This unique take on a classic chicken salad sandwich combines the comforting familiar taste of chicken salad with the zesty and savory notes of rice-a-roni. The recipe is simple and straightforward, making it perfect for a quick lunch or a delicious snack. The addition of Hawaiian King's Original Sweet Rolls gives this sandwich a sweet and soft touch, balancing out the robust flavors of the other ingredients.
Most ingredients in this recipe are commonly found in any household pantry. However, the Chicken Rice-a-Roni and Hawaiian King's Original Sweet Rolls may not be as readily available. These can be found in most supermarkets, usually in the rice and bread aisles respectively. Alternatively, you can substitute with any flavored rice mix or soft rolls if you prefer.
Ingredients for Rice-a-Roni Chicken Salad Sandwich
Rice-a-roni: A packaged food product from American producer Quaker Oats. It is a pilaf-like boxed food mix that consists of rice, vermicelli pasta, and seasonings. To prepare, it's browned in butter, then water and seasonings are added. For this recipe, the chicken flavor is used.
Mayonnaise: This is used to hold the salad ingredients together and add a creamy texture. You can use any brand you prefer, or make your own.
Lemon pepper: A seasoning made from granulated lemon zest and cracked black pepper. It gives a citrus-spice flavor to the chicken salad.
Chicken: This is used as the protein for the salad. You can use canned or freshly cooked chicken, shredded or diced.
Hawaiian king's original sweet rolls: A type of bread roll known for their soft, fluffy texture and sweet flavor. They are used as the 'bread' in this sandwich.
One reader, Daloris Lawler says:
This rice-a-roni chicken salad sandwich recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The chicken and rice-a-roni blend perfectly with the creamy mayo and zesty lemon pepper. It's a delightful twist on a classic sandwich. Highly recommend giving it a try!
Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Chicken Salad Sandwich
How to prepare the rice-a-roni chicken salad: Cook the rice-a-roni according to the instructions on the box, then mix in the drained canned chicken.
How to mix the salad: Combine the cooked rice-a-roni and chicken with mayonnaise and lemon pepper, mixing well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
How to assemble the sandwich: Warm the rolls, then add the prepared rice-a-roni chicken salad to the rolls and serve.
How To Make Rice A Roni Chicken Salad Sandwiches
These chicken salad sandwiches are unique because filled with rice a roni, a childhood favorite. It’s a new way to prepare salad for your next party.
Serves:
Ingredients
- Hawaiian King’s Original Sweet Rolls,or Homemade Rolls
- 1boxChicken Rice-a-Roni
- ½cupmayonnaise
- lemon pepper
- 1cupchicken,shredded
Instructions
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Make RICE-A-RONI as directed on box. Add drained can of chicken. Mix together in a bowl.
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Add mayonnaise and lemon pepper and mix well.
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Add to warm rolls and Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 198.35kcal
- Fat: 18.36g
- Saturated Fat: 3.23g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.18g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 9.65g
- Carbohydrates: 3.31g
- Fiber: 0.04g
- Sugar: 0.00g
- Protein: 4.62g
- Cholesterol: 25.01mg
- Sodium: 127.47mg
- Calcium: 3.55mg
- Potassium: 49.45mg
- Iron: 0.26mg
- Vitamin A: 9.60µg
- Vitamin C: 0.37mg
Expert Tip for Elevating Your Chicken Salad Sandwich Game
When preparing the chicken rice-a-roni, ensure that you stir it occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. This will also help the flavors to meld together more effectively. Additionally, when adding the mayonnaise and lemon pepper, do so gradually, tasting as you go. This will allow you to adjust the seasoning to your preference, ensuring a delicious chicken salad sandwich.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare ingredients and cook the rice-a-roni in advance to save time when assembling the salad sandwich.
Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch.
Multi-task: While the rice-a-roni is cooking, prepare the other ingredients to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Make extra: Cook extra rice-a-roni and chicken to have leftovers for quick and easy meals throughout the week.
Keep it simple: Stick to basic ingredients and flavors to streamline the preparation process and save time.
Pre-sliced rolls: Use pre-sliced rolls to skip the step of slicing the bread, saving time and effort in the kitchen.
Substitute Ingredients For Rice A Roni Chicken Salad Sandwiches Recipe
Chicken rice-a-roni - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa is a nutritious and gluten-free alternative to rice-a-roni, providing a similar texture and nutty flavor to enhance the salad sandwich.
Mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a tangy and creamy texture similar to mayonnaise, while also adding a boost of protein and a healthier twist to the sandwich filling.
Lemon pepper - Substitute with zest of 1 lemon and freshly ground black pepper: Using fresh lemon zest and black pepper provides a vibrant citrus flavor and aromatic kick, enhancing the overall taste of the salad sandwich.
Chicken - Substitute with grilled tofu: Grilled tofu can be used as a plant-based alternative to chicken, providing a similar texture and absorbing the flavors of the salad dressing and seasonings.
Presentation Tips for a Delightful Chicken Salad Sandwich
Elevate the plating: Arrange the chicken rice-a-roni salad sandwich on a pristine white plate, ensuring that each element is meticulously placed for visual appeal.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Introduce a pop of color by garnishing the plate with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives, adding a touch of freshness and vibrancy to the dish.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of the sweet rolls, ensuring they are positioned with care and precision to showcase the sandwich's layers and textures.
Utilize contrasting textures: Consider incorporating a delicate microgreen salad on the side to provide a textural contrast to the sandwich, adding an element of sophistication to the overall presentation.
Emphasize symmetry: Aim for symmetrical plating, ensuring that the sandwich is centered and balanced on the plate, creating a visually appealing and harmonious presentation.
Highlight the sandwich components: Showcase the individual components of the sandwich by layering them strategically, allowing each element to shine and contribute to the overall visual composition.
Add a touch of elegance: Consider drizzling a subtle balsamic reduction around the plate to add a touch of elegance and depth to the presentation, elevating the overall aesthetic.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce delicate, edible flowers such as nasturtiums or pansies as a sophisticated garnish, adding a whimsical and elegant touch to the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making a Chicken Salad Sandwich
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's great for making sauces, dips, and for quickly processing large quantities of food.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is an essential kitchen tool used for combining ingredients, mixing batters, and tossing salads. It comes in various sizes and materials, such as stainless steel, glass, or ceramic, and is a staple for any cooking or baking task.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Chicken Salad Sandwiches
To store leftover rice-a-roni chicken salad, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together over time, making it even more delicious!
If you want to freeze the chicken salad, prepare it without adding the mayonnaise. Place the mixture in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months.
When ready to use the frozen rice-a-roni chicken salad, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, add the mayonnaise and lemon pepper, stirring well to combine.
For best results, assemble the sandwiches just before serving to prevent the rolls from becoming soggy. If you need to make them ahead of time, wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
To keep the rolls fresh and soft, store them in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to store them longer, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months.
How To Reheat Leftover Chicken Salad Sandwiches
The best way to reheat a leftover rice-a-roni chicken salad sandwich is to wrap it in aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This method will help the sandwich retain its moisture and prevent the bread from becoming too soggy or dry.
Alternatively, you can use a panini press or a sandwich maker to reheat the sandwich. Simply place the sandwich in the press and heat it for 3-5 minutes until it's warmed through and the bread is crispy. This method works particularly well if you enjoy a crispy exterior on your sandwich.
If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat the sandwich in the microwave. Place the sandwich on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 30-60 seconds, depending on the strength of your microwave. To prevent the bread from becoming too soggy, place a paper towel underneath the sandwich to absorb any excess moisture.
For a tasty twist, try reheating the rice-a-roni chicken salad separately and serving it warm over fresh, toasted bread or rolls. This method allows you to enjoy the flavors of the sandwich while avoiding any potential sogginess from reheating the entire sandwich together.
If you have access to a toaster oven, you can reheat the sandwich by placing it on the toaster oven tray and heating it at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. This method is perfect for achieving a crispy exterior while warming the sandwich through evenly.
Interesting Trivia About Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Rice-a-Roni was introduced in 1958 and was the first-ever rice and pasta mix. It was created by Vince DeDomenico who wanted to make a quick and easy side dish using ingredients commonly found in American kitchens.
Is Making Rice-a-Roni Chicken Salad Sandwiches Cost-Effective?
This chicken rice-a-roni salad sandwich recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are affordable and easily accessible, making it a budget-friendly option. The versatility of the dish allows for variations based on available ingredients, reducing the need for additional grocery trips. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, depending on the brand and quantity of the ingredients used. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Is This Chicken Salad Sandwich Healthy?
This chicken salad sandwich recipe, while tasty, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The main ingredient, Rice-A-Roni, is a processed food that is high in sodium and contains artificial flavors and preservatives.
- The recipe calls for a significant amount of mayonnaise, which is high in fat and calories.
- The use of canned chicken suggests that the meat may be processed and high in sodium.
- The recipe lacks fresh vegetables or fruits, which are essential for a balanced and nutritious meal.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Swap the processed Rice-A-Roni for a homemade rice pilaf using brown rice, low-sodium chicken broth, and fresh herbs and spices.
- Reduce the amount of mayonnaise used, or replace it with a healthier alternative like Greek yogurt or mashed avocado.
- Use fresh, grilled chicken breast instead of canned chicken to reduce the sodium content and improve the overall quality of the protein.
- Incorporate fresh vegetables into the sandwich, such as lettuce, tomato, or cucumber, to add fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Serve the chicken salad on whole grain bread or in a whole wheat wrap to increase the fiber content and provide a more nutritious base for the sandwich.
By making these adjustments, you can transform this chicken salad sandwich into a more balanced and wholesome meal that still satisfies your taste buds.
Our Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Chicken Salad Sandwich
This recipe for Rice-a-Roni chicken salad sandwich is a delightful twist on a classic chicken salad. The combination of the savory chicken rice-a-roni mixed with mayonnaise and lemon pepper creates a flavorful and satisfying filling for the sweet rolls. The addition of the Hawaiian King's original sweet rolls adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors. This sandwich is perfect for a quick and delicious lunch or a picnic. It's a simple and tasty way to elevate a traditional chicken salad sandwich.
Enhance Your Rice A Roni Chicken Salad Sandwiches Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to the Classic Rice-A-Roni Chicken Salad Sandwich
Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Your Rice-A-Roni Chicken Salad Sandwich
Why trust this Rice A Roni Chicken Salad Sandwiches Recipe:
This recipe is a delightful twist on a classic chicken salad sandwich, incorporating the convenience of chicken rice-a-roni for a flavorful and satisfying meal. The combination of tender chicken and savory rice, mixed with creamy mayonnaise and zesty lemon pepper, creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The use of Hawaiian King's original sweet rolls adds a touch of sweetness to complement the savory elements. With the ease of preparation and the delicious outcome, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for anyone seeking a quick and delicious meal.
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