Cooler dinner
A grown-up little sandwich that feels like a treat on a bleacher.
Your kid bites into a flaky croissant and the chicken salad is cold, creamy, and a little fancy.
The lettuce leaf inside kept the bread from going damp, so it eats like a cafe lunch at a soccer field.
Ingredients
This version of sideline chicken salad croissants keeps the ingredient job tied to makes 4 croissants.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 2 tablespoons diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 croissants
- 4 lettuce leaves
How to Make It
Let sideline chicken salad croissants stay simple while the sauce, topping, or side brings the fun part.
- In a bowl, stir together the chicken, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Slice each croissant nearly through and lay a lettuce leaf inside.
- Spoon the chicken salad onto the lettuce so the leaf keeps the croissant from going soggy.
- Wrap each croissant snug in parchment or foil and chill until you pack the cooler.
Pack It Cold and Tidy
Chicken salad has mayo in it, so it has to stay cold from the kitchen to the sideline.
- Set the wrapped croissants against two ice packs in an insulated bag
- Keep cold food at 40F or below, and do not leave it out longer than 2 hours
- On a warm day, pack extra ice and keep the bag out of the sun
What Stays Crisp (and What Gets Soggy)
The lettuce leaf is the secret to a croissant that holds up, not one that turns to paste.
- Line the croissant with lettuce so the bread stays flaky, not damp
- Assemble the morning of so the croissant does not sit in the filling all day
- Wrap it snug so the salad does not squeeze out in the bag
- Serve with: grapes, kettle chips on the side
Parent Tip
Chop the chicken fine so the salad holds together and does not tumble out of the croissant.
Make It Fit Tonight
Small Tweaks That Help This Dinner Land
Add grapes or apple
Diced fruit brings a sweet crunch that kids love in chicken salad.
Make it curried
A teaspoon of curry powder and a few raisins give it a warm, mild twist.
Swap in a soft roll
Use a wheat roll for a sturdier, less flaky handheld option.
Use Greek yogurt
Replace half the mayo with yogurt for a lighter, tangier salad.
Add sliced almonds
A sprinkle adds crunch and a little extra protein.
Plan The Next Step
Plan the cooler-bag nights
Use the planner to choose which games get a cold sandwich and which get a warm jar.