Why Chicken Salad Sandwich with Chili Crisp is a Perfect Choice

This Chicken Salad Sandwich with Chili Crisp offers a refreshing twist on the classic chicken salad, incorporating Asian-inspired chili crisp for an added spicy punch. The addition of peanuts and sesame seeds gives the sandwich a delightful crunch, while the mayonnaise base maintains its creamy texture. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a fun twist on a sandwich, or something for meal prep, this recipe provides an easy yet flavorful option.

The best part is that it’s quick to make—perfect for busy days when you want something satisfying but don’t have much time. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, and the result is a hearty, filling sandwich that’s packed with bold flavors. The chili crisp adds complexity, and the sesame seeds and peanuts bring texture, making each bite more interesting than a typical chicken salad sandwich.

How to Make Chicken Salad Sandwich with Chili Crisp

Making this flavorful sandwich is simple and quick, with just a few steps to follow. Here’s how to put it together:

Prepare the Chicken Salad

Start by cooking your chicken—either cubed or shredded—depending on your preference. You can use any method to cook the chicken, such as roasting, boiling, or using leftover rotisserie chicken. Once the chicken is cooked and cooled, transfer it to a medium-sized bowl.

Add ½ cup of mayonnaise to the chicken and mix well. The mayonnaise creates a creamy base for the chicken salad, binding all the ingredients together.

Next, stir in ¼ cup of chili crisp, which adds a smoky, zesty flavor with a bit of spice. Chili crisp also brings a crunchy texture from the fried garlic and shallots, which contrasts nicely with the creamy mayo. The heat from the chili crisp can be adjusted depending on your tolerance for spice, so feel free to add more or less.

Incorporate the sesame seeds (both white and black), roughly chopped peanuts, and chopped green onions into the mixture. These ingredients add additional crunch and flavor that complement the creaminess of the mayo and the spiciness of the chili crisp. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.

Assemble the Sandwiches

Once the chicken salad is prepared, it’s time to assemble the sandwiches. Start with 6 slices of sandwich bread. You can use any type of bread you like, but a hearty white or whole grain bread works well for this sandwich.

For each sandwich, scoop the chicken salad mixture onto 3 slices of bread. Add a few leaves of lettuce on top to provide a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the chicken salad. Top with the remaining slices of bread to complete the sandwiches.

Serve

Cut each sandwich in half to make 6 servings. Serve immediately, and enjoy the combination of creamy, spicy, and crunchy elements that make this sandwich unique and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, taking it on the go, or packing it for a picnic, this sandwich is sure to impress with its bold flavors and textures.

Nutritional Information of Chicken Salad Sandwich with Chili Crisp

Each serving of this Chicken Salad Sandwich with Chili Crisp contains approximately 324 calories. The sandwich provides 14 grams of carbohydrates, making it a relatively low-carb option for a satisfying meal. It also delivers 12 grams of protein, primarily from the chicken, and 25 grams of fat, including 5 grams of saturated fat, due to the mayonnaise and chili crisp.

The sandwich is rich in healthy fats, with 12 grams of polyunsaturated fat and 7 grams of monounsaturated fat, primarily from the peanuts, sesame seeds, and the olive oil used in the chili crisp. The sodium content is moderate, with 290 milligrams per serving, and the sandwich provides 2 grams of fiber, mainly from the peanuts and sesame seeds. It also contains 2 grams of sugar, which comes naturally from the ingredients like the chili crisp and the vegetables.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Salad Sandwich with Chili Crisp

This Chicken Salad Sandwich with Chili Crisp is great on its own, but you can serve it with a variety of sides to complete the meal. Pair it with a fresh side salad, such as a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette, to balance out the richness of the sandwich.

You could also serve it with a side of crispy baked sweet potato fries or vegetable chips for a crunchy contrast to the sandwich. For a refreshing twist, a cold cucumber salad or pickled vegetables would complement the flavors in the sandwich beautifully.

If you’re looking to serve it at a gathering, you can make mini versions of the sandwich by cutting the bread into smaller pieces. These bite-sized sandwiches are perfect for appetizers or party platters.

Customization and Variations

One of the best parts of this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a creamy, tangy alternative. You can also use a low-fat mayonnaise if you want to cut down on calories.

If you’d like to add more vegetables to the sandwich, try adding sliced cucumber, tomatoes, or shredded carrots to enhance the texture and flavor. For a more substantial sandwich, you could add avocado slices for extra creaminess.

If you’re not a fan of chili crisp, you can replace it with another spicy ingredient, such as sriracha or a hot sauce of your choice. Alternatively, you can leave it out entirely for a milder version of the sandwich, while still maintaining the other crunchy and savory elements.

Conclusion

The Chicken Salad Sandwich with Chili Crisp is a creative and flavorful twist on the classic chicken salad sandwich. The combination of creamy chicken salad, spicy chili crisp, crunchy peanuts, and tangy balsamic vinegar creates a truly unique sandwich that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a picnic-friendly dish, or something to impress your guests, this sandwich will satisfy your cravings with its bold flavors and textures. Try it with a refreshing side salad or on its own for a satisfying, delicious meal.