Savor the delightful taste of these incredibly easy and utterly delicious Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Sandwiches! A vibrant twist on classic chicken salad, they are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or a perfect quick lunch.

Irresistible Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Sandwiches: Your New Go-To Recipe

There’s something truly satisfying about a perfectly crafted chicken salad sandwich. It’s a culinary comfort that resonates with many, myself included. In my household, chicken salad sandwiches are a beloved staple, frequently appearing on our lunch menu. But not just any chicken salad sandwich makes the cut; they must meet a few strict criteria:

• Speed: Lunchtime is often a whirlwind, so the recipe needs to be ready in a flash.
• Flavor & Texture: It must be bursting with delicious flavor and offer a delightful interplay of textures.
• Serving Style: While we often opt for healthier whole wheat bread, there’s an undeniable love for serving them on flaky, buttery croissants.

My original chicken salad recipe is a family favorite, so much so that my sister-in-law requested it for her wedding luncheon. When I decided to develop a variation, the bar was set incredibly high. I’m thrilled to report that this Honey Mustard Chicken Salad recipe not only met but exceeded all expectations, passing every taste test with flying colors. It’s a genuine winner, bringing a fresh, zesty flavor profile that’s simply addictive!

Whip Up This Honey Mustard Chicken Salad in Minutes

Efficiency is key, especially when hunger strikes! This Honey Mustard Chicken Salad is designed for speed without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. With a prep time of 10 minutes or less, it’s the ultimate solution for busy days.

The Ultimate Time-Saver: Rotisserie Chicken

The secret to achieving super-flavorful chicken in record time lies in utilizing pre-cooked chicken. My top recommendation is to rely on a store-bought rotisserie chicken or repurpose leftover homemade rotisserie-style chicken. I often buy one, chop about 2 cups of the meat for this recipe, and then use the rest for other delicious meals on my site. (Explore more rotisserie chicken recipes here, here, and here!). For those times when every second counts, many grocery stores even offer pre-shredded rotisserie chicken, a lifesaver in a pinch, though it might be a bit more expensive.

Scaling the Recipe for Any Crowd

Whether you’re making lunch for yourself or catering to a larger group, this recipe is incredibly versatile. It doubles, triples, or quadruples with ease! A colossal-sized rotisserie chicken typically yields about 6 cups of meat, enough for a triple batch of this delightful sandwich filling. Simply triple all the other ingredients to match!

The Unique Dressing: No Dijon Mustard Needed!

When you think “honey mustard,” Dijon mustard often comes to mind. However, this particular Honey Mustard Chicken Salad takes a delicious detour, using classic yellow mustard instead! My famous “chick-fil-a” copycat sauce, which receives rave reviews, forms the base of this incredible dressing, bringing a familiar and beloved tang that elevates the chicken salad to new heights.

How to Prepare the Perfect Chicken for Your Sandwiches

The foundation of any great chicken salad is, of course, the chicken itself. While store-bought rotisserie chicken offers unbeatable convenience, there are several other fantastic methods to prepare your chicken, each bringing its own unique texture and flavor to the dish. Here are my favorite approaches:

1. The Versatility of Rotisserie Chicken

As mentioned, rotisserie chicken is a true hero for its speed, tender texture, and built-in flavor. I often pick one up at the beginning of the week and use it across various recipes. For this chicken salad, simply shred or chop the meat into small, even pieces. If you’re really pressed for time, many supermarkets now offer pre-shredded rotisserie chicken, making prep virtually instant.

2. Flavorful Grilled Chicken Breasts

If you prefer a smoky char and leaner option, grilled chicken is an excellent choice. To prepare, avoid marinating the chicken to let the honey mustard dressing shine. Instead, generously season boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and drizzle with a little olive oil. Pound them to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Grill over medium-high heat (around 450°F), turning once, for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until an internal thermometer reads 165°F. Remove the chicken to a plate, tent with foil, and let it rest for a few minutes. This crucial resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender chicken. Then, thinly slice and chop into bite-sized pieces.

3. Effortless Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken

For a hands-off approach that guarantees incredibly tender, shreddable chicken, turn to your slow cooker. Place trimmed chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot, season generously with salt and pepper, and cover completely with chicken stock or broth. Cook on low for 5-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Once cooked, remove the chicken (discarding the liquid), and easily shred or chop the tender breasts with two forks. This method is perfect for meal prepping a larger batch of chicken to use throughout the week.

Beyond the Sandwich: Creative Serving Ideas & Recipe Variations

While these Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Sandwiches are a star in their own right, the versatility of this delicious chicken salad extends far beyond traditional bread. Here are some ideas to inspire your next meal:

• Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter, low-carb option, serve the chicken salad in crisp lettuce cups. Butter lettuce, romaine, or endive leaves work wonderfully.
• With Crackers or Crostini: A generous scoop on crackers or toasted crostini makes an excellent appetizer or snack.
• As a Salad Topper: Spoon it over a bed of mixed greens for a hearty, flavorful main course salad.
• In Bell Peppers: Halved bell peppers (any color!) can act as edible bowls for a colorful and nutritious presentation.
• Pita Pockets or Wraps: Fill warm pita bread or whole wheat tortillas for a portable and satisfying meal.

Variations to Make It Your Own:

• Add Nuts: Toasted pecans or chopped walnuts can add an extra layer of crunch and nutty flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, dill, or chives can brighten the flavor profile.
• Extra Veggies: Finely diced red onion or bell peppers can boost flavor and crunch.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce in the dressing will appeal to those who love a little heat.
• Sweetness Boost: If you love a sweeter profile, consider using fruit-infused dried cranberries (like cherry or orange flavored) or a touch more honey in the dressing.

More Quick & Easy Recipe Ideas:

Looking for more simple yet incredibly tasty recipes? Here are some other favorites from my kitchen that are perfect for quick lunches, dinners, or entertaining:

• Easy French Dip Sliders
• Hot Italian Sliders
• Turkey Bacon Club Wraps
• 10-Minute Italian Chicken Wraps
• Honey Mustard Club Sandwiches

Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Sandwiches

By Chelsea Lords

These easy Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Sandwiches offer a fun, flavorful twist on the classic and are always a crowd-pleaser!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Yields: 4 sandwiches

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Video

Watch how to make these delicious sandwiches!

Watch Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Sandwiches Video

Equipment

• Large bowl

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken (such as rotisserie, chopped into small pieces. See post for other preparation methods)
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries (fruit-infused for an even more delicious chicken salad!)
• 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced

Dressing

• 1/2 cup prepared coleslaw dressing (found near chilled dressings/dips in the grocery store; Marie’s brand is recommended)
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 3 tablespoons honey BBQ sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Serve with

• Bread or croissant rolls
• Lettuce

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped rotisserie chicken, dried cranberries, and thinly sliced celery.
2. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the coleslaw dressing, yellow mustard, and honey BBQ sauce. Whisk until the mixture is smooth, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Feel free to adjust the quantities to match your personal preference for tang or sweetness.
3. Gently pour the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture. Stir all the ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined and the chicken is evenly coated. Taste the chicken salad and adjust for any additional salt or pepper as needed.
4. To serve, layer a generous portion of the chicken salad onto toasted bread or a fresh croissant, and add a crisp piece of lettuce for extra crunch. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

For an alternate dressing recipe, especially if coleslaw dressing is unavailable, whisk together the following:

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons regular full-fat mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
• 1/2 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition Note: Nutritional information provided was calculated using croissants.

Storage: To store leftovers, keep the bread/croissants and the chicken salad filling separate. Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the freshness and texture of both components.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 627 kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 160mg | Sodium: 1078mg | Potassium: 115mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 485IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so it should only be used as an approximation.