The Chicken Salad Finger Sandwiches Recipe is a delightful, timeless classic that brings together tender, finely chopped chicken with creamy, tangy accents nestled between soft slices of bread. This recipe transforms humble ingredients into an elegant, bite-sized treat perfect for afternoon teas, picnics, or casual gatherings. The balance of crisp celery, fresh parsley, and the subtle zing from Dijon mustard and lemon juice make every sandwich uniquely refreshing and satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to sandwiches, these finger sandwiches promise a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make dish that shines in flavor and presentation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is all it takes to create these delectable Chicken Salad Finger Sandwiches. Each component plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect harmony of taste and texture, from creamy bases to crunchy vegetables and fragrant herbs.
- Cooked chicken breast, 2 cups, finely chopped: The star protein providing a tender, flavorful base.
- Mayonnaise, 1/4 cup: Adds rich creaminess that binds the ingredients.
- Plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons: Offers a tangy freshness and lightens the richness.
- Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon: Introduces a subtle sharpness and depth of flavor.
- Celery, 1/4 cup, finely chopped: Brings a crisp texture and refreshing crunch.
- Red onion, 2 tablespoons, finely chopped: Adds a mild, sweet pungency for balance.
- Fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon, chopped: Infuses vibrant color and herbal brightness.
- Lemon juice, 1 teaspoon: Brightens the flavor profile with a clean citrus note.
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Enhances all the savory elements perfectly.
- Black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon: For a gentle warmth and spice.
- Soft white or wheat sandwich bread, 12 slices, crusts removed: The delicate vessel that holds the filling together for easy-to-handle finger sandwiches.
How to Make Chicken Salad Finger Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Chicken Salad Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, mix the finely chopped chicken breast with mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and Dijon mustard to create a creamy, luscious base. Then fold in the finely chopped celery, red onion, fresh parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This combination perfectly balances creaminess with a touch of crunch and herbaceousness, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor and texture.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
Lay out your slices of soft bread on a clean surface. Spread a generous layer of the prepared chicken salad on half of the slices. This step is where the fun happens — don’t be shy to pile it on for maximum deliciousness. Then top with the remaining bread slices, gently pressing to secure the filling without squishing it out.
Step 3: Trim and Cut for Perfect Finger Sandwiches
If you haven’t already, remove the crusts to give your sandwiches that classic finger food elegance. Next, cut each sandwich into thirds or quarters, depending on your preferred size for finger sandwiches. Use a serrated knife for clean edges and to prevent squashing the filling. These dainty pieces are now ready to be served chilled or at room temperature, making them perfect for any occasion.
How to Serve Chicken Salad Finger Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
Delight your guests by adding a few simple garnishes that brighten the plate and add an extra touch of charm. Fresh parsley sprigs or a sprinkle of finely chopped chives on top of each sandwich create a lovely pop of green. For an elegant flair, thin slices of cucumber or radish can be delicately placed alongside or atop the sandwiches.
Side Dishes
Pairing these finger sandwiches with light, complementary sides elevates the overall experience. Consider a crisp garden salad, a bowl of fruit salad bursting with seasonal flavors, or some crunchy vegetable sticks with a creamy dip. These sides keep the meal balanced and refreshing, perfect for outdoor picnics or luncheon spreads.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by arranging the Chicken Salad Finger Sandwiches Recipe on a tiered serving platter. Interspersing edible flowers or colorful lettuce leaves can add to the visual appeal. You might also try cutting the sandwiches into charming shapes using cookie cutters for themed parties or children’s gatherings — a simple technique that makes all the difference.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover chicken salad or assembled sandwiches, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken salad mixture itself can be stored for up to two days without losing its wonderful freshness.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for these sandwiches as the bread can become soggy and the texture will be compromised. Instead, prep the chicken salad in advance and keep it refrigerated, then assemble fresh sandwiches close to serving time for the best quality.
Reheating
Because these sandwiches are best served cold or at room temperature, reheating is unnecessary and not ideal. Simply remove from the fridge 10–15 minutes before serving to take the chill off and enjoy the full spectrum of flavors and textures.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for the Chicken Salad Finger Sandwiches Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut that adds great flavor and saves time chopping cooked chicken breast. Just make sure it’s finely chopped to keep the sandwiches elegant and easy to eat.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can omit the Greek yogurt or substitute it with a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Using just mayonnaise also works well, keeping the chicken salad creamy and delicious.
Can I add other ingredients to the chicken salad?
Definitely! Adding chopped grapes for sweetness or slivered almonds for crunch can make the filling even more exciting. Feel free to experiment with your favorite additions to personalize the Chicken Salad Finger Sandwiches Recipe.
What kind of bread works best?
Soft white or wheat sandwich bread with crusts removed is ideal for finger sandwiches. The softness allows for easy cutting and eating without overpowering the delicate filling.
How far in advance can I prepare the chicken salad?
You can make the chicken salad up to one day ahead and refrigerate it in an airtight container. This makes assembling the sandwiches quick and stress-free on the day of your event.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, elegant appetizer that’s easy to whip up and simply irresistible, the Chicken Salad Finger Sandwiches Recipe is your new go-to. Its blend of fresh, vibrant flavors and tender textures wrapped in soft bread makes it a stand-out dish for any gathering. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find it becoming a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
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Chicken Salad Finger Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 finger sandwiches
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chicken Salad Finger Sandwiches are a classic American appetizer perfect for parties, picnics, or afternoon tea. Made with a creamy blend of chopped cooked chicken, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and fresh vegetables, they are light, flavorful, and easy to prepare. The sandwiches are cut into small, elegant finger-sized portions, making them ideal for entertaining guests or serving as a delightful snack.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sandwiches
- 12 slices soft white or wheat sandwich bread, crusts removed
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Salad: In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped cooked chicken breast with mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, finely chopped celery, red onion, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended to create a creamy chicken salad.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Lay out the 12 slices of sandwich bread on a clean surface. Spread a generous layer of the chicken salad evenly over half of the bread slices.
- Form the Sandwiches: Top each bread slice with chicken salad with the remaining bread slices to create sandwiches. Press gently to ensure they hold together well.
- Trim and Cut: If crusts have not been removed, trim them off with a serrated knife. Then, cut each sandwich into thirds or quarters depending on the desired finger sandwich size.
- Serve: Arrange the finger sandwiches on a platter and serve chilled or at room temperature as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- The chicken salad can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator to enhance flavors.
- For extra flavor and texture, consider adding chopped grapes or sprinkling slivered almonds into the chicken salad mixture.
- Omit Greek yogurt to make this recipe dairy-free.
