Best Bread for Chicken Salad Sandwich [15 Tasty Ideas]
I love a good chicken salad sandwich. In fact, I am craving one right now. And while I have my favorite bread for this classic lunchtime meal, I know that not everyone is as particular as I am. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of white bread or you can’t go without a hearty whole wheat, I’ve got the perfect option for you. And trust me, with these options, you’ll never get bored of your chicken salad sandwich again. But, what is the best bread for a chicken salad sandwich?
Apart from traditional white bread, pita bread, or bagel, some types of bread that are a perfect option for making a chicken salad sandwich include wraps, focaccia, potato bread, rye bread, challah, pull-apart rolls, Italian bread, ciabatta, lavash, sourdough, croissant, but also crackers!
Now, you can make the perfect chicken salad sandwich for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a light and refreshing sandwich or something more filling, there is a bread out there that will fit the bill. We’ve already seen some perfect sauce options; now let’s have a look at all the bread possibilities and combine it all in an ideal chicken sandwich!
Traditional White Bread
There’s a reason why traditional white bread is so popular, not only with chicken salad sandwiches but with all kinds of sandwiches — it’s versatile and pairs well with just about anything. It’s soft but still has a little bit of a chew, and it really lets the flavors of the chicken salad shine.
Its mild flavor won’t compete with the other ingredients in your sandwich. It’s also a good option if you’re looking for something that will hold up well to mayo and other dressings. Besides, it’s great for toasting if you want a little bit of crunch in your sandwich.
Wraps
Wraps are a great alternative to traditional types of bread and buns when it comes to making a chicken salad sandwich. They are lightweight, flexible, and come in various flavors and sizes, so you can easily find one that suits your taste.
Plus, wraps don’t require any slicing or toasting – just assemble the ingredients in the wrap, and you’re ready to go! There are so many options to choose from: You can choose from wheat, tomato, spinach, or garlic-herb wraps for a unique flavor experience.
Still, be sure to be gentle when wrapping because too much pressure can rip the wrap. I once packed them for lunch, so I found this out the hard way.
Focaccia
Focaccia is another perfect accompaniment to a classic chicken salad sandwich because of its light, airy texture, and hearty flavor, thanks to adding olive oil and herbs like rosemary and oregano.
The beauty of focaccia is that it can go savory or sweet. You can add garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs for a savory version, or use honey or other sweeteners for a sweeter version. You can even make your own focaccia dough at home!
Focaccia pairs perfectly with other flavors in chicken salad sandwiches — the crunchy texture complements crunchy ingredients like celery and nuts. At the same time, the heartiness of the bread helps hold all of your ingredients together in one delicious bite. And here you can see how beautiful the process of making it is!
Pita Bread
Pita bread is light and fluffy and a great alternative to regular bread slices. It is excellent for a chicken salad sandwich because it’s soft and slightly chewy. Plus, it comes in rounds, which makes it easy to stuff the sandwich with as much filling as you want.
But my favorite part about pita bread is that you can split the pockets open to reveal two halves and use them just like regular slices of toast. So, instead of two slices of bread, you actually eat just one. It’s also an easy way to make a wrap sandwich: just fill one half of the pita pocket with your chicken salad mixture, and voila!
But you may be looking for some extra flavor. In this case, plenty of flavored types of pita bread are made with whole grains, oats, or other nutritious ingredients.
Potato Bread
Out of all the kinds of bread out there, who would think potato bread is among the best for chicken salad sandwiches? But it most definitely is because it has a soft texture that pairs well with the chicken and celery and is not too dense or bready. It also has a subtle flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
Plus, it’s okay if you make a little too much chicken salad. If you have leftovers, you can just put them on a piece of potato bread, and you’ll have a quick and easy lunch the next day.
Rye Bread
Rye bread is a good choice if you’re looking to make something with a bit of a kick. This hearty, dark-colored bread adds an earthy flavor that helps balance out the sweetness and creaminess of the chicken salad. Rye bread also has more fiber than other bread types, making it a more nutritious option.
When using rye bread, you’ll want to opt for something softer; too much crunch can take away from the salad’s texture.
For this reason, I’d suggest looking for something like marble rye or pumpernickel rye; not only are they soft and tender, but they have enough flavor to stand up to the other ingredients in your sandwich. Top it off with some lettuce and tomatoes, and you have yourself a delicious treat!
Challah
If you’re looking for something a little more special than your average white or wheat bread, challah is definitely a great option. Not only is it deliciously soft and fluffy, but it also has a sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of chicken salad.
Another great thing about challah is that it’s incredibly versatile — you can enjoy it as is, toasted, grilled or even turned into French toast and grilled cheese sandwiches. And if you want to get really creative, you can even mix in some dried herbs or spices to give your sandwich an extra kick of flavor.
The possibilities are truly endless! Just pick up some quality challah from your favorite bakery for the best results.
Pull-Apart Rolls
One of the best kinds of bread for a chicken salad sandwich is pull-apart rolls. Not only do these buns make for delicious sandwiches, but they are fun to eat as well! Pulling apart one of these rolls reveals all its soft, delicious layers, which makes for a great texture combined with the crunchy chicken salad sandwich.
Plus, what’s better than having multiple mini sandwiches? You can always pull apart one roll and separate it into smaller portions and get to enjoy the flavor in whatever size you want! Pull-apart rolls make it easy to control your portion size and customize your sandwich; you can make them as big or as small as you like.
These rolls come in various flavors, like plain, poppyseed, garlic, or onion. And best of all, they’re usually affordable too. So don’t be afraid to try these buns – they may just be your new favorite way to enjoy that delicious chicken salad sandwich!
Italian Bread
When someone says ‘Italy,’ pasta and dough is the first thing that comes to everyone’s mind, for sure. So, I always like to use Italian bread for all of my sandwiches.
When it comes to the chicken salad sandwich, this lovely, sturdy bread can hold up to the weight of the chicken salad without getting soggy. Plus, the flavor goes well with just about any type of chicken salad.
Being light and fluffy means this bread will soak up the moisture from the chicken salad without becoming too heavy or dense.
Ciabatta
An Italian version of bread, ciabatta is that classic option with a chewy, open-crumb, crunchy crust. It’s incredible for chicken salad sandwiches because it doesn’t get soggy quickly, which is essential if you have a lot of fixings in your sandwich.
When it comes to choosing ciabatta for your chicken salad sandwich, look out for ones made with olive oil and herbs, as these impart a more robust flavor. The dough itself should be light and airy but without giant holes, and the crust should be golden brown and crisp on the top and bottom.
It’s also essential to make sure you don’t end up with much more bread than filling. Your ingredients should be able to hold their own against the bread they’re held between, so don’t skimp on the chicken salad part!
Lavash
My next favorite choice for a chicken salad sandwich is lavash. This flatbread is light and airy and has a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of chicken salad. You can find lavash in Middle Eastern grocery stores or make your own at home.
Lavash is typically served with meats and cheeses, but it’s also great as part of a sandwich. Its thinness means it’s not as heavy and filling as other types of bread, so I like to pile on the fillings and I don’t have to worry about breaking the bread apart. Plus, it adds a nice crunch to contrast the creamy texture of the chicken salad.
If you’re looking for something light yet flavorful when making your next chicken salad sandwich, lavash should definitely be on your list!
Bagel
My next suggestion for the best bread for a chicken salad sandwich is a bagel. Bagels are an excellent option for those looking to add a bit more substance and crunch to their sandwich. They are thicker and denser than other types of bread, making them hearty enough to stand up to all the ingredients in chicken salad.
You also get a nice contrast in texture between the crunchy bagel and the creamy chicken salad. Plus, because bagels have a larger surface area than slices of bread, they create an ultimate vehicle for your delicious chicken salad filling!
Crackers
Don’t feel like having a sandwich? Crackers are an excellent option for when you want to add some crunch to your chicken salad. The great thing about crackers is that you have so much variety these days, from wheat crackers to buttery, flaky ones. I love a nice buttery cracker with my chicken salad, but whatever type of cracker you choose, it’s sure to be delicious.
If you’re looking for something more substantial, try pita chips! They provide a nice contrast with their hearty texture and great flavor. Plus, they’re not as greasy as some other types of chips, so they won’t make your sandwich soggy.
Whatever type of bread or cracker you decide on, I’m sure your chicken salad sandwich will be delicious!
Sourdough
You can’t go wrong with sourdough if you’re looking for the perfect bread to make your chicken salad sandwich. It’s a dense and chewy bread with a subtle sourness that pairs well with the creamy chicken salad.
Plus, the slightly tangy flavor of the sourdough bread pairs well with the savory and salty flavors in most chicken salads.
In addition, this fantastic bread will provide you with more minerals and vitamins, as well as antioxidants, than some other types of bread from this list. [1]
Croissant
Last but definitely not least, there’s a classic choice, the croissant. Italy is not the only one with iconic bread options since France has its candidate that pairs well with almost everything!
I love its lightness and fluffiness, with a buttery, flaky texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy chicken salad. Plus, it has that beautiful crescent shape, and it’s sturdy enough to hold all of the fixings without falling apart.
Which bread makes the best chicken salad sandwich for you? Excited to hear your responses in the comments below!
