Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches with Croissants for a Crowd
Chicken salad tea sandwiches on buttery croissants bring elegance to any gathering without the stress. You’ll prep everything ahead, then assemble just before serving.
Croissants hold up better than regular bread and won’t get soggy sitting on platters. The recipe serves 24 people, so it’s ideal for showers, meetings, or afternoon parties.
Why Rotisserie Chicken Works Best for Large Batches
Store-bought rotisserie chicken saves hours when you’re feeding a crowd. Two large birds give you about 6 cups of meat, which is exactly what you need for 24 sandwiches.
Remove all the skin before shredding – it doesn’t mix well and makes the salad greasy. Use both white and dark meat for the best flavor and texture. The dark meat keeps everything moist while the white meat provides structure.
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Assembly Strategy for Serving Groups
Make the chicken salad up to two days ahead, but don’t assemble sandwiches until the morning you’re serving. Croissants get soggy if they sit too long with filling.
Slice all croissants at once, then set up an assembly line. Spread filling on the bottom halves first, add any greens, then top. Arrange on platters and cover with damp paper towels until serving time.
Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches with Croissants for a Crowd
Ingredients
Assembly
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Large serving platters
Instructions
- Make dressing base: In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
- Add chicken and vegetables: Add shredded chicken, diced celery, minced red onion, and chopped chives to the bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine and season: Mix everything together until chicken is evenly coated and ingredients are well distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Chill chicken salad: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld, or up to 2 days ahead.
- Assemble sandwiches: When ready to serve, slice croissants horizontally. Spread about 1/4 cup chicken salad on the bottom half of each croissant. Add lettuce leaves if using, then top with the other croissant half. The filling should be generous but not overflowing, and the croissant should feel sturdy when picked up.
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving (1 sandwich)
