Delicious Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe for a Perfect Lunch

Watch the video

A Hearty Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe to Warm Your Heart

This sandwich is loaded with everything necessary to leave you feeling full and content—a recipe that nourishes both your body and your heart.

It was one of the most sought-after items on the menu at the café I used to operate on a U.S. college campus. I developed this recipe after carefully considering what would appeal to students who mostly consumed instant meals and seldom ate vegetables. My goal was to balance nutrition and texture by incorporating protein-rich chicken breast along with crunchy apples and celery for vitamins and fiber. It quickly became a favorite-simple, satisfying, and tasty.

Nowadays, I’ve taken the recipe a step further. I now include this sandwich in lunchboxes I prepare for individuals experiencing homelessness.

At first, I questioned whether such a small gesture could truly make a difference. But each time I distribute the sandwiches, their warm smiles and heartfelt gratitude uplift me even more. I still remember the moments when someone waves at me with both hands, smiling brightly after enjoying their meal. Each time, it fills my heart and reminds me why I continue doing it.

Sharing good food isn’t just about satisfying hunger- it can also offer comfort and hope. I’ve shared videos of these moments a few times, and I received numerous touching messages like, “I really want to join next time,” or “I wish I could be there, too.”

So I thought even if we can’t all be there together, I can at least share this recipe. Perhaps someone reading this will make it for a neighbor, or for their own family, bringing a touch of warmth in their own way.

This chicken salad sandwich recipe is my small gift to you. I truly believe that a meal made with love can offer more comfort than we imagine.

I hope this sandwich helps brighten someone’s day, even just a little. 🙏🏻

💡 Tip:

Many people experiencing homelessness have dental issues due to a lack of access to care. To make it easier to eat, try roughly blending the apples and celery in a food processor instead of chopping.

---

🛒 Ingredients (serves 3)

• 0.7 lb (about 300g) chicken breast 🐓

• 0.8 lb (about 385g) potatoes (gold or russet)

• 3/4 of an apple (skin on)

• 50g celery (about 2 stalks)

• 3 tbsp mayonnaise

• 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

These breads would be suitable for the recipe. The Multigrain bread on the right has a bit of a grainy texture that you can feel when chewing, while the product on the left is softer.

---

👩🏻‍🍳 Recipe

1. Add the chicken breast, potatoes, and 1/2 cup of water to a pressure cooker (or Instant Pot). Cook for 30 minutes.

2. Once cooking is complete, fully release the steam and drain all contents using a colander.

📍 Tip: To cool the pressure cooker more quickly, run cold water over it while releasing the steam.

3. Thoroughly wash the apple using baking soda and cut it into small cubes, leaving the skin on. 🍎

4. Cut the celery into slightly thicker slices to maintain its crunchiness.

📍 If you're making this for someone with sensitive teeth, using a food processor to roughly blend it is also effective.

5. Put the cooked chicken and potatoes in a large bowl and mash them together. Due to the pressure cooking, there's no need to shred the chicken separately will easily break down with the potatoes.

6. Incorporate the diced apple and celery.

7. Blend in the mayonnaise, salt, sugar, and black pepper until well mixed.

📍 Taste and adjust the salt as necessary. If you add more salt, make sure to balance it with a bit more sugar. This is a crucial tip! Since you'll be eating it with bread, a slightly stronger seasoning is ideal.

8. Spread the mixture on your preferred bread and add greens like lettuce or arugula to create your sandwich.

It’s delicious as a sandwich, but it also works well as a side dish or salad topping. I’ve even tried it on bell pepper and cucumber slices- so tasty!

---

📍 Why This Sandwich Is Fantastic

This sandwich offers a balanced meal in each bite, combining protein from the chicken with fiber-rich vegetables. It's ideal for lunch boxes, and the mashed potatoes provide a creamy texture that helps hold everything together. This texture also allows you to use less mayo while keeping the sandwich moist.

---

I kept the steps simple and the ingredients easy to find, so anyone can make this at home. If you’re looking for a way to share a little love with someone, this sandwich might be the perfect place to start.

Here’s to making someone’s day a little warmer, one sandwich at a time. 💛🥪