Hot Chicken Salad French Bread Sandwiches

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Craving something warm, creamy, and utterly comforting for lunch or dinner? These Hot Chicken Salad French Bread Sandwiches deliver all the cozy vibes of a classic casserole with the irresistible crunch and chew of toasted French bread. It’s a retro-inspired crowd-pleaser that tastes like a warm hug—perfect for game days, potlucks, or quick family meals.

Imagine shredded chicken mixed with crunchy celery, green onions, mayo, and melty cheese, all nestled onto a thick slab of French bread and baked until golden and bubbly. It’s simple to make, outrageously satisfying, and pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or a bowl of soup.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create these Hot Chicken Salad French Bread Sandwiches, you’ll only need a few key tools, but each one plays a critical role:

• Mixing Bowl: You’ll need a large bowl to combine all the creamy, savory ingredients together.
• Serrated Knife: Essential for slicing the French bread evenly without crushing it.
• Baking Sheet: This ensures even baking and crisping of the bread’s bottom.
• Spatula or Spoon: Helpful for spreading the chicken mixture smoothly and evenly across the bread.

Each of these tools streamlines your prep, ensuring you get that perfect balance of creamy filling and crispy bread.

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Ingredients for the Hot Chicken Salad French Bread Sandwiches

Each ingredient in this recipe contributes to a perfect contrast of creamy, savory, and crisp textures:

• Cooked Shredded Chicken: The hearty, protein-packed star of the dish. Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here.
• Mayonnaise: Acts as the creamy binder, giving the salad richness without overpowering.
• Celery: Adds a refreshing crunch that balances out the creaminess.
• Green Onions: For mild sharpness and color throughout the salad.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the mixture to bring a savory, gooey finish.
• French Bread Loaf: Serves as the delicious, sturdy base that crisps up in the oven.
• Parsley (optional): Adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal once baked.

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How To Make the Hot Chicken Salad French Bread Sandwiches

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix the Salad Base

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayo, chopped celery, green onions, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir until everything is well mixed and evenly coated.

Step 3: Slice and Spread

Use a serrated knife to cut the French bread loaf lengthwise. Place the halves on the baking sheet, cut-side up. Spread the chicken salad mixture generously over each half.

Step 4: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly across both halves. You want that golden cheesy layer!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and just starting to brown. Garnish with chopped parsley if using.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing into sandwich-sized portions. Serve warm.

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Serving and Storing These Toasty Sandwiches

These Hot Chicken Salad French Bread Sandwiches are best served fresh out of the oven, when the cheese is hot and gooey and the bread is still crisp on the edges. Pair them with a tangy pickle spear, a handful of chips, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Leftovers? Wrap slices in foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a toaster oven or bake at 350°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crisp texture of the bread.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of chicken should I use?

You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover roast chicken, or even canned chicken in a pinch. Just make sure it’s well-drained and shredded.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Absolutely. You can prep the chicken salad mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat.

Is there a substitute for mayonnaise?

Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used instead of mayo if you prefer a tangier, lighter flavor.

Can I freeze this?

It’s not ideal. The mayo-based mixture doesn’t freeze well and the bread can become soggy when thawed.

What other cheeses work well?

Try mozzarella for extra meltiness or a sharp white cheddar for a stronger punch.

Can I use a different bread?

You could use hoagie rolls or even baguette slices, but a soft yet sturdy French loaf gives the best balance of texture and structure.

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Want More Sandwich & Chicken Bake Ideas?

You might also enjoy the Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub, a hearty, flavor-loaded sandwich that blends creamy ranch with crisp bacon. For something comforting yet hands-off, the Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is a cozy one-dish wonder.

If you’re in the mood for more spicy, meaty flavors, check out the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe, where pasta layers meet chicken heat. Or explore the lighter side with the Italian Grinder Salad — it gives you all the sandwich shop vibes in salad form.

For chicken lovers wanting something hot, bubbly, and loaded, the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta offers a bold alternative.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your sandwich boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you add jalapeños? Use sourdough instead? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others serve it up.

For more cozy recipes and fresh daily ideas, you can follow along on my Pinterest @LadyPlate.

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