INGREDIENTS
For the Chicken Salad Filling
- 4 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup mayonnaise (adjust for preferred creaminess)
- ½ cup finely chopped celery
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
- ½ cup dried cranberries (or dried cherries)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional but recommended)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: ½ cup sliced toasted almonds or pecans for crunch
For Assembly
- 12–18 mini croissants or 6 large croissants
- Fresh lettuce leaves (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
STEP 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preparing the chicken. You can use leftover roasted chicken, boiled chicken breast, or rotisserie chicken. Shredded chicken works beautifully because it holds the creamy dressing well and gives a tender bite. If you prefer chunks, dice the chicken into small cubes instead.
Make sure the chicken is completely cooled before mixing it with the dressing. This prevents the mayonnaise from becoming runny and helps your filling stay thick, creamy, and stable inside the croissant.
STEP 2: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined. The lemon juice adds brightness, while the mustard gives a subtle tang that enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.
Taste the dressing before adding the chicken. Adjust the salt, pepper, or acidity to your liking. A perfectly balanced dressing is the key to a great chicken salad.
STEP 3: Combine the Ingredients
Add the shredded chicken to the bowl of dressing. Follow with the chopped celery and green onions. These vegetables add freshness and crunchy texture. Add the dried cranberries, which provide a burst of sweet-tart flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy chicken mixture.
If you’re adding nuts such as pecans or almonds, fold them in gently. Nuts add a delightful crunch and make the filling more interesting, especially for gatherings.
Stir everything until the chicken is evenly coated. The mixture should look creamy but not soupy. If it seems too dry, add one or two tablespoons of mayonnaise. If it seems too wet, add a bit more chicken.
STEP 4: Chill the Filling
Once the chicken salad mixture is ready, cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the flavors develop fully and gives the filling a firmer consistency. This step is especially important when making sandwiches, as the cold mixture stays in place better and keeps the croissants from getting soggy too quickly.
STEP 5: Prepare the Croissants
Use mini croissants like the ones in your photo. Slice each croissant horizontally, making sure not to cut all the way through. This creates a pocket that holds the filling better.
If you’re using full-sized croissants, follow the same process but expect to fill fewer sandwiches.
Optionally, you can line each croissant with a piece of lettuce. Lettuce helps keep the croissant from absorbing moisture and adds a bit of crispness.
STEP 6: Assemble the Sandwiches
Remove the chicken salad from the refrigerator and give it a quick stir. Using a spoon or scoop, generously fill each croissant with the chicken salad. Don’t be shy with the filling—these sandwiches are meant to be packed, just like the ones in your image.
Arrange the filled croissants on a large serving platter. For parties or buffets, you can layer them in a circular pattern so they look abundant and inviting.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- These sandwiches are excellent for party platters, picnics, luncheons, baby showers, or holiday gatherings.
- Pair them with a light salad, potato chips, or a fruit platter.
- For an elevated touch, drizzle a little honey over the filling before closing the croissant—sweet and savory lovers will adore it.
STORAGE & MAKE-AHEAD TIPS
- The chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
- Do not assemble the croissants more than 6–8 hours ahead of time to prevent sogginess.
- If preparing in advance, keep the filling and croissants separate until ready to serve.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS SO WELL
This recipe is a perfect balance of creamy, savory, sweet, and crunchy. The buttery croissant enhances every bite, making the sandwich feel luxurious without being complicated. The filling is versatile—you can adjust ingredients based on preference, season, or what you have available. Best of all, it is simple enough for everyday meals but impressive enough for large events.