Description

A budget-friendly, zero-cook breakfast or lunch option perfect for back-to-school mornings. These mini sandwiches use leftover chicken salad stuffed into flaky croissants for a quick, kid-approved meal.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 stalks celery, finely diced
2 tablespoons red onion, finely minced
1 teaspoon dried dill or parsley
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
1/4 cup cranberry sauce or relish (optional)
12–15 mini croissants
Butter (optional, for toasting)

Instructions

Shred or dice the cooked chicken. Ensure it is completely cooled to room temperature or chilled to prevent the mayonnaise from separating.
Finely dice the celery and red onion into small pieces (no larger than a pea).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, celery, and onion.
Add the mayonnaise, dried dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed. If using, stir in the cranberry sauce.
Slice the mini croissants in half horizontally. If using regular croissants, cut them into quarters.
Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of chicken salad onto the bottom half of each croissant. Press down gently.
Top with the other half of the croissant.
Optional: Preheat toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Toast assembled sandwiches for 3-5 minutes until golden and crispy.
Serve immediately while warm, or wrap tightly in plastic wrap/parchment paper for storage.

Notes

Do not use warm chicken as it will make the salad watery and the croissant soggy. For best texture, use day-old croissants. The chicken salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Do not freeze assembled sandwiches.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 mini sandwich
Calories: 280
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 450
Fat: 14
Saturated Fat: 3
Carbohydrates: 22
Fiber: 1
Protein: 18

Keywords: back to school, budget friendly, kid approved, chicken salad, croissant sandwich, quick breakfast, meal prep, zero waste