Craving that delicious Panera chicken salad sandwich but don't want to leave the house? This recipe lets you recreate the magic of that creamy, flavorful chicken salad right in your own kitchen! It's a fantastic quick dinner idea, a healthy meal packed with protein, and surprisingly easy to make. Get ready to enjoy a homemade version that rivals the restaurant's best—maybe even surpasses it!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 1.5 lbs raw)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (choose your favorite kind!)
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough, wheat, or white work great!)
- Lettuce leaves (for serving)
- Tomato slices (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: If you haven't already, cook your chicken breasts. Grilling, baking, or poaching all work well. Once cooked, let it cool completely before shredding it with two forks.
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, tarragon, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly distributed. This is where you can really taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.
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Chill (Optional): For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is optional, but highly recommended.
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Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a generous amount of the chicken salad onto two slices of bread. Top with lettuce, tomato slices (if using), and the remaining bread slices.
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Serve and Enjoy: Cut the sandwiches in half and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious, homemade Panera-style chicken salad sandwich!
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Salad:
- Don't overmix: Overmixing can make the chicken salad tough. Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality mayonnaise will make a big difference in the flavor of your chicken salad.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to add more or less of any ingredient to suit your preference. A dash of paprika or a pinch of garlic powder can add extra depth of flavor.
- Make it ahead: The chicken salad can be made a day or two in advance, making it a perfect make-ahead lunch or dinner option.
Delicious Variations:
- Add grapes: A handful of seedless green grapes adds a burst of sweetness and juiciness.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Go Curry: A teaspoon of curry powder adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Cranberry Chicken Salad: Incorporate dried cranberries for a festive twist.
Nutritional Information (per sandwich, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 (depending on bread and ingredients used)
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 20-30g
This easy recipe provides a healthy and delicious alternative to takeout. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a picnic. The versatility of this recipe means you can easily customize it to your tastes, making it a staple in your healthy meal rotation. Enjoy!