Chicken Salad Croissant with Bacon and Sliced Tomato

Welcome to your new favorite lunch! This Chicken Salad Croissant with Bacon and Sliced Tomato is a savory twist on the classic chicken salad sandwich. 

It’s loaded with shredded chicken breast mixed with creamy mayo, tangy Dijon mustard, and a hint of lemon juice, all tucked into a buttery croissant. 

Add crispy bacon, fresh tomato slices, and an optional layer of butter lettuce, and it’s pretty hard to resist.

This recipe is quick, delicious, and sure to satisfy anyone who tries it. In fact, it’s so good, you might want to go ahead and double the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Salad Croissant

This Chicken Salad Croissant is the perfect blend of textures and flavors, making it an ideal choice for lunch, brunch, or a light dinner. 

The creamy chicken salad, crispy bacon, and fresh tomato slices nestled in a flaky croissant make a delightful meal the whole family will love.

Start with pre-cooked chicken, and the prep time is super short. Better yet, you can make the filling ahead!

Let’s get to it.

Ingredients

To make this delicious sandwich, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Croissants: Freshly baked for the best texture.
• Chicken Salad: A mix of shredded chicken breast, diced red onion, sliced grapes, diced cucumber, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. 
• Bacon: Cooked until crispy.
• Tomato: Perfectly ripe and sliced thick.
• Lettuce: Optional, for added crunch.

How to Make Chicken Salad Croissant with Bacon and Sliced Tomato

Don’t worry, we’re not making croissants from scratch! Just grab those from a local bakery so you know they’re at their best.

The most you have to do here is cook some bacon, chop a few ingredients, then mix it all together. 

Prepare the Chicken Salad

• Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, diced red onion, sliced grapes, and diced cucumber.
• Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
• Mix: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste, then cover and chill for about an hour.

Assemble the Sandwich

• Cook the Bacon: Fry bacon strips in a skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
• Prepare the Croissants: Slice the croissants in half horizontally.
• Layer Ingredients: Spread a generous amount of chicken salad on the bottom half of each croissant. Top with crispy bacon, tomato slices, and lettuce if using.
• Top and Serve: Place the top half of the croissant on each sandwich. Serve immediately.

Tips for the Perfect BLT Chicken Salad Croissant

Whether you’re making lunch for yourself or entertaining guests, these tips will ensure your sandwich is nothing short of perfection. 

• Choose Fresh Croissants: Look for freshly baked croissants for the best texture and flavor. A flaky, buttery croissant makes all the difference.
• Cook Bacon to Perfection: Ensure your bacon is crispy to add a delightful crunch to your sandwich. Drain excess grease on paper towels to keep it from getting soggy.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, ripe tomatoes and crisp butter lettuce add a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken salad and bacon.
• Season Well: Season your chicken salad with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice to enhance the flavors. Don’t skip the Dijon mustard for an extra zing.
• Balance the Fillings: Layer your chicken salad, bacon, tomato slices, and lettuce evenly to ensure each bite is packed with all the flavors.
• Customize to Taste: Feel free to add or substitute ingredients. Try avocado slices for a creamy addition, or swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy your BLT Chicken Salad Croissant as soon as it’s made to keep the croissant from getting soggy and to enjoy the contrast of textures at their best.

Recipe Variations

Looking to switch things up with your BLT Chicken Salad Croissant? There are plenty of ways to add your own twist to this classic favorite. 

Whether you’re catering to dietary preferences or just looking to experiment with new flavors, these variations will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen.

• Avocado Delight: Add creamy avocado slices for a rich, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with the bacon and chicken salad.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken salad for an extra spicy bite. Or try this spicy aioli!
• Greek Yogurt Swap: Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter version of the chicken salad.
• Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives to enhance the salad’s freshness and flavor.
• Cheese Addition: Add a slice of your favorite cheese, such as cheddar, Swiss, or provolone, for an extra layer of richness.
• Fruity Twist: Include diced apples or dried cranberries in the chicken salad for a sweet and savory combination.
• Whole Grain Upgrade: Use whole grain rolls for a healthier alternative with added texture.
• Veggie Boost: Incorporate extra veggies like shredded carrots, bell peppers, or spinach to pack in more nutrients.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought croissants?

Yes, store-bought croissants work well, but they’re often kind of soft. Fresh bakery croissants are best.

How long will the chicken salad last?

Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I use other types of bread?

Absolutely! Try this chicken salad on baguettes, ciabatta rolls, or even whole wheat bread.

How to Store/Freeze/Reheat

Want to make this ahead? You can - just be sure to get the croissants fresh.

Store: Keep the chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Serve with fresh croissants for the best taste and texture,

If you prefer a warm croissant, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes before assembling the sandwich.