As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there's nothing quite like a cozy Autumn Chicken Salad Sandwich to warm your soul! This delightful recipe combines tender, diced chicken with the sweet crunch of dried cranberries and walnuts, creating a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, these sandwiches are not only easy to prepare but also a fantastic way to embrace the flavors of fall. Ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s both comforting and delicious? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices of bread
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of cooked chicken (diced), 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, 1/4 cup of chopped celery, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and 4 slices of bread.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and chopped celery. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently mix the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth. This will be the dressing for your chicken salad.
- Pour the mayonnaise and mustard mixture over the chicken mixture in the large bowl. Stir gently until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Season the chicken salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each and adjust according to your preference. Mix well to incorporate the seasoning.
- Once the chicken salad is prepared, take the 4 slices of bread and lay them out on a clean surface or plate.
- Using a spoon or spatula, generously scoop the chicken salad onto 2 of the slices of bread, spreading it evenly to cover the entire slice.
- Top the chicken salad with the remaining 2 slices of bread to form sandwiches. You can press down gently to help them hold together.
- If desired, you can cut the sandwiches in half diagonally or into quarters for easier serving.
- Serve the Autumn Chicken Salad Sandwiches immediately, or refrigerate them for up to an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Tips
- Use Leftover Chicken: To save time, use leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand. It adds great flavor and makes preparation a breeze!
- Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to swap out the walnuts for pecans or add in some diced apples for an extra crunch and sweetness that complements the cranberries beautifully.
- Chill for Flavor: For the best taste, allow the chicken salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Toast the Bread: For added texture, consider toasting the bread slices lightly before assembling the sandwiches. It gives a nice crunch that contrasts well with the creamy filling.
- Make It a Wrap: If you’re looking for a low-carb option, try wrapping the chicken salad in lettuce leaves instead of using bread for a fresh and healthy twist.
- Perfect Pairings: Serve your sandwiches with a side of sweet potato fries or a warm cup of butternut squash soup for a complete autumn-inspired meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 617kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 115mg
