How to Make Cream of Chicken Sandwiches: A Deliciously Comforting Guide
Making Cream of Chicken sandwiches involves combining cooked chicken with a creamy, flavorful sauce, then serving it on toasted bread or rolls; you can quickly create a satisfying meal by carefully preparing the sauce base, ensuring your chicken is tender, and choosing the right bread.
The Enduring Appeal of Cream of Chicken Sandwiches
Cream of Chicken sandwiches are more than just a meal; they’re a comforting classic. Often associated with childhood memories, church gatherings, and family dinners, these sandwiches offer a blend of savory flavors and creamy textures that appeal to a wide range of palates. Their simplicity makes them perfect for quick lunches, light dinners, or even party snacks. The versatility of the recipe allows for customization, making it easy to tailor the sandwich to individual preferences and dietary needs.
Benefits Beyond the Taste
Beyond the delicious taste, Cream of Chicken sandwiches offer several practical benefits.
- Economical: Utilizing leftover cooked chicken makes them a budget-friendly option.
- Versatile: Can be served hot or cold, on different types of bread, and with various toppings.
- Quick to Prepare: The basic recipe is relatively quick, especially when using pre-cooked chicken.
- Customizable: Easily adapted to different tastes and dietary requirements.
The Core Process: Building the Perfect Sandwich
The process of making cream of chicken sandwiches is straightforward, but attention to detail is key to achieving the perfect creamy texture and flavor. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Prepare the Chicken: Shred or dice cooked chicken. Leftover rotisserie chicken is ideal for convenience.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, then whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually add chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened.
- Add Flavor: Stir in milk or cream, chopped celery, onion (optional), and seasonings like salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Gently fold the shredded chicken into the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the creamed chicken mixture onto toasted bread, rolls, or croissants. Garnish with parsley or paprika.
Variations and Additions
Elevate your Cream of Chicken sandwiches with these creative twists:
- Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms and add them to the cream sauce for an earthy flavor.
- Peas: Frozen peas provide a burst of sweetness and color. Add them during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyere cheese for a richer flavor and texture.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or chives add brightness and complexity.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to customize the flavor profile.
Bread Choices: The Foundation of the Sandwich
The type of bread you choose significantly impacts the overall experience.
| Bread Type | Characteristics | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| White Bread | Soft, neutral flavor | Classic, comforting sandwiches |
| Wheat Bread | Nutty flavor, denser texture | Adding a slightly healthier touch |
| Sourdough | Tangy flavor, chewy texture | Creating a more sophisticated sandwich |
| Croissants | Flaky, buttery layers | Indulgent and elegant sandwiches |
| Hawaiian Rolls | Soft, sweet, and slightly tangy | A unique and flavorful twist |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While simple, there are a few pitfalls to watch out for when making Cream of Chicken sandwiches:
- Lumpy Sauce: Prevent lumps by whisking the flour and melted butter thoroughly and adding the chicken broth gradually, stirring constantly.
- Dry Chicken: Ensure the chicken is moist and tender. Avoid overcooking it in the cream sauce. Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great way to prevent dryness.
- Bland Flavor: Don’t be afraid to season the cream sauce generously with salt, pepper, and other spices. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Soggy Bread: Toast the bread lightly to prevent it from becoming soggy from the cream sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Cream of Chicken sandwiches are delicious on their own, but they can be enhanced with complementary sides:
- Salad: A crisp green salad or a refreshing fruit salad provides a light contrast to the creamy sandwich.
- Soup: A cup of tomato soup or a light vegetable soup makes a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Chips: Potato chips or kettle chips add a crunchy texture and salty flavor.
- Pickles: Pickles or pickled vegetables offer a tangy contrast to the richness of the sandwich.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover creamed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the creamed chicken in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of milk or broth if needed to restore the creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the sauce separate. Reheat bread separately when ready to serve to avoid soggy sandwiches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best type of chicken to use for cream of chicken sandwiches?
The best chicken to use is pre-cooked and shredded or diced chicken. Leftover rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option. You can also use grilled or baked chicken that has been cooled and shredded. Avoid using canned chicken, as it can be bland and have a less desirable texture.
Can I make cream of chicken sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the creamed chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it’s best to assemble the sandwiches just before serving to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
How do I prevent the cream sauce from becoming lumpy?
To prevent lumps, ensure you whisk the flour into the melted butter to form a smooth roux. Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring constantly with a whisk to break up any lumps that may form. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens.
Can I freeze cream of chicken sandwiches?
Freezing cream of chicken sandwiches is not recommended, as the sauce may separate and become watery upon thawing. The bread may also become soggy.
What kind of milk or cream should I use?
You can use whole milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream depending on your preference. Heavy cream will create the richest and creamiest sauce, while whole milk will result in a lighter sauce.
Can I make cream of chicken sandwiches without chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or water mixed with chicken bouillon cubes. However, chicken broth will provide the best flavor.
How can I make cream of chicken sandwiches healthier?
To make cream of chicken sandwiches healthier, use whole wheat bread, low-fat milk, and add plenty of vegetables like celery, onions, and carrots. You can also use less butter and more broth to reduce the fat content of the sauce.
What are some good toppings for cream of chicken sandwiches?
Good toppings include fresh parsley, paprika, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
Can I use canned cream of chicken soup as a base for the sauce?
While you can use canned cream of chicken soup as a shortcut, the flavor and texture will be different from a homemade sauce. If using canned soup, reduce the amount of chicken broth and milk accordingly.
How do I add more flavor to cream of chicken sandwiches?
Add more flavor by experimenting with different herbs and spices. Consider adding thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of hot sauce. Sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the sauce can also enhance their flavor.
Can I make cream of chicken sandwiches without using flour?
You can use cornstarch as a thickener instead of flour. Mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry before adding it to the sauce. Alternatively, you can use a gluten-free flour blend.
What is the origin of the cream of chicken sandwich?
The exact origin is difficult to pinpoint, but it likely evolved from earlier creamed meat dishes popular during the 20th century, particularly in the United States. Its simplicity and use of affordable ingredients contributed to its widespread appeal as a comfort food classic.