Chicken Salad Tartine Toasts

Chicken Salad Tartine Toasts are the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and crunchy, all layered on top of warm, toasted sourdough bread. This recipe is a fresh twist on the classic chicken salad, elevated with capers and sweet pickle relish, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, a light dinner, or an impressive appetizer for guests, these tartines deliver a satisfying bite every time. Using rotisserie chicken makes the process incredibly simple, letting you whip up a gourmet-feeling meal in minutes. Let’s dive into why this recipe has become one of my favorites!

Why I Love This Recipe

What I adore most about these Chicken Salad Tartine Toasts is their versatility and ease. Using just a few pantry staples and a rotisserie chicken, you can create a dish that feels sophisticated without the fuss. The combination of tangy mustard, briny capers, and sweet relish comes together beautifully with the creamy mayo and fresh parsley. Toasting the sourdough bread until golden adds a crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft chicken salad. Plus, topping with microgreens adds a fresh, peppery note and makes the presentation look so inviting.

These tartines also make for an excellent way to use leftover chicken – whether from a savory Italian Grinder Antipasto Chicken Salad or a simple roast. They’re adaptable, fresh, and feel fancy enough to serve when you have guests but are easy enough to enjoy any day of the week.

Ingredient Checklist

• 1/2 rotisserie chicken – shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise – use your favorite brand or homemade
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped – adds brightness
• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish – for a touch of sweetness and texture
• 2 teaspoons stone ground or Dijon mustard – brings tang and depth
• 2 teaspoons capers – the smallest ones you can find, rinsed to reduce saltiness
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 6 slices sourdough bread, toasted – the perfect base
• Olive oil – for drizzling and toasting
• Microgreens (optional) – for garnish and a fresh bite

Must-Have Equipment

• Mixing bowl – to combine all your salad ingredients
• Sharp knife – for chopping the chicken and parsley
• Cutting board – keep things neat and organized
• Toaster or grill pan – to get your sourdough slices perfectly golden and crispy
• Spoon or spatula – to mix and spread the chicken salad onto the bread

Chicken Salad Tartine Toasts: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by shredding or chopping half a rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces. Using rotisserie chicken saves so much time and adds incredible flavor. Be sure to remove the skin and bones for a clean, tender chicken salad base.

Step 2: Mix the Salad

In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon of sweet pickle relish, 2 teaspoons of your choice of stone ground or Dijon mustard, and 2 teaspoons of capers. Give everything a good stir until well mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The capers add a subtle briny punch that balances perfectly with the creamy mayo and sweet relish.

Step 3: Toast the Sourdough

Brush each slice of sourdough bread lightly with olive oil on both sides. Toast the slices in a toaster or grill pan over medium heat until golden brown and crispy. This creates a sturdy and flavorful base for your tartines.

Step 4: Assemble the Tartines

Spread a generous amount of chicken salad onto each toasted bread slice. If you love a little extra freshness, top with a handful of microgreens. These add a lovely peppery note and bright color that really makes the dish pop.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Chicken Salad Tartine Toasts immediately while the bread is still warm and crunchy. They make a perfect light meal or snack, paired with a crisp green salad or your favorite sides.

Substitutions by Diet

• Mayonnaise: Use vegan mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter or dairy-free option.
• Rotisserie Chicken: For a vegetarian twist, substitute with chickpeas or mashed white beans, seasoned similarly.
• Sourdough Bread: Gluten-free bread or crispbreads work well too.
• Capers: If you can’t find capers, chopped green olives make a great salty substitute.

Behind-the-Scenes Notes

• The key to an excellent chicken salad is balancing the creamy, tangy, and salty elements – don’t skip the capers or mustard.
• Use fresh parsley to brighten the flavor; dried herbs won’t have the same effect.
• To keep your tartines from getting soggy, toast the bread just before assembling and serve immediately.
• Feel free to customize the texture by chopping the chicken finely for a smoother salad or leaving it chunkier for more bite.

Leftovers & Meal Prep

This chicken salad keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for quick lunches or to layer on sandwiches throughout the week. To keep the toast crispy, store the salad and bread separately until ready to serve. You can also enjoy the chicken salad over a bed of greens for a refreshing twist on the classic sandwich.

Quick Q&A

Can I use homemade chicken instead of rotisserie?

Absolutely! Roasted or poached chicken breast works just as well. Just make sure it’s cooked thoroughly and shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces for the salad.

What type of bread works best for these tartines?

Sourdough is ideal because it’s sturdy and has a tangy flavor that complements the chicken salad. However, you can use any crusty bread like baguette, ciabatta, or even whole grain bread.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken salad up to two days in advance and keep it refrigerated. Toast the bread and assemble the tartines just before serving to maintain crispiness.

How can I make this recipe more filling?

Add sliced avocado on top or serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a hearty grain salad like quinoa or couscous for a complete meal.

Quick Weeknight Wins

• Italian Grinder Antipasto Chicken Salad – a flavorful alternative when you want a zesty twist
• Asian Chicken Salad – perfect for those who crave something light and refreshing
• Rotisserie chicken recipes – great ways to use up leftover chicken for quick meals
• Easy chicken salads – perfect for meal prep and satisfying lunches

Serve & Enjoy

These Chicken Salad Tartine Toasts are best enjoyed fresh, with the bread still warm from toasting and the salad chilled and creamy. Pair them with a crisp white wine or a sparkling lemonade for a refreshing meal. For a simple yet elegant presentation, arrange the tartines on a wooden board and garnish with extra parsley or microgreens. Whether you’re serving lunch for yourself, feeding a crowd, or packing a picnic, these tartines will impress every time.

Chicken Salad Tartine Toasts are a delightful way to turn simple ingredients into something special. Their fresh flavors, easy prep, and satisfying crunch make them a go-to recipe that you’ll want to come back to again and again. Enjoy every bite!

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