Classic Chicken Salad Tea Sandwich Filling
This delightful Chicken Salad Tea Sandwich Filling is a cherished recipe passed down from my late mother, who mastered the art of making exquisite tea sandwiches and her renowned Sandwich Loaf. This creamy yet savory filling harks back to the elegant Victorian tea parties of yesteryear, offering a nostalgic taste of tradition that has unfortunately faded in modern culinary trends. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a cozy afternoon tea, it can elevate your sandwiches to a level of sophistication while being easy to prepare. Enjoy the delightful harmony of flavors as you spread it on your favorite bread or use it as a savory dip with crackers.
N/A
Servings
250
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken breasts
6 (Large, boneless, skinless)
Mayonnaise
to taste (Hellman's or similar)
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon (N/A)
White onion
1 small (Chopped (optional))
Celery stalk
1 (Chopped (optional))
Fresh ground pepper
to taste (N/A)
Celery salt
to taste (N/A)
Celery seed
to taste (N/A)
Melted butter
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cover with water. For added flavor, add a bay leaf, a few whole peppercorns, salt, and if available, a stalk of celery and a chopped carrot. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 45 minutes or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
2
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and drain. Rinse the breasts under cold water to cool them down quickly, then set aside.
3
If you have a KitchenAid mixer with a meat grinder attachment, this process will be effortless; alternatively, use a manual meat grinder. Cut the cooled chicken into smaller pieces and pass them through the grinder, followed by the onion and celery (if using). The resulting mixture should have a crumbly texture.
4
Transfer the ground chicken mixture to a mixing bowl. Add mayonnaise gradually, mixing thoroughly until the filling is moist but not overly wet. Adjust the amount to achieve your desired consistency.
5
Season with fresh ground pepper, celery salt, and celery seed to taste. For added richness, incorporate melted butter into the mixture. Taste again and adjust seasoning as needed.
6
Chill the filling in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
7
Spread generously on slices of your choice of bread or serve it as a dip with crackers, perhaps adding crispy bacon bits for an extra touch.
Nutrition Information
19g
Fat
1g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Classic Chicken Salad Tea Sandwich Filling?
It is a creamy, savory chicken spread inspired by Victorian tea parties, based on a cherished family recipe.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for six large, boneless, and skinless chicken breasts.
How do I cook the chicken for this salad?
Place the breasts in a large pot, cover with water, and simmer for approximately 45 minutes until tender.
Can I add flavor to the chicken while it boils?
Yes, you can add a bay leaf, whole peppercorns, salt, a stalk of celery, and a chopped carrot to the water.
What should I do once the chicken is finished cooking?
Remove the chicken from the pot, drain it, and rinse under cold water to cool it down quickly.
How do I achieve the traditional crumbly texture?
The best way is to pass the cooked chicken through a meat grinder or a KitchenAid mixer with a meat grinder attachment.
Can I use a manual meat grinder?
Yes, a manual meat grinder works perfectly for processing the chicken, onion, and celery.
Which brand of mayonnaise is recommended?
Hellman's mayonnaise is recommended, or a similar high-quality brand.
How much mayonnaise should be added?
Add mayonnaise gradually until the mixture is moist but not overly wet, according to your preference.
Is mustard used in this chicken salad?
Yes, the recipe includes one teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
Are onions required for the recipe?
One small chopped white onion is optional and can be ground with the chicken if desired.
Should I add celery to the mix?
One chopped celery stalk is optional and provides extra texture when ground with the chicken.
What specific seasonings are used?
The filling is seasoned with fresh ground pepper, celery salt, and celery seed.
Why is melted butter included in the recipe?
Two tablespoons of melted butter are added to incorporate extra richness into the mixture.
How long should the chicken salad chill before serving?
It should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
What is the benefit of chilling the mixture?
Chilling allows the flavors of the seasonings, chicken, and mayonnaise to meld together.
How should I serve this chicken salad?
Spread it generously on bread for tea sandwiches or serve it as a dip with crackers.
Can I add any toppings to the sandwiches?
Yes, adding crispy bacon bits can provide an extra touch of flavor and crunch.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 250 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
Each serving contains about 19g of fat.
Is this a high-protein recipe?
Yes, it provides 20g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in the filling?
The filling is very low in carbs, containing only about 1g per serving.
What occasions are best for these sandwiches?
They are perfect for Victorian-style tea parties, picnics, gatherings, or lunch.
What is the history of this recipe?
This is a nostalgic recipe passed down from the creator's mother, who was known for her exquisite tea sandwiches.
Can I use this recipe as a savory spread?
Absolutely, its crumbly and creamy texture makes it an excellent savory spread or chicken paste.
How many ingredients are in the recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients, including the seasonings and optional vegetables.
What bread is recommended for tea sandwiches?
You can use your favorite sliced bread; historically, these are often served on white or whole wheat bread with crusts removed.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
The recipe contains negligible fiber, listed as null in the nutritional data.
Is there sugar in the filling?
No, there is no sugar included in this savory recipe.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
Yes, you can cook and grind the chicken ahead of time, then mix with mayonnaise and seasonings when ready to serve.