This chicken salad croissant is the perfect way to turn simple ingredients into a deli-style sandwich at home, with a buttery, flaky croissant piled high with creamy chicken salad and plenty of crunch. It is quick enough for busy weekdays, yet special enough for baby showers, luncheons, or holiday brunch.
If you already love this easy Chicken Salad Recipe with grapes and cashews, you are going to be obsessed with how delicious it tastes tucked inside a warm, bakery-style croissant. It is the same cozy, family-friendly vibe you get from an Ultimate Tuna Melt, just with juicy chicken and a fresh, bright crunch.
Why you’ll love this Chicken Salad Croissant
Buttery bakery feel at home: Flaky croissants make this feel like something straight from a café, without leaving your kitchen.
Perfect for using leftover chicken: Rotisserie or leftover baked chicken keeps things fast and budget-friendly.
Crowd-pleasing for any occasion: Serve these for showers, brunch, potlucks, game day, or simple make-ahead lunches.
Easy to customize: Swap the fruit, nuts, or herbs to match your favorite Chicken Salad Recipe flavor profile.
Ingredients need For Chicken Salad Croissant
- Cooked chicken: Shredded or chopped chicken breast or thigh; rotisserie chicken keeps it extra tender and flavorful.
- Mayonnaise and Greek yogurt: A mix of mayo and yogurt gives a creamy texture with a lighter, tangy finish.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the dressing and keeps the flavors from tasting heavy.
- Celery: Adds crunch and a classic chicken salad texture.
- Grapes or apples: A bit of sweetness balances the savory dressing and adds juicy bites.
- Nuts: Cashews, pecans, or sliced almonds add crunch and a subtle buttery flavor.
- Fresh dill and green onion: Fresh herbs give a pop of flavor that makes the sandwich taste restaurant-quality.
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder: Simple pantry spices to season the creamy dressing.
- Croissants: Use large bakery croissants for full sandwiches or mini croissants for party platters.
How to make Chicken Salad Croissant
Make the creamy dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice until smooth. Stir in green onions, dill, brown sugar if using, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until everything is well combined.
Add the chicken and crunchy mix-ins
Fold in chopped chicken, celery, grapes or apples, and nuts until the mixture is evenly coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or dill as needed.
Chill for best flavor
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes so the flavors can meld and the dressing can thicken slightly. This also makes it perfect for prepping ahead in the morning for lunches or parties later in the day.
Prep the croissants
Slice the croissants horizontally, keeping one side attached if you prefer a “hinge” for easier filling. For an extra cozy touch, lightly toast the cut sides in a dry skillet or warm them in the oven just until the outsides are slightly crisp and the inside is soft.
Assemble the sandwiches
Add a layer of lettuce if you like a bit of extra crunch, then spoon a generous amount of chilled chicken salad onto the bottom half of each croissant. Close the sandwich gently so the filling stays inside the flaky layers.
Chicken Salad Croissant tips for the best sandwiches
Chop everything evenly: Keep the chicken and celery pieces similar in size so every bite has a mix of flavor and crunch.
Don’t over-dress: The salad should be creamy but not soupy; add a bit more chicken if it looks too loose.
Chill before serving: Even a short chill in the fridge helps the dressing thicken and the flavors deepen.
Toast lightly: A quick toast keeps the croissant from getting soggy while still feeling soft and buttery inside.
Easy variations and add-ins
Classic deli-style: Skip the fruit and nuts and add extra celery and a little Dijon mustard for a more traditional chicken salad flavor.
Sweet and crunchy: Use grapes plus chopped apples and cashews for a texture similar to the Easy Chicken Salad Recipe.
Herby and fresh: Stir in extra dill, parsley, or chives and add thinly sliced cucumber under the filling.
Bacon ranch twist: Swap part of the mayo for ranch dressing and add crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar.
Lightened-up: Use more Greek yogurt than mayonnaise and serve in mini croissants or lettuce cups for a lighter option.
How to serve Chicken Salad Croissants
Lunch or meal prep: Make a batch of chicken salad at the start of the week and assemble fresh croissant sandwiches as needed.
Brunch or showers: Arrange mini croissants on a platter with lettuce and grapes for a pretty, ready-to-serve option.
Party tray: Offer a mix of Chicken Salad Croissants and hot sandwiches like the Ultimate Tuna Melt so guests can choose chicken or tuna.
Deconstructed: Serve the chicken salad in a bowl with croissants, crackers, and lettuce leaves on the side so everyone can build their own.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Chicken salad: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Croissants: Keep croissants at room temperature in a sealed bag or container for 1 to 2 days; toast lightly to refresh the texture before assembling.
Make ahead for events: Mix the chicken salad the day before and slice the croissants the morning of your event, then assemble shortly before serving so they stay flaky and fresh.
If you enjoy these Chicken Salad Croissants, be sure to try the Easy Chicken Salad Recipe for a versatile filling you can serve on lettuce cups, crackers, or as a salad plate, and the Ultimate Tuna Melt when you are craving a hot, cheesy sandwich option.