Jersey Mike’s has become a go-to destination when hunger pangs strike and the yearning for a high-quality, flavor-packed sandwich takes hold. There’s something about the Jersey Mike Chicken Salad sub that’s simply irresistible, isn’t there? The tender chunks of chicken, kissed with mayo, seasoned with just a touch of black pepper, and the subtle crunch of celery—it’s a combination that speaks straight to the soul of comfort food.
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How to make Jersey Mike Chicken Salad
The Jersey Mike Chicken Salad Sub is a new menu item that features slow-roasted chicken mixed with mayo, celery, and black pepper.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken: Shred or chop into bite-sized pieces. Opt for breast meat for leaner salad, or use thigh meat for more flavor.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: This serves as the creamy base of the salad. Adjust the amount according to your preference for creaminess.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery: Adds a nice crunch.
- 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion: Provides a slight sharpness and color.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens up the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Gives the salad a tangy depth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
- Optional for added flavor: Chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley, a sprinkle of garlic powder, or a pinch of paprika.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: If you haven’t already, cook your chicken. You can boil, bake, or grill chicken breasts until fully cooked, then let it cool before chopping or shredding. For convenience, you may also use rotisserie chicken.
- Mix the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you’re adding any herbs or spices, include them in this step.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, chopped celery, and diced red onion to the bowl with the dressing. Gently stir the mixture until the chicken and veggies are well coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least an hour. This step allows the flavors to meld. Serve chilled on a bed of lettuce, sandwiched between slices of bread, or in a wrap.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Salad:
- Quality of Chicken: The better the chicken, the better your salad. If possible, cook the chicken specifically for the salad rather than using leftovers.
- Consistency: Adjust the mayonnaise based on how creamy or light you prefer your salad. Starting with less is wise; you can always add more.
- Adding Crunch: In addition to celery, consider adding chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for an additional texture and flavor.
- Freshness Matters: Use fresh lemon juice if possible rather than bottled for a fresher, brighter taste.
- Flavor Development: Allowing the chicken salad to chill is not just about temperature; it gives time for the flavors to blend and intensify.
What to serve with
Pairing the perfect side dishes with your homemade Jersey Mike Chicken Salad can transform a simple meal into a memorable feast. Here are some delightful options to serve alongside your chicken salad that will complement its flavors and make your dining experience even more enjoyable:
1. Crisp Dill Pickles: A classic deli companion, crisp dill pickles offer a tangy contrast to the creamy Jersey Mike Chicken Salad. Their crunchy texture and bright acidity cut through the richness, refreshing your palate with each bite.
2. Kettle Cooked Chips: Choose your favorite flavor of kettle-cooked chips for a satisfying crunch. Whether you prefer classic sea salt or something more adventurous like jalapeño, chips add a lovely texture and a salty bite that pairs wonderfully with the creaminess of the Jersey Mike Chicken Salad.
3. Coleslaw: A light and tangy coleslaw can balance the heaviness of the chicken salad. The slight sweetness and crunchy cabbage work in harmony with the creamy chicken, adding a fresh dimension to your meal.
4. Fresh Vegetable Sticks: For a healthier side, consider serving a variety of fresh vegetable sticks. Carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cucumbers offer a crunchy, refreshing contrast. They’re perfect for dipping into any extra salad dressing or simply enjoying on their own for a crisp, clean flavor.
5. Fruit Salad: A simple fruit salad made with seasonal fruits can add a sweet, refreshing touch to your meal. The natural sugars in the fruits complement the savory chicken salad, offering a delightful palette cleanser that’s both healthy and delicious.
6. Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad seasoned with a light vinaigrette and packed with fresh vegetables, olives, and cheese can be a satisfying side dish that complements chicken salad well. Choose pasta shapes like fusilli or penne that hold onto the dressing for extra flavor in every bite.
7. Macaroni and Cheese: For those seeking comfort in every spoonful, creamy macaroni and cheese makes an indulgent side dish. Its rich, cheesy sauce and soft pasta contrast nicely with the textured chicken salad, creating a truly satisfying meal.
8. Sweet Potato Fries: Baked or air-fried sweet potato fries offer a sweet and salty option that’s a bit healthier than traditional fries. Their natural sweetness and slight caramelization during cooking make them an irresistible partner for the chicken salad.
9. Garden Salad: A simple garden salad dressed in a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing and healthy counterpoint to the richness of the chicken salad. Include a variety of greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions for a burst of freshness in every bite.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating a delectable chicken salad reminiscent of Jersey Mike’s is all about finding the perfect balance of flavors and textures. However, not everyone may have access to all the ingredients, or you may be looking to make some healthy swaps or accommodate dietary restrictions.
Chicken
- Rotisserie Chicken: If you don’t have fresh chicken breasts to cook and shred, a store-bought rotisserie chicken can be a time-saving option. Simply remove the skin and shred the meat.
- Canned Chicken: In a pinch, canned chicken (well-drained) can work as a substitute, but it may not be as flavorful or have the same texture as freshly cooked chicken.
- Plant-Based Chicken: For vegetarians or those on a plant-based diet, there are many mock chicken products available that can replicate the texture of chicken.
Mayonnaise
- Greek Yogurt: To reduce calories and add protein, swap out mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. It will bring a tangy flavor profile to the salad.
- Avocado: Mashed avocado can provide a creamy texture and healthy fats. It offers a unique, slightly nutty taste.
- Vegan Mayonnaise: For a vegan option, there are many plant-based mayonnaise alternatives made from soy or aquafaba.
Celery
- Jicama: If you’re out of celery, try jicama for a similar crunch and slightly sweet, nutty flavor.
- Green Apple: Diced green apple can offer a tart crunchiness that contrasts well with the creamy chicken salad.
- Water Chestnuts: These can provide a similar crunch without a strong flavor, allowing the other ingredients to shine.
Onion
- Shallots: Shallots can be used in place of onions for a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
- Green Onions: For a milder taste than regular onions, green onions (scallions) can be used as a substitute and add a pop of color.
- Chives: Finely chopped chives offer a delicate onion flavor and make for an excellent garnish.
Seasonings
- Dried Herbs: If fresh herbs are not available, use dried herbs, but remember that dried herbs are more potent, so you’ll need to use less.
- Various Spices: Don’t let the absence of a particular seasoning stop you. Feel free to experiment with your seasoning blends based on your taste preferences.
Lemon Juice
- Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can substitute for lemon juice to add the necessary acidity to the chicken salad.
- Lime Juice: Lime juice can replace lemon juice, providing a similar citrus note.
Final Thoughts
This Jersey Mike Chicken Salad recipe and these tips will help you create a chicken salad that’s not just reminiscent of Jersey Mike’s but also tailored to your taste preferences.
More Chicken Recipe:
- Copycat Wendy’s Cajun Crunch Chicken Recipe
- Crown Fried Chicken Recipe
- Pickle Glaze Chicken Sandwich Recipe
- Copycat Sandwich Bros Chicken Melts Recipe
- Chicken Pot Pie Filling Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional for added flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: If you haven’t already, cook your chicken. You can boil, bake, or grill chicken breasts until fully cooked, then let it cool before chopping or shredding. For convenience, you may also use rotisserie chicken.
- Mix the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you’re adding any herbs or spices, include them in this step.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, chopped celery, and diced red onion to the bowl with the dressing. Gently stir the mixture until the chicken and veggies are well coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least an hour. This step allows the flavors to meld. Serve chilled on a bed of lettuce, sandwiched between slices of bread, or in a wrap.
