Chicken Salad Bagel Sandwich
jump toRECIPE
This four-step chicken salad bagel sandwich is an easy lunch option that feels both nostalgic and elevated at the same time. Creamy chicken salad is layered onto toasted bagels with crisp bacon and melty cheese for a sandwich that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for lunch, picnics, or meal prep throughout the week. If you’re looking for a fresh take on this classic (and deeply personal!) favorite, try my chicken salad with raspberry vinaigrette recipe. For more meal prep-friendly recipes, try my roasted broccoli grain bowl with arugula or this loaded burger bowl next.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make – This sandwich comes together quickly with simple ingredients and minimal prep.
- Great for meal prep – Chicken salad can be made ahead of time for easy lunches throughout the week.
- Perfect texture – Toasted bagels add the perfect chewy crunch to creamy chicken salad.
Key Ingredients in This Recipe
- Bagel – Fresh bagels are best, though they can be purchased ahead of time and sliced then stored frozen in resealable plastic bags. Toast until warmed through and golden brown then prepare your sandwich. I like everything bagels but choose your favorite!
- Chicken – This is a great way to use up leftover roast chicken. I like using chicken breast in this recipe though any cut will work.
- Cheddar Cheese – Always use sharp Cheddar when cooking. If you use mild or medium Cheddar the flavor will cook out and the recipe will be lacking in that cheesy flavor.
- Bacon – Cooking the bacon in the oven on an even layer on a baking sheet allows the bacon to cook evenly. This makes it easy to add to sandwiches. I like the smokiness the applewood smoked bacon adds, though it can easily be substituted with another in this recipe.
A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Swaps and Substitutions
- Bagels: Use croissants, sandwich bread, wraps, or ciabatta instead of bagels.
- Chicken: Substitute rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken for easy prep.
- Mayonnaise: Swap with Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and mayo for a lighter option.
- Add crunch: Mix celery, red onion, or chopped pickles into the chicken salad.
- Greens: Use arugula, spinach, or sprouts instead of lettuce.
Pro Tip
Toast the bagels before assembling the sandwiches to keep the chicken salad from making the bread soggy.
How to Make a Chicken Salad Sandwich Bagel (Step-by-Step)
Preheat oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Lay the bacon out in a single layer on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet and bake until golden brown and crispy, about 20 minutes.
In a medium mixing bowl stir together the chicken, mayonnaise, mustard, black pepper and cayenne until completely combined.
Preheat oven to broil. Lay the bottom halves of the bagels out on a baking sheet. Top each bagel half with a scoop of the chicken salad and top with a slice of cheese.
Broil until the cheese is melted, about 1 to 2 minutes. Top with bacon and close up the sandwiches. Slice in half and serve.
How to Serve a Chicken Salad Bagel Sandwich
- With chips: Serve with kettle chips or salt and vinegar chips for an easy deli-style lunch.
- With salad: Pair with a simple green salad or pasta salad for a balanced meal.
- For picnics: Pack the chicken salad separately and assemble the sandwiches right before serving.
- For brunch: Serve with fresh fruit and iced coffee for a casual brunch spread.
How to Store a Chicken Salad Bagel Sandwich
- Refrigerate chicken salad: Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Store separately: Keep the chicken salad and bagels separate until ready to serve for the best texture.
- Avoid freezing: Mayo-based chicken salad can separate after thawing.
- Prep ahead: Toast the bagels just before serving to keep them crisp.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Everything bagels, sesame bagels, plain bagels, or asiago bagels all pair well with creamy chicken salad.
Yes. Prepare the chicken salad ahead of time and store it separately from the bagels until ready to assemble.
Celery, fresh herbs, grapes, apples, pickles, nuts, or red onion all add extra flavor and texture to chicken salad.
Homemade chicken salad will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Yes. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds plenty of flavor while making the recipe even easier to prepare.
Other Recipes to Try
If you loved this classic sandwich, take a peek at some of my favorite lunch options below:
- Classic Smoked Salmon Bagel Combo
- BLT Bagel with Hatch Chili Cream Cheese
- Porchetta, Egg and Cheese Sandwich on a Bagel
Thanks for cooking with me! If you made this recipe, leave a 🌟 rating and share your thoughts or tips below. I’d love to hear from you!
Chicken Salad Bagel Sandwich
Rate this Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound applewood smoked bacon
- 1 pound cooked chicken, diced
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup finely diced shallot
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne
- Kosher salt, as needed
- Freshly ground black pepper, as needed
- 4 everything bagels, halved and toasted
- 4 deli slices sharp Cheddar cheese (or 6 ounces cut into thin slices)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Lay the bacon out in a single layer on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet and bake until golden brown and crispy, about 20 minutes.
- In a medium mixing bowl stir together the chicken, mayonnaise, shallot, lemon juice, mustard and cayenne until completely combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper black pepper.
- Preheat oven to broil. Lay the bottom halves of the bagels out on a baking sheet. Top each bagel half with a scoop of the chicken salad and top with a slice of cheese.
- Broil until the cheese is melted, about 1 to 2 minutes. Top with bacon and close up the sandwiches. Slice in half and serve.
Watch this Recipe
Notes:
Nutrition:
TAG ME ON INSTAGRAM TO BE FEATURED ON MY STORIES! @cookingwithcocktailrings
All I did was google howard stern sandwhich and this popped up. I grew up in flanders before moving to SLC. Flanders bagels is the bomb!!!
wow no way!!! I grew up in Long Valley! I went to West Morris central and used to go to flanders bagels all the time! I have a recipe for the julia roberts on here too!!!