Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches (Chicken Salad Veronique)
Stuffed with a French-inspired grape and tarragon chicken salad, these Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches are a satisfying meal, perfect for a summer picnic.
Summer is here, and for me, that means enjoying picnics and, of course, the quintessential picnic sandwich! A great picnic sandwich should be easy to prepare, transport, and enjoy outdoors, while still delivering on flavor and satisfaction. That’s why I’ve turned to Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches as my go-to picnic sandwich for years.
Imagine buttery croissants generously filled with a delightful chicken salad featuring juicy grapes, crisp celery, fragrant tarragon, and crunchy walnuts. These sandwiches are not only easy to make ahead but also stay wonderfully fresh and delicious. Every time I bring them to a picnic, they receive rave reviews from everyone who tries them.
Check out this VIDEO of me making these sandwiches!
Why do people put grapes in chicken salad?
But why add grapes to chicken salad? For me, grapes are essential in chicken salad because they add a natural sweetness and juiciness that perfectly complement the savory roast chicken and creamy mayo-Dijon mustard dressing.
You might be wondering about the name “Chicken Salad Veronique” for the chicken salad in these croissant sandwiches. In French cuisine, “Veronique” (à la Veronique) refers to a dish, typically poultry or fish, served with a sauce that includes grapes. Inspired by the French tradition and served on buttery croissants, these sandwiches pay homage to that culinary technique.
If you’ve never experienced the magic of grapes in chicken salad, I encourage you to give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite picnic staple!
Recipe Ingredients
In addition to the chicken and grapes, these chicken salad croissant sandwiches have a few other key ingredients.
- Celery: Adds a fresh, crunchy texture that complements the sweetness of the grapes, enhancing the overall taste and mouthfeel of the chicken salad.
- Tarragon: Known for its bittersweet flavor with hints of anise, tarragon adds a unique herbal note that elevates the salad. Easily found in most grocery stores near other fresh herbs.
- Walnuts: Bring a mild, nutty taste that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken salad, adding both crunch and richness to every bite.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy, complex flavor profile with subtle hints of garlic and white wine, enhancing the chicken salad’s depth and complementing the other ingredients.
- Mayonnaise: Essential for its creamy texture and rich flavor, binding all the ingredients together to create the classic chicken salad base.
- Croissants: Provide a buttery, flaky exterior that contrasts beautifully with the creamy chicken salad filling, adding a touch of indulgence to each bite.
Recipe Tips
Here are some tips for making these Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches extra delicious:
- Roast Your Own Bone-in Chicken Breast: For the best flavor and juiciness, roast bone-in chicken breasts (also known as “split breasts”). Preheat the oven to 350°F and roast the chicken for 35-40 minutes. Allow it to cool slightly before removing the meat from the bone and chopping it for the chicken salad.
- Use a Serrated Knife to Cut the Croissants: Croissants are delicate and flaky, so a serrated knife works best for cutting them without crushing or tearing.
- Use Fresh Croissants: Try to use croissants that were baked the same day as you are serving these sandwiches. I’m able to buy frozen, un-baked croissants in my grocery store and then I bake them myself at home to ensure maximum freshness!
- Optional: Lightly Toast the Croissants: While optional, lightly toasting the croissants before assembling the sandwiches can add extra insurance against sogginess if you are preparing the sandwiches well in advance of serving them.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, low fat mayo would also work in this recipe. I’ve also used greek yogurt as a substitute for the mayo.
Yes, pecans and almonds would also be great options here.
Personally, I have found dried tarragon to taste very different from fresh. While fresh is preferred, if all you have is dried, you can substitute 1 tsp of dried tarragon in this recipe.
Based on my experience, they will get a little soggy overnight, but still taste good. For maximum flavor and freshness, I suggest serving these sandwiches the same day they are made.
What to eat with chicken salad croissants?
With a combination of high protein chicken, full fat mayo, nuts and butter croissants, these chicken salad croissant sandwiches are definitely a filling and satisfying meal all on their own. But if you are looking for some side dishes, especially if you are preparing them for a picnic meal, I love to serve them alongside a simple green salad or with some crispy potato chips!
Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches (Chicken Salad Veronique)
Stuffed with a French-inspired grape and tarragon chicken salad, these Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches are a satisfying meal, perfect for a summer picnic.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (approximately 2 breasts)
- ½ cup celery, small diced
- ½ cup green grapes, halved (or quartered if larger grapes)
- 2 teaspoons fresh tarragon leaves, chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons walnuts, chopped
- 4 butter croissants
Instructions
- Prep chicken salad: Combine chicken breast, celery, grapes, tarragon, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, pepper and walnuts in a medium bowl. Stir well to combine.
- Make sandwiches: Using a serrated knife, slice the croissants lengthwise down the middle, being careful to not cut completely through. Stuff the croissants with ¼ of the chicken salad. Serve immediately.
Notes
You can prep these sandwiches ahead of time and either wrap them in tightly parchment paper or place into an airtight container to transport them to a picnic. They are best if eaten the same day, but are still delicious if eaten the next day!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 598
- Sugar: 9.8 g
- Sodium: 890.7 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Carbohydrates: 30.7 g
- Protein: 31.3 g
- Cholesterol: 132.5 mg
This chicken salad is AMAZING! Combining it with a buttery, flakey croissant is just perfection.