Old Fashioned Chicken Salad Sandwiches (with a touch of Honey)

This Old-Fashioned Chicken Salad has been a favorite in my kitchen for over 30 years. It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and perfect for making simple, delicious sandwiches.

What makes this recipe a little special is the touch of honey and sugar, which gives it just the right balance of sweetness without overpowering the flavor.

It’s especially refreshing during the warmer months, and I love to keep a bowl in the refrigerator for quick lunches and easy meals.

Years ago, when Longaberger Basket parties were popular around my hometown, I purchased one of their cookbooks and found this recipe. It was served in the diner at the Longaberger Homestead in Dresden, Ohio, and quickly became a favorite in my home.

I have made HONEY PECAN ROTISSERIE CHICKEN SALAD recipe from the cookbook, but that version is a little chunkier and includes pecans, while this one is smoother and better for spreading on sandwiches.

Perfect for Sandwiches & Special Occasions

I recently made this for one of my granddaughters’ baby showers, where she requested “butterfly” tea sandwiches. By chopping the chicken a little finer in the food processor, it made the salad easy to spread and perfect for cutting into shapes.

I used 6 rotisserie chickens and made 50 little sandwiches—it was such a special day.

How To Make Old Fashioned Chicken Salad for Sandwiches

INGREDIENTS

• mayonnaise
• sweet relish
• diced onion
• honey
• sugar
• kosher salt
• coarse black pepper
• Celery
• Rotisserie chicken breasts, chop in food processor to desired texture.

INSTRUCTIONS

• In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, relish, onion, honey, sugar, salt, pepper, and mix well.
• Stir in the celery.
• Fold in the chopped chicken and stir until evenly coated.
• Cover and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

Step by Step Photos For This Easy Chicken Salad

 

Chop the chicken by pulsing it in a food processor to desired size. (May chop with knife is processor not available)
Combine the first 7 ingredients then stir in the celery. 
Fold in the chicken. May add a little more mayonnaise at this point if needed. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours.

Serve on croissants, breads, crackers, party breads, and our favorite way, this sourdough bread,

Why You Will Love This Recipe for Old Fashioned Chicken Salad

• It is so easy to make, I use rotisserie chicken, but any leftover chicken will work.
• This chicken salad is so refreshing to serve in warmer weather.
• It is perfect to serve for so many occasions. Baby or bridal showers, a poolside treat, light lunches, or at any party.

Recipe Tips, Variations and Storage

• The chicken can be chopped to any size, depending on how you are using it. To get it finer, pulse at short intervals in a food processor.
• The flavors will blend better if the chicken is still slightly warm when making this chicken salad.
• Some ingredients people also like to add are grape halves, dill, red onion, or pickles.

Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days total. Do not leave setting out for longer than 2 hours (1 hour if temperature is over 90 degrees).

If you enjoy simple summer sandwiches, you might also like my
Egg Salad Sandwiches,   Ham Salad Sandwiches, and
Picnic Focaccia Sandwich.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if my chicken salad has gone bad?
According to Food Safety.gov:
Color changes: If the chicken or vegetables look gray, brown, or develop a greenish or yellowish cast, it’s likely spoiled.
Texture changes: Slimy or mushy chicken salad is a sign that it’s gone bad.
Bad smell: If it smells sour, off, or otherwise unpleasant, it’s best to throw it away.
Taste changes: If it tastes sour or has an off flavor, don’t risk eating it. 

Can I freeze chicken salad?
No, freezing is not recommended. The mayonnaise can separate, and the texture becomes watery.

This recipe was shared on Sweet Little Bluebird Weekend Potluck.