The Absolute Best Chicken Salad Sandwiches In The US
Cold sandwiches might be the easiest of mid-afternoon meals, and a perennial pick Americans adore is chicken salad. This creamy mix tosses chopped chicken, celery, and nuts in a mayonnaise-based dressing, but many versions also incorporate fruits and herbs like tarragon for some extra zing. Although chicken salad is a popular summertime nosh in the South, Tallahassee Magazine confirms that the concoction actually emerged in New England. A Rhode Island butcher shop, Town Meats, created the picnic staple sometime in the mid-19th century, essentially creating the template that Southerners would adapt into the regional delicacy it is today with wholesome ingredients and velvety indulgence.
There's no doubt chicken salad sandwiches are common, to the point where most mom-and-pop cafes and diners will be found serving it with soup or potato chips. It's up there with the Patty Melt or BLT in terms of pure comfort on a plate. However, basic spread on bread isn't the only way eateries are preparing the deli classic. Many restaurants in America have breathed new life into the chicken salad sandwich by experimenting with flavors or unorthodox touches that up the ante such as croissant rolls, curry powder, and even garlic chili. Chicken salad in a wrap? On a bagel? Dotted with cranberries or grapes? Here are the places dishing out the absolute best chicken salad sandwiches across the United States.
Tompkins Square Bagels -- New York City
When you think of the absolute best chicken salad sandwiches, they normally come on toast. Starting off our round-up with a bagel shop might sound odd. But hear us out: What can't you spread on a bagel? New York City is a powerhouse of quaint little delis, and a favorite among East Villagers is Tompkins Square Bagels. For good reason, too: Christopher Pugliese brought years of bagel-making experience to the table when he opened the first shop a decade ago (per EV Grieve).
Just about any combination of bread and schmear can be acquired at its outposts on Avenue A and 2nd Ave, yet it's chicken salad regulars can't seem to get enough of. There are over a dozen bagel flavors at your disposal such as everything, pumpernickel, and whole wheat. But the menu of specialty sandwiches features a concoction that's truly revelatory. The Stuto, which honors a local venue owner and friend of the business (via Facebook), combines a spicy chipotle-infused chicken salad with avocado, tomato, and bacon, which all gets smushed between one of its chewy bagels.
We're big fans of what's normally thought to be "traditional" chicken salad, but bagels out of the Big Apple will level up your sandwich game every time. Tourist or not, swing by Tompkins Square Bagels and prepare to say bye-bye to wheat toast forever.
Henri's Bakery & Deli -- Atlanta
Over ninety years ago, a European immigrant named Henri Fiscus shelved his career as a hotel pastry chef to open a sweet shop in Atlanta. His shop, Henri's Bakery & Deli, is still running today and has yet to leave the grasp of the family whose sweet treats have delighted Georgians for almost a century according to Atlanta Magazine. Although famed for its layer cakes and colorful shortbread cookies, customers come for the plethora of hand-crafted sandwiches from the deli complete with breads baked from scratch (mmm).
The blog Just A Touch Too Much swears that there's not a tastier chicken salad sandwich to be found in the state capital, and judging by the high praise locals have dispensed on the restaurant's website, there's no reason to be a skeptic. With six breads to choose from including rye and wheat, Henri's version can be ordered plain or customized with toppers that will add to the receipt total but pay off in mouthwatering decadence.
Take notes from the happy customers who've reviewed the sandwich online and enjoy it on a croissant, or with a dash of mustard for some zip (via Just A Touch Too Much). "Henri's is a Buckhead icon and their chicken salad is hands down the best I've tried and I've tried them ALL!" a dazzled customer wrote in a review. "Even homemade doesn't compare and I always grab a container to go" (via Henri's Bakery & Deli).
Jeff's Table -- Los Angeles
Hidden away in a liquor store on North Figueroa Street (via Time Out), Jeff's Table is where Angelenos in Highland Park fill up on crafty sandwiches inspired by two distinctive food traditions. Jewish and Chinese cuisine collides in subs named The Jubano and KoldKimCheezy, along with sides to spare like spicy slaws, chips, and cookies for dessert. Founder Jeff Strauss has another operation under his belt, Oy Bar, that opened its doors this year (per Los Angeles Times).
While there's nothing wrong with a classic chicken salad, the Hainan-Style Chicken Salad sandwich served here shakes up the sandwich's tasty, albeit plain flavor profile. The salad consists of slow-cooked poultry, which is tossed with crunchy cucumber slices, shallots, and a garlicky chili crisp blend that heats everything up. It's packed into a crusty golden-brown roll that'll force your jaw to drop in more ways than one.
Admittedly these aren't the biggest subs in town, but Jeff's Table ensures that every bite taken is deliciously bountiful. One reviewer who ordered the chicken salad lauded the plentiful fillings that were clearly crafted with care. "Heavy on the chiky salad, heavy on the arugula, heavy on the love, the chicken sandwich is heavy and if you don't love it, I'll finish it!!" (via Yelp). Yelpers also adore The Dirty Baby, a mouthwatering melt featuring chicken salad with smoky Gouda and pickled onions.
The Gourmet Shop -- Columbia, South Carolina
The Gourmet Shop doubles as a sit-down restaurant and kitchen supply store in South Carolina's capital. You might swing by here for a bottle opener or imported Gruyere, but upon seeing its cute little cafe hawking pastries and cheese plates you won't be able to help yourself. It's primarily a daytime joint serving salads and paninis with a drink menu ideal for happy hour.
As Columbia Home & Garden writes, The Gourmet Shop is less of a meat market and more of the pared-down, classy joint that proffers fresh entrees with an artisanal spin. This style of dining is ideal for light deli sandwiches, and the chicken salad is a knockout favorite. "They have hands down the best chicken salad you will ever eat!" a customer gushed on Tripadvisor. "It's a ton of chicken and not overly loaded with mayonnaise but just enough to give it a smooth texture."
In the case of the chicken salad sandwich, which is referred to as "Our Famous Chicken Salad" on the eatery's menu, The Gourmet Shop lets the hand-held bite speak for itself with simple ingredients that don't distract. Lettuce and tomato co-mingle with house-made chicken salad, layered between a buttery croissant that would also pair well with a cappuccino. On top of that, the sandwich comes with a complimentary side you can pick yourself, among them fruit salad, chips, and tomato bisque.
Al's Cafe -- Boston
Al's Cafe is one of Boston's ultimate sandwich-builders. The namesake shop Alan Costello began in 1995 slings homemade breads and copious meats at a bargain, including its popular $12 Bag Lunch covering a full meal. Unsurprisingly, the business opened locations at two of the state's biggest universities, Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) because it's a hit with college students. Giant, dirt-cheap subs on the quick — who could ask for a better study buddy?
Much of the sandwich lineup leans Italian, which you'll see with the prosciutto-heavy State Street Special that remains the best-seller (via The Harvard Crimson). Nevertheless, chicken salad has won over a lot of fans, to the point where Costello remarked on the sub's cult status to Boston.com. Instead of the chopped chicken breast utilized in standard recipes, Al's Cafe carves up moist chicken tenders to incorporate into the velvety mayo sauce mixed to perfection. You can also customize your order with cheeses, condiments, and garnishes like grilled onions and hot peppers.
Between the humble ingredients and no-frills quarters, chicken salad fans will be thankful for a place like Al's Cafe. It churns out quality subs that never take shortcuts, even on a time crunch. Costello told The Harvard Crimson, "I make the sandwich the way I want to eat it."
Sabrina's Cafe -- Philadelphia
There's a lot more to Philly's sandwich scene than cheesesteaks and cold-cut hoagies from Wawa. At Sabrina's Cafe, American cuisine gets the gourmet treatment and the inventive dishes make dining in a refreshing experience. Breakfast and lunch are served at the chain, with brunch being its biggest draw — one of the highlights is the stuffed challah French toast, a jumbo double-decker number dripping with cream cheese and vanilla syrup.
Sabrina's chicken salad brings to mind the traditional variety served by your neighborhood deli, but with a twist. The spread joins familiar garnishes like lettuce and tomato before the eatery throws in a curve ball. It layers thick slices of Swiss, all contained inside a firm everything bagel that's as hearty as it is easy to wolf down.
What makes Sabrina's Cafe a great place to grab this staple is that the restaurant is more than willing to swap out the bread for dietary reasons. You also get a heaping portion that won't leave you hungry. "My friend appreciated the gluten free sourdough bread option for her chicken salad sandwich, which was tremendous and came with a ton of french fries," one customer said (per Tripadvisor). Snag this delectable sammie at six outposts in Philadelphia and New Jersey.
Ashley Mac's -- Birmingham, Alabama
The South knows its way around chicken salad, and one of the top destinations by a long country mile can be found in Birmingham, Alabama. At Ashley Mac's, founder Ashley McMakin and her husband dish out the staple along with leafy salads and brunch favorites across five locations. McMakin's cooking skills are unmatched, having been honed from a young age. As Alabama Retail writes, her catering experience led to her first cafe in 2007.
According to a video on Ashley Mac's website, the menu's aim is to recreate the made-from-scratch comfort associated with home cooking, or as McMakin puts it, "a little bit better than your mom's." Wholesome sandwiches and Southern touches such as pimento cheese are served with homespun care, as is the stunning centerpiece fit for any party, the strawberry cake. In the case of the chicken salad sandwich, the scratch-made ethos is front-and-center thanks to its hand-whipped texture and bountiful grape and celery chunks. Customers can order it cold or have it pressed like a panini, which meshes well with the sandwich's flaky croissant roll.
Considering this is a place that slings chicken salad like it's going out of style (thousands of pounds monthly, according to Alabama Newscenter), visiting is mandatory. Ashley Mac's version also has no nuts, making it one of the few allergy-friendly sandwiches around.
Leaping Lizard Cafe -- Virginia Beach, Virginia
Coastal towns thrive with hidden culinary gems, such as the charming Leaping Lizard Cafe in Virginia Beach. This diner is holed away in a charming green storefront near the Chesapeake Bay and fuels boardwalk-dwellers with small plates and brunch specials like crab cake Benedict and duck hash. Since it sources local ingredients to create many of its dishes, you'll be treated to nothing but the finest — and freshest — the cafe has to offer.
When the establishment appeared on "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" in 2011 (per TVDB), one of the entrees the show highlighted was the chicken salad sandwich. Everyone knows that when Triple D showcases a specific dish, it has to be spectacularly off-the-chain. In Leaping Lizard's version, sweetness takes center stage with curried yogurt dressing and mango chutney, but it's balanced by chopped almonds and veggies. Everything is squished between two slices of toasted homemade bread or tucked in a wrap if that's how you roll.
Farm-to-table bites are Leaping Lizard Cafe's top specialty, and to no surprise, a staple like chicken salad shines. It's rustic without being sloppy, and channels the perfect picnic lunch you can enjoy outdoors, which many visitors recommend doing when you dine in (via OpenTable).
The Fickle Pickle -- Roswell, Georgia
Another pit stop for chicken salad sandwiches in Georgia is The Fickle Pickle. Residents flock to the suburban bistro joint established by restauranteur Andy Badgett (per Gayot) for hearty vittles that stick to the ribs. Fried green tomato sandwiches and pickle chips enjoy a cult following within the walls of the eatery's Victorian-era dwellings, but you'd be mistaken not to grab the cold lunch staple while you're there.
In 2017, a column by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution revealed how The Fickle Pickle makes the Southern delicacy so nice and juicy. The secret, apparently, is simmering the poultry in spice-infused water that marinates the meat while it cooks. This results in a silky blend that compliments the cashews and cranberries whipped throughout. Croissants can be a tricky choice for sandwiches due to their delicate finish, but this pastry succeeds as a bun because it's dense enough to support the creamy mixture all the way through.
For $12 total you get both a sandwich and side, and while all of the options are great, one customer shared a fool-proof recommendation that won't do you wrong: "Add a side of sweet potato fries and some peach tea and thank me later" (via Yelp).
Mike's Deli -- Los Angeles
The year 1996 was an eventful one: "Scream" hit theaters, a sheep was cloned for the first time, and Mike Kisswani launched a sandwich shop in Downtown Los Angeles that would change lunch breaks forever. Mike's Deli has a 4.5-star average on Yelp with over a thousand reviews salivating over its heaping creations and chip lineup. To savor any of its lip-smacking sammies to its fullest potential, customers suggest placing your order in advance, rather than at the shop.
The Chicken Salad Supreme takes what could be a boring bag lunch and transforms it into a majestic meal that's bigger than the sum of its parts. Select your preferred bread (dark sweet is a fan favorite) and watch seasoned sandwich builders pile on the medley of chicken, Swiss cheese, greens, and various dressings (mustard, mayo). And unlike ordering from Chipotle, the avocado will definitely not cost extra.
It's tempting to settle for one of the shop's cold-cut heroes stacked with Boar's Head meats, but the chicken salad here can't be beat. Seek out the original restaurant on West Slauson Street or in Little Tokyo a short drive from Dodger Stadium to savor it, and then dream about it, until the end of time. Not a fan of cold chicken salad sandwiches? Order the Wisconsin cheddar melt or chicken pepperoni for a griddled twist.
Rod 'n' Roll's Treats & Eats -- Robstown, Texas
Looking at the preparation that goes into Rod 'n' Roll's Treats & Eats' chicken salad, you'd think it was for a hot entree rather than a cold sandwich. The poultry is tender due to simmering for hours (per Rod 'n' Roll's Treats & Eats) while seasonings added to the water soak into the meat. No wonder Texans love it (per KRIS 6 News). The restaurant sits in the suburbs of Corpus Christi and offers cookout staples befitting its edgy image — think thick Angus patties and meaty cheesesteaks — all of which are cooked on-site, including its infamously yummy chicken salad.
Locals get it scooped on a bed of greens or packed into a to-go container according to KRIS 6 News, but for a sit-in experience, it's crucial to order the chicken salad as a sandwich. Sourdough is the roll of choice for many Yelp reviewers, along with tart fixings that kick lunch up a notch including apples and grapes. One customer compared the salad's airy texture to that of "dainty sandwiches at weddings or baby showers."
The chicken salad's popularity, although well-deserved, means it's typical for Rod 'n' Roll's to exhaust its supply early, so we recommend ordering early. Make sure to save room for a milkshake made with Blue Bell ice cream (per Tripadvisor).
Pom Pom's Teahouse & Sandwicheria -- Orlando
Off-beat diner Pom Pom's Teahouse & Sandwicheria has electrified Orlando with its fusion sandwiches and aromatic teas for over 15 years. Many regional outlets including Orlando CityBeat and the Orlando Sentinel have given it a lot of hype for its generous portions and ingenious combinations, whose myriad meats and dressings often necessitate two hands and an empty belly.
For a place where cayenne peanut butter and sriracha aioli take center stage, chicken salad seems out of place in its mundanity. However, the yellow curry chicken salad is far from boring and remains an accessible way to experiment without turning off the risk-averse. Red onion, almonds, and chunks of apple are mixed into a sweetly spicy chicken salad, which is seasoned with curry powder and piled onto one of four breads — sourdough, pumpernickel, rye, or whole wheat (via Pom Pom's Teahouse & Sandwicheria).
This sandwich is one of the highlighted picks on Pom Pom's Yelp page, and judging by most of the responses it's apt to blow your tastebuds away. "Flavorful and unique" one visitor said. "It's to die for," another person raved. It's tempting to request additional sauces on your sandwich, but it might be best to enjoy it as is and be sure to order the German potatoes or Spicy Turkey Mac-N-Chez for your side.