The Best Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Ready to fall in love with lunch again? If your midday meals have started to feel repetitive and uninspiring, this easy chicken sandwich recipe is here to change that. It’s creamy, smoky, fresh, and layered with texture in a way that makes every bite exciting.

The balance of flavors is what makes it stand out: a rich, velvety filling, bright pops of acidity, and just the right amount of crunch. Then there’s the subtle smoky twist, an unexpected layer that makes people pause after the first bite and ask what makes it taste so good. It’s comforting and familiar, and keeps you coming back for more.

Why These Cold Chicken Sandwiches are so Good?

This simple recipe is quick and easy to make, but the flavor feels layered and intentional. The creamy chicken filling combines mayo, cream cheese, and sour cream for a rich, silky texture with just the right tang. A hint of mustard and lemon adds brightness, while celery, green onions, and pickles bring a fresh, satisfying crunch.

The smoky infusion is what truly sets it apart, giving the shredded chicken a subtle campfire flavor that makes it far more memorable than your standard sandwich. It’s an ideal way to reinvent leftover chicken and create something that feels both comforting and elevated.

What starts as simple, everyday ingredients turns into something that feels thoughtfully prepared, like a gourmet deli favorite made right in your own kitchen. It’s perfect for a relaxed afternoon at home or pop in a lunch box, yet impressive enough to serve at a picnic, birthday party, BBQ, potluck, bridal shower, or casual get-together with friends.

*For more easy sandwich recipes like this one, be sure to try these fabulous recipes:

• Cream Cheese Sandwich (Cold Sandwich)
• Mango Salad
• Best Tandoori Chicken
• Cucumber Sandwiches

How to Make This Chicken Sandwich?

Infusing smoky flavor into the chicken (optional step)

To begin, add 1.1 lb cooked chicken breasts (shredded) to a large bowl. Then, place a piece of aluminum foil in the center and place a piece of red-hot coal over it.

Drizzle a teaspoon of oil and immediately cover the bowl with a lid. Let it sit for 4-5 minutes. After 5 minutes, discard the foil with coal. Smoked chicken is ready to use.

Make Creamy Dressing

Place 4 oz mayonnaise, 4 oz cream cheese, 3 tablespoons sour cream, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon sea salt, and ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper in a large bowl.

Using a spatula or a whisk, mix well until the dressing is smooth.

Combine Mix-ins and Shredded Chicken

Add ⅓ cup finely chopped dill pickle, 2 thinly sliced green onions, and 2 finely chopped celery stalks.

Mix well.

Now add shredded chicken to the mixture in the bowl.

Combine well to make the sandwich filling.

Assemble Sandwiches

Apply a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each bread slice.

Now, take 2-3 tablespoons of chicken filling and spread it on the buttered side of one slice. Top with the other buttered bread slice and gently press to form a sandwich.

Top with the other buttered bread slice and gently press to form a sandwich. Cut off the edges neatly with a serrated knife to remove crust (optional).

Slice the sandwich into diagonals (or rectangles if you like). Arrange on a platter over salad greens and serve!

Expert Tips for a good chicken sandwich

• Use high-quality ingredients for the dressing since it forms the base of the filling. Full-fat mayo, cream cheese, and sour cream create a thicker, more stable mixture that won’t turn watery as it sits.
• Lightly butter the bread before assembling to create a barrier against moisture. This keeps the filling from soaking into the bread and prevents soggy sandwiches.
• Use a serrated knife when slicing for clean, even edges. A gentle sawing motion helps maintain the structure of the bread without squashing it or pushing out the filling.
• Customize the shape to match the occasion! Cut into classic triangles for a casual feel or slim finger rectangles for a tea-party look. Remove crusts for a more elegant presentation.
• Let the filling chill for 30–60 minutes before assembling if time allows. This helps the flavors meld together and makes spreading easier.
• If using leftover chicken, shred it finely for the best texture. Smaller pieces blend more smoothly into the creamy base and create a more cohesive bite.

Serving Ideas

Serve as part of a picnic spread with sea-salt kettle chips and fresh fruit skewers or salad for a balanced mix of salty and sweet.

Create a charming afternoon tea by pairing with cucumber sandwiches and small scones for an elegant, bite-sized spread.

For a quick work lunch, store the filling separately and assemble just before eating to keep the bread fresh and the celery perfectly crisp.

Arrange sandwich triangles over a bed of fresh salad greens like romaine or arugula, or with green salad for a party-ready platter with added color and a light, peppery contrast to the creamy filling.

Make ahead and storing leftovers

Store the prepared chicken filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, perfect for meal prep.

If assembling sandwiches in advance, they stay fresh for 2–3 days when using the butter-barrier method to protect the bread from moisture.

Leftover sandwiches should be kept in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to preserve flavor and texture.

Avoid freezing this recipe, as the dairy in the dressing can separate and become grainy. It’s quick to make fresh, so it’s always better enjoyed right away!