Instructions
Prepare the Chicken: Ensure the chicken is cool and diced into pieces no larger than 1/4 inch. Small pieces help the salad hold its shape inside the tiny croissants.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Mix in Crunch and Flavor: Gently fold in the celery, red onion/chives, and any optional add-ins (like grapes or cranberries).
Toss the Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the wet mixture. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the ingredients together until the chicken is fully coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the chicken tough and the salad too gluey.
Chill for Flavor: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the chilling process firms up the salad, making it much easier to portion and fill the mini croissants.
🥐 The Assembly: Petite and Presentation-Ready
The choice of bread is crucial. For this recipe, you must use miniature croissants (often available in the frozen bakery section or pre-made at a local bakery). They are the perfect two-to-three-bite size.
Assembly Instructions
Prep the Croissants: Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the mini croissants horizontally, being sure not to cut all the way through—you want a hinge on one side.
Add a Barrier (Optional but Recommended): To prevent the croissant from getting soggy, you can lightly spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese or butter on the inside of both halves before adding the salad.
Fill and Garnish: Scoop about 2 to 3 teaspoons of the chilled chicken salad into the center of the opened croissant. The salad should be mounded slightly but not so much that it pushes out when the top is closed.
Final Touches: Close the sandwich. For an extra touch of elegance and to secure the sandwich, insert a fancy toothpick or a small cocktail skewer through the top. A tiny sprig of fresh parsley or a slice of cherry tomato can be added to the pick for a pop of color.
Presentation Pro Tip
Arrange the finished mini sandwiches on a tiered serving tray or a platter lined with fresh lettuce leaves. Because they are best served cold, try to keep them refrigerated until about 15 minutes before your guests arrive.
These mini croissant sandwiches are the embodiment of simple sophistication, offering a satisfying blend of texture and flavor in a beautifully petite package.
