Ever stood in your kitchen, staring at a pile of chicken and wondering, “just how much chicken salad do I need for 20 sandwiches?” I’ve been there! Whether you’re hosting a baby shower, planning a family gathering, or just meal prepping for the week, getting the quantities right can be tricky. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about portioning chicken salad for a crowd.
The Quick Answer: How Much Chicken Salad for 20 Sandwiches
For those who just want the straight answer:
You’ll need approximately 5-6 pounds (80-96 ounces) of chicken salad to make 20 standard-sized sandwiches.
This calculation is based on using about 4 ounces of chicken salad per sandwich, which gives a generous, satisfying filling without making the sandwich too messy to eat.
Breaking Down the Chicken Salad Math
Let’s look at how we arrive at this number:
- Standard serving size per sandwich: 4 ounces
- Basic calculation: 20 sandwiches × 4 ounces = 80 ounces
- Converting to pounds: 80 ounces ÷ 16 ounces/pound = 5 pounds
- Adding a buffer (recommended): 5 pounds + 10-20% = 5.5-6 pounds
I always recommend adding that 10-20% buffer – nothing’s worse than running out of food when you’re hosting!
Factors That Might Change Your Chicken Salad Quantities
The 4-ounce standard is a great starting point, but several factors might affect how much chicken salad you actually need:
Sandwich Size Matters
Are you making:
- Full-sized sandwiches on regular bread? (4 ounces per sandwich)
- Mini croissants or tea sandwiches? (2-3 ounces per sandwich)
- Sliders for appetizers? (2-3 ounces per slider)
Who’s Eating?
- Adults typically eat more than children
- Men often consume larger portions than women
- Active individuals may need larger servings
- Some guests might come back for seconds!
Serving Style
How you’re serving the chicken salad affects quantities too
- Pre-made sandwiches? Stick with the 4-ounce guideline
- Self-serve buffet style? You might need extra (5 ounces per person)
- Offering it as just one of many options? You might need less (3 ounces per person)
Making Chicken Salad: Ingredients Impact Quantity
The ingredients in your chicken salad can affect how far it stretches:
- Chunky additions: Things like grapes, apples, celery, and nuts bulk up the salad, potentially reducing the amount needed per sandwich
- Bread type: Hearty breads like sourdough or rye make sandwiches more filling
- Side dishes: If you’re serving substantial sides, guests might eat less chicken salad
Different Ways to Serve Chicken Salad
Chicken salad is versatile! Consider these serving options
- Classic sandwiches on white or wheat bread
- Croissant sandwiches (always a crowd-pleaser!)
- On a bed of lettuce for those avoiding bread
- With crackers as a dip
- Stuffed in tomatoes or avocado halves for a fancy presentation
Real-World Experiences
When I called a chicken salad specialty restaurant to ask about catering for about 100 people, they recommended ordering enough for 144 mini croissant sandwiches. For 20 people, that would scale down to about 29 mini sandwiches.
Another approach comes from deli experience, where sandwiches are typically made with 1/3 pound (5.3 ounces) of filling. This would suggest needing about 6.7 pounds for 20 sandwiches – which aligns with our upper estimate when including a buffer.
Cost Considerations
Making chicken salad at home is usually much more economical than catering. When I priced catering options, chicken salad platters for 100 people ranged from $200-$400 depending on the presentation. For 20 people, you’re looking at roughly $40-$80 for catered chicken salad, whereas making it at home might cost half that amount.
How to Store Chicken Salad Safely
When serving chicken salad for a crowd, food safety is crucial:
- Keep chicken salad refrigerated at 40°F or below until serving
- Don’t leave it out for more than 2 hours (1 hour in hot weather)
- For outdoor events, place serving dishes in ice baths
- Consider splitting your chicken salad into smaller bowls and rotating them from the refrigerator as needed
Recipe Ideas to Elevate Your Chicken Salad
Wanna make your chicken salad extra special? Try these mix-ins:
- Fruits: Grapes, apples, dried cranberries, or even pineapple
- Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or sliced almonds add crunch
- Herbs: Fresh dill, tarragon, or parsley brighten the flavor
- Unexpected additions: Water chestnuts, curry powder, or sweet pickle relish
Tips for Making Chicken Salad Ahead
You can definitely prepare chicken salad ahead of time! In fact, it often tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld. Here’s what I recommend:
- Make the chicken salad 1-2 days before your event
- Store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator
- If possible, assemble sandwiches shortly before serving to prevent soggy bread
- To prevent sogginess, spread a thin layer of butter on the bread before adding chicken salad
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does chicken salad last in the refrigerator?
Properly stored chicken salad typically lasts 3-5 days in the refrigerator. Keep it in an airtight container below 40°F.
Can I freeze chicken salad?
I don’t recommend freezing chicken salad as the mayonnaise tends to separate when thawed, resulting in a watery, less appealing texture.
What’s the best type of chicken to use?
Cooked chicken breast works great! You can use:
- Rotisserie chicken (super convenient)
- Poached chicken (nice and tender)
- Grilled chicken (adds smoky flavor)
- Leftover chicken (economical choice)
How can I make my chicken salad healthier?
Try these healthier swaps:
- Use Greek yogurt instead of some or all of the mayo
- Add extra veggies for volume
- Use light mayo instead of regular
- Include healthy fats like avocado
What bread works best with chicken salad?
Popular choices include:
- Croissants (buttery and flaky)
- Sourdough (tangy and chewy)
- Rye (distinctive flavor)
- Brioche (soft and slightly sweet)
- Classic white or wheat (always reliable)
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – for 20 standard sandwiches, plan on 5-6 pounds of chicken salad. Always better to have a little extra than not enough! And remember, chicken salad is pretty versatile – any leftovers can be enjoyed on their own, with crackers, or in wraps for the next day or two.
Reviews from Our Readers
This makes 6 to 8 sandwiches if using regular-size croissants, sliced bread, or wraps. If using mini croissants or dinner rolls, this recipe will make approximately 12 sandwiches.
Yes, but you have to make some modifications. You can mix the chicken, mayo, and spices together beforehand. You can also cut the celery and grapes beforehand. Right before you serve, mix the grapes, celery, and cashews into the chicken. Store everything in an airtight container.
Instead of using mayo, you can use Greek yogurt. You might need to add a little more salt and pepper to make up for the flavor, but the consistency is a good match.
Serve this chicken salad recipe on croissants, rolls, or bread slices. You can also use tortillas to make a wrap, pita pockets, or just plain over a bed of lettuce. If you want to make it a meal, I like to serve it with a side of fruit or potato chips.
Place the chicken salad mixture into the refrigerator in an airtight container for two to three days. When ready to make a sandwich or enjoy the chicken salad, stir it before using. Then add the leftover chicken salad to a type of bread of your choice or butter lettuce for a lettuce wrap.
Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe
- ▢ 2 cups chicken cooked and shredded
- ▢ ⅔ cup mayonnaise
- ▢ ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ▢ ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ▢ 1 cup grapes cut in half
- ▢ ½ cup cashews
- ▢ ½ cup celery chopped
- ▢ salt and pepper to taste
- ▢ Green leaf lettuce
- ▢ Bread of your choice – croissants pita pockets, tortilla wraps, sliced bread, rolls
- Add all the ingredients to a large bowl.
- Stir until combined.
- Spoon the chicken salad mixture onto croissants or bread of your choice and add a lettuce leaf.
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