Juicy Chicken Salad Bagel

Some days, lunch needs to be quick and satisfying without much fuss. That’s exactly why chicken salad bagels have become my go-to meal when I’m craving something filling but don’t want to spend ages in the kitchen. There’s something so comforting about the combination of creamy chicken salad tucked into a fresh, chewy bagel.

I started making these for my kids’ lunchboxes, but soon found myself reaching for the recipe whenever I needed a reliable meal. The best part? You can prep the chicken salad ahead of time, which means lunch is just a matter of assembling. On busy weekdays, that’s exactly the kind of simple solution I need.

Whether you’re packing lunch for work, planning a picnic, or just want something tasty to eat at home, this chicken salad bagel hits all the right notes. Plus, you can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have in your fridge – that’s the kind of flexibility I love in a recipe.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

You’ve got several good options when it comes to choosing chicken for this salad. Rotisserie chicken from the store works great and saves you cooking time – just pull the meat off and dice it up. If you’re cooking the chicken yourself, boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well – you can poach them in water with a little salt, or roast them in the oven until they’re just cooked through. The key is to not overcook the chicken, as you want it to stay moist and tender for your salad. For the best flavor, let your cooked chicken cool completely before dicing and mixing with the other ingredients.

Options for Substitutions

This tasty sandwich is pretty adaptable – here are some easy swaps you can make:

• Applewood smoked bacon: Any type of bacon works great here – regular, turkey bacon, or even Canadian bacon. For a lighter option, you could use turkey bacon, or skip it altogether.
• Cooked chicken: Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect, but you can also use canned chicken, turkey, or even tuna if you’re in a pinch. Just make sure to drain it well.
• Mayo: Not a mayo fan? Try Greek yogurt instead – it’ll give you a tangy taste with fewer calories. You could also use half mayo and half yogurt for a middle ground.
• Everything bagels: Any bagel variety works here – plain, whole wheat, or even English muffins or regular bread if you don’t have bagels on hand.
• Sharp Cheddar: Feel free to switch up the cheese – Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack all work great. For a dairy-free option, you can leave it out or use your favorite plant-based cheese.
• Dijon mustard: Yellow mustard or whole grain mustard can work in place of Dijon. If you’re not a mustard fan, try a bit of honey for sweetness instead.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake when making chicken salad bagels is using warm chicken, which causes the mayo to break down and become oily – always let your cooked chicken cool completely before mixing it with other ingredients. Getting the bacon texture right is crucial too – cook it until it’s crispy but not burnt, and drain it well on paper towels to prevent your sandwich from becoming greasy. When assembling your bagel, don’t skip toasting it first, as untoasted bagels can become soggy from the chicken salad mixture and make the whole sandwich less enjoyable. For the best flavor balance, avoid over-mixing the chicken salad ingredients – a light hand will keep the chicken pieces intact and prevent the mixture from becoming paste-like, while still ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.

What to Serve With Chicken Salad Bagels?

These hearty chicken salad bagels are practically a meal on their own, but they’re even better with some simple sides to round things out. A handful of kettle-cooked potato chips adds the perfect salty crunch, while a crisp dill pickle spear brings a tangy bite that cuts through the richness of the bacon and mayo. For something lighter, try serving your bagel with a side of fresh fruit – green grapes or sliced strawberries work great – or a small mixed green salad dressed with just a touch of vinaigrette. If you’re packing these for lunch, toss in some cherry tomatoes or baby carrots for an easy veggie option that travels well.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: The chicken salad mixture stays good in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to keep the bacon separate until serving to maintain its crispiness. Pro tip: store your prepped chicken salad in a container with a tight-fitting lid to keep it fresh and prevent any fridge odors from sneaking in.

Prep Ahead: You can make the chicken salad mixture a day before you need it – it actually tastes even better after the flavors have had time to mingle! Just wait to toast your bagels and add the cheese until you’re ready to serve. The bacon can be cooked ahead too, but it’s best to store it separately to keep its crunch.

Assembly Tips: For the best experience, toast your bagels and assemble your sandwiches just before eating. If you need to pack these for lunch, keep the chicken salad in a separate container and assemble at lunchtime to prevent the bagels from getting soggy. The cheese can be packed separately too!

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	22-25 minutes
Total Time	32-40 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 2800-3200
• Protein: 150-170 g
• Fat: 200-220 g
• Carbohydrates: 160-180 g

Ingredients

• 1 pound applewood smoked bacon
• 1 pound diced cooked chicken
• 1/3 cup mayo
• 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 4 toasted everything bagels (halved)
• 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Bacon

Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC).

Lay the bacon strips in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the bacon until it is golden brown and crispy, for about 20 minutes.

Once done, remove the bacon from the oven and set it aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Chicken Salad

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, mayonnaise, mustard, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Stir all the ingredients together until they are completely combined, forming a creamy and flavorful chicken salad.

Step 3: Assemble the Bagel Sandwiches

Preheat the oven to broil.

On a baking sheet, lay out the bottom halves of the bagels.

Place a generous scoop of the prepared chicken salad on each bagel half, then top the chicken salad with a slice of your favorite cheese.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

Place the baking sheet with the open-faced bagel sandwiches under the broiler.

Broil for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is slightly bubbly.

Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 5: Add Bacon and Serve

Once the cheese is melted to your satisfaction, remove the bagels from the oven.

Top each sandwich with a strip of crispy bacon.

Complete the sandwiches by adding the top halves of the bagels.

Slice each sandwich in half and serve immediately.

Enjoy your delicious, warm chicken salad bagel sandwiches!