15-Minute Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches

Creamy Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches are the ultimate combination of flavor, texture, and convenience. Tender chicken, crunchy celery, tangy pickle relish, and a perfectly seasoned mayo-based dressing come together to create a filling that’s rich, satisfying, and packed with deliciousness. Served on buttery, flaky croissants, these sandwiches feel fancy but are incredibly easy to make. 

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Key Ingredients

• Cooked Chicken Breasts – The heart of the recipe, providing a lean, protein-rich base with a mild flavor that absorbs seasonings and mix-ins beautifully.
• Mayonnaise – Acts as the creamy binder, bringing everything together while adding richness and a slight tang.
• Celery Stalk – Brings a fresh, crisp crunch that balances the softness of the chicken and mayo.
• Chopped Onions – Adds a sharp, slightly sweet bite
• Pickle Relish – Introduces a hint of sweetness and acidity, brightening up the flavors.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – These pantry staples add layers of savoriness, giving the salad a well-rounded, subtly seasoned taste.
• Salt and Pepper to Taste – Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
• Croissants – Buttery, flaky, and slightly sweet, croissants elevate the sandwich by adding a light, airy texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.

What Type of Chicken to Use

It's best to use cooked chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or chicken tenders. You can cook the chicken by boiling, grilling, baking, or even using leftover rotisserie chicken.

The key is to ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly and seasoned to your liking before shredding or chopping it into bite-sized pieces for the salad.

If you prefer a shortcut, you can also use canned chicken or pre-cooked chicken strips, which can be found in the refrigerated or canned meat section of most grocery stores. These options are convenient and can save you time in the kitchen while still providing a tasty base for your chicken salad.

How to Cook the Chicken

I like to air fry or smoke the chicken. Check out these recipes: Air Fryer Chicken Breast and Traeger Smoked Pulled Chicken.

You can also roast the chicken. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Add 2 chicken breasts to a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Bake the chicken for 16-20 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer.

How to Make Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Combine cooked chicken, mayo, relish, celery, onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste in a bowl.
2. Stir and served chilled or warm.

How to Substitute Mayo

You can't go wrong when you go with something creamy. Here are some suggestions:

• Mashed Avocado – Adds creaminess with a mild, buttery flavor and healthy fats. You may need a squeeze of lemon juice to keep it from browning.
• Greek Yogurt – A tangy, protein-packed alternative that’s lighter than mayo. Use plain, unsweetened yogurt for the best results.
• Sour Cream – Offers a rich, slightly tangy taste that pairs well with the other flavors.
• Cream Cheese (Softened or Whipped) – Creates an ultra-creamy, slightly tangy texture. It works well for a richer, thicker chicken salad.

Since mayo adds both moisture and richness, you may need to adjust the seasoning slightly. For example, Greek yogurt is tangier than mayo, so adding a touch of honey or Dijon mustard can balance the flavor.

Variations/Substitutions and Add-ins

There are so many ways to switch up this salad and the flavors. I personally love adding seafood.

• Turkey
• Shrimp
• Tofu
• Bacon
• Pickles
• Avocado
• Hummus
• Cucumber
• Bell Peppers
• Carrots
• Tomatoes
• Grapes
• Cranberries
• Almonds
• Pecans
• Grated Cheese

Watery Chicken Salad

Here is how you can prevent a watery salad.

• Properly Drain and Cool Cooked Chicken: After cooking the chicken, make sure to drain any excess liquid and allow it to cool completely before shredding or chopping it. This helps remove any excess moisture from the chicken before adding it to the salad.
• Pat Dry Ingredients: Make sure to pat the vegetables dry with a paper towel before adding them to the salad. This helps remove any excess moisture that could contribute to a watery consistency.
• Use Thick and Creamy Binders: Instead of using thin or runny dressings, opt for thicker and creamier binders like mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, or a combination of the two. These thicker binders help coat the ingredients more effectively and prevent excess moisture from seeping out.
• Add Binders Gradually: When mixing the salad, add the mayo (or sour cream or Greek yogurt) gradually, and adjust the amount as needed. Adding too much at once can result in a watery consistency, so start with a smaller amount and add more as necessary until you reach your desired level of creaminess.
• Refrigerate Before Serving: After preparing the chicken salad, refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving. Chilling the salad helps the flavors meld together and allows any excess moisture to be absorbed, resulting in a thicker and more flavorful salad.

Can You Make it Ahead/How to Store

Making it ahead and allowing it to sit in the fridge helps with the flavor development because the flavors are allowed to meld.

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent air from entering, which can cause the salad to spoil more quickly. Eat it within 3-4 days of preparation. If the salad seems a little dry after chilling, stir in a splash of mayo or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

After 3-4 days, the quality of the salad may start to deteriorate, and it may not be safe to eat.

Can You Freeze It?

You can freeze it, but I wouldn’t recommend it. In general, mayo does not freeze well and usually develops ice crystals.

Pair With These Dishes

Cajun Fries
Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
Creamy Southern Coleslaw
Slow Cooker Crockpot Au Gratin Potatoes
Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

More Salad Recipes

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Fried Chicken Salad
Spaghetti Salad with Italian Dressing
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Southern Macaroni Salad
Lump Crab Salad with Real Crab Meat
Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp and Crab