These Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Sandwiches are a fun twist on a classic! With tender chicken, crunchy pickles, and creamy dressing, they’re sure to tickle your taste buds.
I love making these sandwiches on busy days—they’re quick to whip up and perfect for lunch. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a little pickle kick in their bite? Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works great for speed! You can also use leftover chicken or turkey. For a vegetarian option, chickpeas or shredded tofu could work well.
Mayonnaise: I love using classic mayo for creaminess, but you can swap it with avocado or a vegan mayo for a healthier twist. Just keep an eye on the flavor balance if you go this route.
Dill Pickles: The pickles add a nice crunch and tang. If you don’t have dill pickles, bread-and-butter pickles can provide a sweeter flavor. You could even use chopped capers for a briny kick!
Greek Yogurt: This is optional, but it adds a tangy flavor and creaminess. If you prefer, you can use sour cream or omit it entirely for a lighter salad.
Red Onion: I like red onion for its mild bite, but if that’s too strong for you, try green onions or chives instead. They’ll still give a nice flavor without being overpowering.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Salad Has Great Flavor?
Mixing the chicken salad properly is key to great flavor. Start with blending the dressing and seasonings before adding chicken. It helps ensure every bite is balanced. Here’s how to do it:
- In a bowl, mix mayo, yogurt, pickle juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the shredded chicken and other ingredients. Stir gently until everything is coated.
- Taste it! If you feel it’s missing something, a bit more pickle juice or salt can elevate the dish.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps all those flavors come together beautifully!
Yummy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional for tanginess)
- 1/4 cup dill pickles, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons pickle juice
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 4 to 6 slider buns or sandwich rolls
- Extra dill pickle slices for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and another 30 minutes to chill. So, in total, you’ll need about 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick lunch or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Chicken Salad:
Start by taking a large mixing bowl and adding your shredded chicken, mayonnaise, and Greek yogurt if you’re using it. Then, toss in the chopped dill pickles, pickle juice, finely chopped red onion, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s all nicely combined.
2. Taste & Adjust:
Once everything is mixed up, take a little taste! If you think it needs a bit more flavor, feel free to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or even a splash more pickle juice. Make it perfect for your taste buds!
3. Chill Out:
Cover the bowl with some plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps all those delicious flavors come together and makes the salad even better!
4. Assemble Sandwiches:
When you’re ready to eat, grab those slider buns or sandwich rolls. Spoon a generous amount of the dill pickle chicken salad onto each bun. It’s gonna be tasty!
5. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, add some extra dill pickle slices on top for that extra crunch and flavor. Serve your delicious sandwiches immediately, and enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Canned Chicken Instead of Cooked Chicken?
Absolutely! Canned chicken is a great time-saver. Just drain it well and shred it before mixing with the other ingredients. Keep in mind that canned chicken can be saltier, so adjust the salt in the recipe accordingly.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It helps the flavors develop further, making it even tastier when you’re ready to serve!
How to Store Leftover Chicken Salad?
Leftover chicken salad can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you find it gets a bit thick after sitting, just mix in a little more mayo or pickle juice to loosen it up before serving again.
Can I Substitute the Mayonnaise?
Yes! If you want a lighter option, you can use plain Greek yogurt for the entire amount of mayonnaise. For a different flavor twist, try using avocado or a vegan mayo for a dairy-free version.
