Easily elevate the classic chicken mayo sandwich with just a few extra ingredients. This is my favourite way to use up leftover roast chicken!
Just like my recipe for the best ever Egg Mayonnaise, and tasty Tuna Crunch, I have a few easy tips and additions which will elevate the classic Chicken Mayo to really take your lunch to the next level.
The Best Chicken Mayonnaise
You may be thinking – it’s just chicken and mayonnaise mixed together, do I really need a recipe? And you don’t, you could easily just go for standard cooked chicken mixed with a dollop of mayo and call it a day. But this recipe has a few extra ingredients that will totally change your opinion on the classic Chicken Mayo Sandwich forever.
What to Put in Your Chicken Mayo Sandwich
This is my favourite way to use up leftover roast chicken. You can also use a rotisserie chicken or simply cook off some chicken. Skinless breast, thighs and/or legs simply seasoned with salt and pepper and roasted or pan fried all do nicely. Leftover roast turkey is also excellent for this sandwich and ideal for using up Christmas or Thanksgiving leftovers.
Fresh parsley adds a lovely peppery flavour that really cuts through the creamy mayonnaise and chicken. It helps the sandwich filling to taste light and fresh rather than stodgy and heavy.
Diced Shallot adds texture and a great crunch. I prefer shallots as they have a milder flavour which is not overpowering, but you could also use red or white onion.
Romaine Lettuce – Or cos or little gem. My preferred lettuce for sandwiches (and apparently one of the most nutritious type of lettuce). Romaine has a delicious crispy crunch and mild buttery flavour that really compliments the rest of the ingredients. You could skip it if you’re not a salad fan, but I personally feel that the lettuce is a key component to making this truly the best ever chicken mayo sandwich.
Full Ingredients
- Chicken
- Mayonnaise
- Parsley
- Shallot
- Salt
- Pepper
- Good quality bread
- Lettuce
How to Prepare the Perfect Chicken Mayo Sandwich
- Mix the shredded chicken with diced shallot, chopped parsley and a generous amount of salt & pepper.
- Add the mayonnaise and stir well to combine.
- Spread a generous spoonful of the chicken mayo mix on a slice of bread.
- Top with sliced lettuce and another slice of bread.
Variations
Bread – I like my chicken mayo sandwich best on lightly toasted sourdough bread but you can use your favourite bread. A crusty baguette works really well or fresh white farmhouse loaf.
Swap the Bread for a wrap, pitta or bagel.
I use regular (full fat) mayonnaise but light or vegan mayonnaise both work well.
Make it a Salad – this chicken mayo mix also works well as a salad topping – swap the bread for your favourite combination of fresh salad leaves. You could make it into an excellent pasta salad too.
Lettuce – I prefer crisp chopped lettuce like romaine, cos or little gem, but you can swap it for pretty much any leafy greens. Baby spinach or a salad leaf mix work well too.
Vegetarian – if you’re looking to recreate the same flavour but with a veggie version you can swap the chicken for some lightly mashed chickpeas. You can also use vegan mayo.
Add Cheese – a slice of mild, nutty cheese like Emmental or Jarlsberg makes a really great addition to a chicken mayo sandwich.
Add Bacon – crispy bacon bits are a real treat when mixed in with the chicken mayo.
Tips and Hints
This chicken mayo is best served freshly prepared, but will store in the fridge for up to 3 days after the chicken was originally cooked. You may need to add a bit more mayo to leftovers as the chicken will soak it up.
The best way to prepare lettuce and keep it fresh and crisp is to slice it finely with a sharp knife. Place in a colander and rinse really, really well in very cold water. Make sure there is no debris left on the lettuce and discard any wilted bits. Drain off the excess water then use a clean tea towel or kitchen paper to blot dry before serving.
I personally don’t like to butter my bread for sandwiches with a mayonnaise based filling, but obviously you can if that’s how you like it!
I hope you like this recipe as much as I do!
Don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment or tag me on Instagram @carrieskitchen_ if you make it!
More recipes perfect for leftover roast chicken:
Chicken Mayo Sandwich
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 colander
- 2 forks
Ingredients
- 150 grams (1 cup) cooked chicken - about 1 cup when shredded
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 handful fresh parsley - chopped
- 1 shallot - diced
- 1 head romaine lettuce
- salt and pepper
- 4 slices bread
Instructions
- Finely slice the lettuce and add to a colander. Rinse well under cold water, drain and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken then add to a bowl with the chopped parsley and shallot. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Add the mayonnaise to the chicken mix and stir well to combine. Taste and add more seasoning if required.
- Spread the chicken mayo mixture evenly over two slices of your preferred bread, then top with a generous handful of lettuce and another slice of bread..
- Slice each sandwich in half and enjoy!
Nutrition
This recipe has been linked to #CookBlogShare hosted by Sisley at SewWhite and Run by Sisley and Chloe at Feast Glorious Feast.
You can’t beat a really good sandwich and this looks so, so good. Homemade chicken mayo sandwiches are always much better than shop bought ones.
Love this, so simple and so good.
Love it! Great with some crispy bacon too!