Ina Garten’s Chicken Salad Sandwich is a deliciously classic lunch option that combines tender roasted chicken, creamy mayo, crunchy celery, and a hint of fresh herbs. Nestled between slices of crusty bread or soft rolls, this sandwich is simple, satisfying, and full of flavor.

What Is Ina Garten’s Chicken Salad Sandwich?

This recipe features cooked chicken breasts chopped and tossed with mayonnaise, celery, and fresh herbs. The mixture is then spooned onto your choice of bread or rolls and often finished with leafy greens for added crunch. It’s Ina’s elevated take on a deli classic.

Ina Garten Chicken Salad Sandwich recipe

Other Ina Garten Recipes

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Chicken Salad Sandwich

Quick and easy – Great for busy days
Perfect for meal prep – Make the filling ahead
Deliciously creamy and crunchy – Great texture balance
Versatile – Enjoy on bread, lettuce cups, or croissants
Elegant yet comforting – Ideal for gatherings or lunch boxes
Make it your own – Customize with grapes, nuts, or herbs
Great use for leftover chicken – No waste, full flavor

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Chicken Salad Sandwich

2 split (bone-in, skin-on) chicken breasts
Olive oil
Kosher salt and black pepper
½ cup good mayonnaise
1½ tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon or parsley
1 cup small-diced celery (2 stalks)
Optional: ½ cup halved red grapes or toasted pecans
Bread of choice: crusty rolls, sliced sourdough, croissants, or sandwich bread
Leafy greens like arugula or lettuce (optional)

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Chicken Salad Sandwich

Step 1: Roast the chicken

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet, rub with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 35–40 minutes or until cooked through. Let cool slightly, then remove skin and bones. Dice the meat into bite-sized cubes.

Step 2: Make the chicken salad

In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, mayonnaise, celery, and tarragon. Add optional ingredients like grapes or pecans if using. Mix gently until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Assemble the sandwiches

Layer a scoop of chicken salad onto your bread of choice. Add arugula or lettuce for freshness if desired. Top with the other slice of bread or serve open-faced.

Step 4: Serve immediately or chill

Serve right away or wrap and chill for later. It holds well in the fridge for a few hours.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Chicken Salad Sandwich

Potato chips or crisps – Classic pairing for crunch
Fresh fruit salad – Light and refreshing contrast
Tomato basil soup – Cozy lunch combo
Dill pickles or cucumber spears – Adds tang and texture
Iced tea or lemonade – Refreshing drink options
Side of pasta salad – Balanced picnic-style plate
Roasted sweet potatoes – For a hearty touch

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Chicken Salad Sandwich

Use bone-in, skin-on chicken – It stays juicier and more flavorful
Let chicken cool before mixing – Prevents watery dressing
Dice ingredients evenly – Better texture in every bite
Don’t overdo the mayo – Add just enough to bind
Add herbs at the end – Keep their flavor fresh
Toast the bread lightly – Adds structure and prevents sogginess
Chill the mixture for 30 mins – Flavors meld beautifully

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Chicken Salad Sandwich

Use rotisserie chicken – Saves time without losing flavor
Add Dijon mustard – For a tangy punch
Mix in chopped apples or dried cranberries – Sweet, tart balance
Swap mayo with Greek yogurt – Lighter version
Add curry powder and raisins – Curried chicken salad twist
Serve in lettuce wraps – Low-carb option
Use a baguette or pita pocket – For sandwich variety

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Chicken Salad Sandwich

Refrigerate chicken salad in an airtight container – Best within 3 days
Keep bread separate until ready to assemble – Prevents sogginess
Do not freeze – Mayonnaise and celery don’t thaw well
Wrap sandwiches tightly if packing for lunch – Keeps them fresh

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Chicken Salad Sandwich

No reheating needed – Best served cold or at room temperature
Warm the bread slightly if desired – Then fill with cold chicken salad
Stir salad before serving leftovers – Redistribute dressing evenly

Nutritional Value (per sandwich, approx.)

Calories: 480
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 520mg

A hearty, satisfying sandwich that’s full of protein and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make Ina Garten’s chicken salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the chicken salad up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the fridge and assemble the sandwiches just before serving.

What’s the best bread for a chicken salad sandwich?

Crusty sourdough, buttery croissants, soft sandwich rolls, or even whole-grain bread all work well depending on your preference.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of roasting my own?

Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient substitute and still provides excellent flavor and texture.

How do I keep chicken salad sandwiches from getting soggy?

Assemble them just before serving and avoid overloading with mayonnaise. Toasting the bread lightly also helps maintain structure.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Chicken Salad Sandwich is a timeless recipe that brings comfort, flavor, and versatility to your table.

Simple, fresh, and endlessly adaptable—it’s a true Barefoot Contessa classic.