The Fresh Magic of Ina Garten’s Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe

Sandwiches become legendary when you master the Ina Garten chicken salad method, turning a simple lunch into a gourmet experience.

Her classic recipe blends tender, juicy chicken with creamy textures and vibrant herbs.

Each bite promises a harmonious mix of flavors that dance across your palate.

The ingredients carefully selected by Ina Garten elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Fresh herbs and high-quality mayonnaise create a luxurious spread that makes every sandwich memorable.

Crisp bread serves as the perfect canvas for this delectable filling.

You’ll want to savor every delightful morsel of this irresistible chicken salad sandwich.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 520 kcal

Servings: 6

Chicken Salad Sandwich by Ina Garten: Ingredients List

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, juicy centerpiece that provides lean protein and serves as the main ingredient for a satisfying sandwich filling. Choose fresh, plump breasts with minimal visible fat for the best texture and flavor.
• Lemongrass: Aromatic herb that adds a subtle citrusy and herbal note to enhance the chicken's natural taste. Select firm, pale green stalks with a strong fragrant aroma.
• Ginger: Zesty root that brings a warm, spicy undertone to the chicken, complementing its mild flavor. Pick fresh ginger with smooth skin and no soft spots.

• Mayonnaise: Rich, smooth sauce that binds the chicken and creates a luxurious texture. Opt for high-quality, full-fat mayonnaise for the best taste and consistency.
• Tarragon: Delicate French herb with a slight anise-like flavor that elevates the creamy chicken mixture. Choose fresh, bright green leaves for maximum potency.

• Celery: Crisp vegetable that adds a refreshing crunch and light peppery flavor to the chicken salad. Select stalks that are firm, pale green, and free from bruises.
• Mesclun Mix: Tender, mixed salad greens that provide a burst of freshness and varied textures. Look for a vibrant, diverse mix of young salad leaves.
• Bread Slices: Soft, sturdy base that holds the chicken salad and creates a satisfying sandwich. Choose a high-quality bread with good structure and flavor.

Ina Garten’s Tools for a Perfect Chicken Salad Sandwich

• Sheet Pan: Essential for roasting chicken evenly and catching drips.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for dicing chicken into precise 3/4-inch pieces.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining chicken salad ingredients and mixing thoroughly.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Serving Plate: Presents the delicious sandwiches beautifully.

Instructions for Ina Garten’s Chicken Salad Sandwich

• Chicken Preparation

Arrange chicken breasts on a sheet pan, brushing with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper.

• Roasting Magic

Bake in a preheated oven until chicken is perfectly cooked and tender, allowing it to cool completely afterward.

• Chicken Transformation

Carefully remove skin and bones, then chop chicken into delightful bite-sized pieces.

• Flavor Fusion

Mix the chicken with creamy mayonnaise, chopped fresh tarragon, and crisp celery, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

• Sandwich Assembly

Generously spread smooth mayonnaise on bread slices, layer with the chicken mixture and a handful of fresh mesclun greens.

• Finishing Touch

Gently close the sandwich, slice diagonally, and serve this delectable creation ready to delight taste buds.

Flavor Ideas for Chicken Salad Sandwich by Ina

• Swap roasted chicken breasts with rotisserie, grilled, or poached chicken for faster preparation and different flavor profiles.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like chives, dill, or parsley to enhance the chicken salad's brightness and add unexpected zest.
• Incorporate toasted nuts like almonds or pecans, or add diced apple for extra texture and subtle sweetness.
• Introduce heat with a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of sriracha, or finely chopped jalapeños to kick up the flavor intensity.
• Try different bread varieties like sourdough, whole wheat, croissants, or lettuce wraps to create unique sandwich experiences and cater to dietary preferences.

How to Serve Ina Garten’s Chicken Salad Sandwich

• Picnic Perfect Pairing: Serve these sandwiches alongside crisp cucumber pickles or tangy coleslaw for a delightful lunch spread that balances the creamy chicken salad.
• Elegant Side Companions: Complement the sandwich with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to add a fresh, zesty contrast to the rich chicken mixture.
• Summer Outdoor Delight: Pack these sandwiches in a cooler for beach trips, park picnics, or backyard gatherings, ensuring a delicious meal that travels well and satisfies hungry guests.
• Quick Meal Transformation: Transform leftover chicken salad into a protein-packed topping for mixed green salads or stuff into hollowed tomatoes for a light, refreshing dinner option.

Storage Guidance for Chicken Salad Sandwich

• Refrigerate and Refresh: Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep ingredients crisp by storing bread and greens separately to prevent sogginess.
• Batch Prep Magic: Make the chicken salad ahead of time and enjoy quick lunches throughout the week. Mix ingredients just before serving for maximum freshness and crunch.
• Freezing Strategy: Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and mix with fresh mayonnaise and herbs before serving.
• Smart Sandwich Assembly: Pack sandwich components separately for picnics or work lunches. Combine just before eating to maintain bread's texture and prevent wilting of greens.

Elegant Ina Garten Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s chicken salad sandwich blends classic Hamptons elegance with simple, fresh ingredients. Creamy, herb-infused chicken nestled between artisan bread promises a delightful lunch experience you will savor.

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Ingredients

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• 4 split (2 whole) chicken breasts, bone-in, skin on
• 1.5 tbsps chopped fresh tarragon leaves
• 1 cup small-diced celery (2 stalks)
• 1 package mesclun salad mix
• ¾ cup mayonnaise, plus more for the bread
• 8 to 10 slices health or seven-grain bread
• Olive oil
• Salt (kosher)
• Black pepper (freshly ground)

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Instructions

1. Roasting Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F with center rack positioning, drizzle chicken breasts with olive oil, and season thoroughly with kosher salt and black pepper.
2. Chicken Cooking: Roast chicken for 35-40 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring clear juices and complete cooking.
3. Cooling and Preparation: Allow chicken to cool completely at room temperature, then remove skin and bones, and dice into uniform 3/4-inch cubes.
4. Salad Composition: In a large mixing bowl, combine diced chicken with mayonnaise, tarragon, celery, salt, and pepper, folding ingredients gently for even flavor distribution.
5. Sandwich Assembly: Spread mayonnaise on bread slices, layer chicken salad mixture evenly, top with mesclun mix, and complete with remaining bread slices.
6. Serving: Cut sandwiches diagonally into triangular halves and serve immediately, enjoying the fresh and aromatic chicken salad creation.

Notes

• Perfectly Roast Chicken: Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts for maximum flavor and moisture retention during roasting.
• Temperature Precision: Use a reliable meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F (74°C) for food safety without overcooking.
• Flavor Enhancement: Allow chicken to cool completely before dicing to help retain juices and prevent dry, stringy meat texture.
• Texture Balance: Chop celery and tarragon uniformly for consistent crunch and herb distribution throughout the chicken salad.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg