Perfect Panera Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe: A Delicious Homemade Delight

Perfect Panera Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe is a delightful meal you can easily make at home. I have always loved the taste of this sandwich, and after experimenting with different ingredients, I found the perfect way to recreate it. This Perfect Panera Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe is simple, delicious, and ideal for lunch or a light dinner. If you love Panera’s version, you will enjoy this homemade alternative. In this blog, I will share my tried-and-tested method for making the Perfect Panera Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe with fresh ingredients and step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients For The Perfect Panera Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe

• 2 cups cooked and shredded fresh chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup seedless grapes (halved)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 4 croissants or whole-grain bread
• Lettuce leaves

How To Make The Perfect Panera Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe

Prepare the Chicken

Cook and shred the chicken into small pieces. For added flavor, you can shred fresh rotisserie chicken or boiled chicken breasts with a clean fork.

Mix the Dressing

Combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Stir well until smooth and creamy.

Add Vegetables and Fruits

Add diced celery, red onion, and grapes to the dressing. Mix well to combine the flavors.

Incorporate the Chicken and Nuts

Add the shredded chicken and chopped pecans to the mixture. Stir until everything is

well-coated with the dressing.

Chill the Mixture

Cover the bowl carefully and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps enhance the flavors.

Assemble the Sandwich

Slice the croissants or whole-grain bread. Place fresh lettuce leaves on the bottom half, then generously spread the Perfect Panera Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe mixture over the lettuce.

Serving And Enjoying The Perfect Panera Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe

Scoop the Perfect Panera Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe mixture generously onto fresh bread or croissants. Enjoy each bite, as fresh ingredients’ creamy texture and crunch create the perfect balance. Serve with chips, a side salad, or a bowl of fresh, warm soup for a complete meal.

Chef’s Tips For The Perfect Panera Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe

Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh chicken, crisp celery, and juicy grapes enhance the overall taste.

Toast the Bread

Lightly toasting the croissants or bread adds a delicious crunch.

Chill Before Serving

Letting the salad sit in the active fridge for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors blend.

Adjust the Creaminess

Add more mayonnaise or Greek yogurt if you like it creamier.

Add a Twist

Add a dash of honey or a squeeze of some fresh lemon juice for extra flavor.

Nutrition Information For The Perfect Panera Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe

• Calories: 450-500 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg

Note: Nutrition values may vary based on some ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Related Recipe Names, Ingredients, And Step-by-Step Guide To Preparing Those Recipes For The Perfect Panera Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe

Classic Chicken Salad Sandwich

Ingredients For The Classic Chicken Salad Sandwich 

• 2 cups cooked fresh chicken, finely chopped or shredded
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp red onion or onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1–2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill (optional)
• Bread slices (white, whole wheat, or multigrain)
• Lettuce leaves (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide To preparing The Classic Chicken Salad Sandwich

• Prepare the Chicken: Cook the chicken (boil, roast, or grill), let it cool, then chop or shred it finely.
• Mix the Base: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
• Add Crunch: Stir in chopped celery and onion.
• Combine Chicken: Add the chicken and mix gently until well coated.
• Taste & Adjust: Adjust seasoning and add parsley or dill if using.
• Assemble Sandwich: Spread the chicken salad on bread, add lettuce if desired, and top with another slice.
• Serve: Cut in half and serve fresh.

Panera-Inspired Napa Almond Chicken Salad

Ingredients For The Panera-Inspired Napa Almond Chicken Salad 

• 2 cups cooked fresh chicken breast, finely chopped or shredded
• ½ cup seedless red grapes, halved
• ¼ cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted
• 2 tbsp celery, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp red onion (optional), very finely chopped

Dressing

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

For Serving (Optional)

• Croissants, sandwich bread, or lettuce cups
• Lettuce leaves

Step-by-Step Guide To Preparing The Panera-Inspired Napa Almond Chicken Salad

• Prepare the Chicken: Cook the chicken by boiling or roasting, then let it cool before chopping or shredding it finely.
• Toast Almonds: Lightly toast sliced almonds in a dry pan until golden; let cool.
• Make Dressing: In a clean bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, fresh honey, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
• Combine Ingredients: Add chicken, grapes, celery, onion, and toasted almonds to the dressing.
• Mix Gently: Stir until everything is evenly coated without crushing the grapes.
• Chill: Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to enhance flavor.
• Serve: Spoon into croissants or bread, or serve over lettuce for a lighter option.

Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Sandwich

Ingredients For The  Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Sandwich

• 2 cups cooked fresh chicken breast, chopped or shredded
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp red onion, finely chopped (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

For Serving

• Sandwich bread, croissants, or buns
• Lettuce leaves
• Tomato slices (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide To Preparing The Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Sandwich

• Prepare the Chicken: Cook the chicken (boil, grill, or roast), then allow it to cool before chopping or shredding.
• Make Honey Mustard Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
• Add Vegetables: Stir in chopped celery and onion for crunch.
• Combine Chicken: Add the chicken to the dressing and mix gently until evenly coated.
• Adjust Flavor: Taste and adjust sweetness or mustard as needed.
• Chill: Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes for the best flavor.
• Assemble Sandwich: Spoon onto bread or croissants, add lettuce and tomato if desired, and serve.

Avocado Chicken Salad Sandwich

Ingredients For The  Avocado Chicken Salad Sandwich

• 2 cups cooked fresh chicken breast, chopped or shredded
• 2 ripe avocados, mashed
• 1–2 tbsp fresh lemon or lime juice
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp red onion, finely chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins

• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
• A pinch of garlic powder or chili flakes

For Serving

• Whole wheat or multigrain bread, croissants, or buns
• Lettuce leaves
• Tomato slices (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide For The Avocado Chicken Salad Sandwich

• Prepare the Chicken: Cook the chicken (boil, grill, or roast), let it cool, then chop or shred.
• Mash Avocado: In a bowl, mash avocados with lemon or lime juice until mostly smooth.
• Season: Add salt, black pepper, and any optional spices to the avocado mixture.
• Add Crunch: Stir in chopped celery and red onion.
• Combine Chicken: Gently fold in the chicken until well coated.
• Taste & Adjust: Adjust seasoning or citrus as needed.
• Assemble Sandwich: Spread the salad on bread, add lettuce and tomato if desired, and serve immediately.

FAQs About The Perfect Panera Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe

Conclusion

The Perfect Panera Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe is an easy and absolutely delicious meal you can make at home with simple ingredients. The combination of tender chicken, creamy dressing, fresh veggies, and sweet grapes creates a satisfying taste. Whether you serve it on croissants or whole-grain bread, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Give it a try, and enjoy the homemade version of your favorite sandwich!