Nothing says cozy lunch or springtime brunch like a buttery croissant filled with flavorful chicken salad.
This Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwich recipe is a delicious balance of savory chicken, juicy grapes, crisp water chestnuts, and creamy mayo—all hugged between flaky croissants.
Whether you’re prepping for a picnic, a bridal shower, or just a delightful lunch, this recipe has you covered.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy but elegant – It looks fancy but comes together in minutes
No fancy tools – Just a pot, a bowl, and a spoon
Amazing texture – Soft chicken, juicy grapes, and crunchy chestnuts
Great for crowds – Easily double the batch for parties
Make-ahead magic – Tastes better as it chills
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Here’s what makes this croissant sandwich truly special:
Cooked chicken – Use boiled or leftover rotisserie, just make sure it’s shredded
Mayonnaise – The creamy base that ties everything together
Grapes – Halved green grapes add a refreshing pop of sweetness
Red onion & green onion – A little bite and a little brightness
Water chestnuts – Unexpected crunch that works perfectly here
Apple cider vinegar – Adds tang and balances the richness
Croissants – Buttery and flaky, the perfect carrier for creamy salad
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use cold chicken for easier shredding
Don’t overmix once you add the grapes—they’ll break apart
Chill the salad before serving for best flavor
Use bakery croissants if possible—they hold up better than packaged
Toast the croissant lightly for extra texture and flavor
How to Make Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches
Step 1 – Cook and Shred the Chicken
Boil chicken breasts in a pot of water until fully cooked.
Let cool slightly, then shred into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2 – Mix the Dressing
In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Stir well to create a smooth dressing.
Step 3 – Add the Fillings
Add shredded chicken, halved grapes, chopped red onion, sliced green onions, and chopped water chestnuts into the bowl.
Gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
Step 4 – Chill
Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour.
This helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 5 – Assemble the Sandwiches
Slice croissants in half lengthwise.
Spoon a generous portion of chilled chicken salad onto the bottom half, then top with the other half of the croissant.
Serve immediately.
What to Serve It With
Kettle chips or sweet potato fries
A crisp green salad or arugula with vinaigrette
Fresh fruit skewers or berries
Iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water with citrus
Deviled eggs or cucumber finger sandwiches for brunch
Variations / Substitutions
Grapes → Try dried cranberries or diced apples
Water chestnuts → Use chopped pecans or celery for crunch
Croissants → Swap for brioche buns or lettuce wraps for low-carb
Protein → Use leftover turkey or canned chicken in a pinch
Dairy-free → Use vegan mayo
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge: Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezer: Not recommended—mayo will separate
Meal prep tip: Store croissants separately from the salad to avoid sogginess
Best served chilled, but you can toast the croissant right before assembling
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! It adds a rich, roasted flavor and saves time.
Can I make the salad ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes better after chilling for a few hours.
Is there a substitute for water chestnuts?
Chopped celery or nuts like pecans or almonds work great.
Can I freeze the chicken salad?
No, freezing is not recommended due to the mayo base.
Are croissants necessary?
Nope—try it with sandwich rolls, pita pockets, or even crackers!
How many sandwiches does this recipe make?
About 6–8 generously filled croissant sandwiches.
Is this gluten-free?
Only if you use gluten-free bread or wraps.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwich is the kind of meal that feels indulgent but comes together effortlessly.
It’s packed with flavor, texture, and color—and works beautifully for brunches, lunchboxes, or light dinners.
Once you try the crunchy grapes and creamy dressing nestled in that buttery croissant, you’ll be hooked.
Make it once, and it might just become your go-to lunch for every season.
