healthier twist, use avocado or a vegan mayo substitute. Personally, I sometimes use half mayo and half Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Greek Yogurt: This ingredient gives a nice tang and extra creaminess. If you don’t have Greek yogurt, try regular yogurt, sour cream, or skip it altogether if you prefer a richer salad.
Crispy Add-ins: I like red grapes for their sweetness and color. If grapes aren’t your thing, diced apples offer a crunchy texture. Walnuts and pecans add crunch too; feel free to leave them out if you prefer a nut-free salad.
Dijon Mustard: This gives a nice zip to the salad. If you don’t have Dijon, you can use regular mustard or even a drizzle of honey mustard for a different flavor profile.
How Do You Mix Chicken Salad for the Best Flavor?
Mixing the chicken salad properly is essential for achieving a balanced flavor in every bite. You want to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated without mashing everything together. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with your cooked chicken in a large bowl. This allows ample room for mixing.
- Add the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and Dijon mustard first. Mix until the chicken is well coated.
- Next, gently fold in the chopped celery, grapes, and nuts if using. This way, you maintain their texture.
- Finish with lemon juice, salt, and pepper, mixing lightly to combine. Tasting at this point is important to adjust seasoning!
Following these steps will help create a delicious and well-balanced chicken salad. Enjoy building those flavors and textures together!
Best Chicken Salad Croissant
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced (use rotisserie chicken for ease)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (optional for tanginess)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red grapes, halved (or apples for a crunch)
- 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 4 large croissants
- Lettuce leaves (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for picnics or brunch. You can enjoy them right away or refrigerate for up to an hour if you want to prepare in advance.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Chicken Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, start by combining your diced chicken, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if you’re using it), Dijon mustard, chopped celery, halved grapes, and walnuts or pecans. Stir everything together until it’s nicely mixed and looks delicious!
2. Season and Prepare the Mixture:
Next, add in the lemon juice and season your chicken salad with salt and pepper to taste. Give it another good mix to make sure all the flavors are combined well. It should taste fresh and yummy!
3. Prepare the Croissants:
Now it’s time to get the croissants ready! Carefully split each croissant in half horizontally. Place a layer of crisp lettuce on the bottom half of each croissant. This will add a nice crunch and keep everything together.
4. Assemble the Croissants:
Generously spoon the chicken salad mixture on top of the lettuce. Keep it heaping—more is always better with chicken salad!
5. Close and Serve:
Place the top halves of the croissants back on. You can serve them immediately for a tasty meal or refrigerate for up to an hour if you’re preparing for later. They are perfect for a light lunch or snack!
6. Enjoy!
Take a big bite of your delicious chicken salad croissant and savor the flavors! Perfect for any occasion!
Can I Substitute the Chicken with Something Else?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using chickpeas or tofu instead. For a different protein twist, shredded turkey or canned tuna works well too. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning as needed!
How Can I Make This Recipe Lower in Calories?
You can reduce the calories by using a light mayonnaise or substituting with Greek yogurt for a higher yogurt-to-mayo ratio. You might also omit the nuts to cut down on calories while still keeping the flavor fresh and tangy!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad mixture a day in advance. Just keep it stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Assemble the croissants right before serving to prevent them from getting soggy!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Chicken Salad?
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re keeping it separately from the croissants, they’ll stay fresher longer. Just remember to toss it before using it again!
