The Ultimate Cobb Chicken Salad Sandwich: A Deliciously Hearty Lunch
Portable flavors that keep midday hunger at bay with every satisfying bite.
The Ultimate Cobb Chicken Salad Sandwich
If you’re searching for a lunch that is both satisfying and packed with flavor, look no further than the Cobb chicken salad sandwich. This classic Cobb-inspired chicken salad brings together everything you love about the iconic American salad—crisp bacon, creamy blue cheese, juicy chicken, eggs, tomatoes, avocado, and a tangy dressing—then tucks it all between perfectly toasted slices of sourdough bread. It’s hearty enough for a meal and sophisticated enough for any get-together.
Why You’ll Love This Cobb Chicken Salad Sandwich
- All the Classic Flavors: Combines the best elements of a traditional Cobb salad in one portable sandwich.
- Protein-Packed: Chicken, eggs, and bacon deliver satisfying protein to keep you going all afternoon.
- Creamy and Crunchy: The perfect contrast of textures thanks to creamy avocado, tangy blue cheese, and crisp bacon.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the salad filling ahead of time for quick lunches all week.
- Easy to Customize: Mix up the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
What Is a Cobb Chicken Salad?
Cobb salad is an American classic renowned for its hearty mix of lettuce, grilled or roasted chicken, hard-boiled eggs, bacon, avocado, tomatoes, blue cheese, and a robust dressing, typically displayed in elegant rows or tossed together. The Cobb chicken salad sandwich takes all those beloved ingredients, mixes them into a creamy chicken salad, and piles the mixture onto bread—making it the ultimate lunch option for busy days and picnics alike.
Ingredients for Cobb Chicken Salad Sandwich
This sandwich is all about layers of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need to bring the restaurant-quality Cobb experience to your kitchen:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Large eggs | 4 | Hard-boiled and chopped |
| Bacon | 8 slices | Cooked until crisp and chopped |
| Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup | Full-fat for best flavor |
| Buttermilk | 1/4 cup | Adds tang and tenderness |
| Sour cream | 1/4 cup | Creamy texture and tang |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2 dashes | Depth of flavor |
| Blue cheese | 1 cup, crumbled | Can use pre-crumbled or crumble your own |
| Fresh chives | 1 tbsp, chopped | For mild onion flavor |
| Kosher salt and black pepper | To taste | Season as you go |
| Rotisserie chicken | 2 cups, shredded | Or use leftover cooked chicken |
| Grape tomatoes | 1/2 cup, halved | Or cherry tomatoes |
| Scallions | 3, chopped | Adds green freshness |
| Avocado | 1, diced | Choose ripe, but firm |
| Sourdough bread | 12 slices | Can substitute with any hearty sandwich bread |
Step-by-Step Directions
- Cook the Eggs:
- Fill a large saucepan with water and bring to a gentle boil.
- Gently lower the eggs into the water using a slotted spoon.
- Cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Drain the eggs and place under cold running water until fully cooled.
- Peel and chop the eggs into bite-size pieces.
- Prepare the Bacon:
- Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until crisp (about 10-12 minutes).
- Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain and cool.
- Chop bacon roughly into small pieces.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, sour cream, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
- Stir in the crumbled blue cheese and chopped chives.
- Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the Salad:
- Add the shredded chicken, halved grape tomatoes, chopped scallions, avocado, bacon, and chopped eggs to the bowl with the dressing.
- Toss everything gently to coat, taking care not to mash the avocado.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Chill for Best Flavor:
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, for the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Lightly toast the slices of sourdough bread if desired.
- Spoon a generous amount of the chicken salad filling onto half of the bread slices.
- Top with remaining bread slices and gently press together.
- Slice in half and serve immediately, or wrap tightly for an on-the-go lunch.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Make It Low-Carb: Serve the salad filling in lettuce wraps or over a bed of mixed greens.
- Alternative Cheeses: Blue cheese is traditional, but feta or goat cheese work for a milder flavor.
- Prep Ahead: The salad will keep, covered in the fridge, up to 2 days—just add avocado fresh before serving.
- Customize Protein: Use leftover grilled chicken, turkey, or even rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Serving Idea: Turn it into a wrap using flour tortillas, or serve with crackers for a fun, deconstructed snack.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with crisp raw vegetable sticks (like carrots, celery, or bell peppers) for crunch and color.
- Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad for a well-rounded, refreshing lunch.
- Include a small cup of soup or chips for a classic deli-style meal.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per Serving)
| Component | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 500 – 600 |
| Protein | 29g |
| Fat | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 33g |
| Fiber | 4g |
(Values depend on bread type, actual ingredient quantities, and serving size.)
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store leftover Cobb chicken salad (without bread) in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Assembly: Assemble sandwiches just before serving for the best texture.
- Avocado: To prevent browning, add avocado right before eating, or drizzle diced avocado with lemon juice.
What others are reading
Cobb Salad History and Inspiration
The Cobb salad was first created in the late 1930s at the Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood, reportedly as a midnight snack for restaurant owner Robert Cobb. It rapidly gained fame for its abundance of fresh ingredients, rich flavors, and vibrant presentation. Over decades, the Cobb has remained a beloved mainstay of American cafes and home kitchens, prized for its balance of protein, vegetables, and creamy dressing. This sandwich version plays tribute to the original, capturing all its iconic flavors in a form that’s perfect for lunch, meal prepping, or a picnic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Cobb chicken salad in advance?
Yes, prepare the salad filling up to 24 hours ahead, storing in the refrigerator. For best results, add diced avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
What’s the best way to cook chicken for this recipe?
Rotisserie chicken makes for super easy prep, but you can also poach, grill, or roast chicken breasts or thighs as desired. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked and cooled before shredding.
Can I use a different cheese instead of blue cheese?
Yes, substitute crumbled feta or goat cheese for a milder taste if you aren’t a fan of blue cheese’s bold flavor.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Simply serve the Cobb chicken salad filling in lettuce wraps, gluten-free tortillas, or atop mixed greens instead of bread to suit any gluten-free diet.
How can I prevent the salad from becoming soggy?
Keep the salad and bread separate, and assemble the sandwiches just before serving. Draining tomatoes and patting ingredients dry helps too.
More Chicken Salad Ideas
- Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwich: Romaine, parmesan, and Caesar dressing for a tangy twist.
- Buffalo Chicken Salad: Toss chicken in buffalo sauce and mix with celery, carrots, and blue cheese dressing.
- Pesto Chicken Salad: Blend basil pesto into the dressing for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
Explore More Delicious Chicken Recipes
- Chicken Parmesan Sliders: Perfect for game day snacking.
- 3-Ingredient Buffalo Dip: A crowd-pleasing favorite at parties.
- One-Pot Chicken Tortellini Soup: Cozy and comforting.
- Easy Chicken Schnitzel: Crispy and ready in just 40 minutes.
- Popcorn Chicken: Bite-sized and kid-friendly.
- Smothered Chicken: Southern-style with rich bacon gravy.
- Chicken Caesar Salad Pizza: All your favorite salad flavors in a fun pizza form.
Final Thoughts
The Cobb chicken salad sandwich is more than just a lunch—it’s a celebration of flavors and textures, a portable tribute to a classic American salad, and a testament to how a few wholesome ingredients can come together for something extraordinary. Whether you’re serving it up for a weekday meal, school lunch, or special occasion, this sandwich is bound to satisfy and impress. Try it soon, and you may just discover your new favorite way to enjoy Cobb salad!
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