Chicken Spread

This chicken spread recipe, shared by Taste of Home reader Lynn Scheiderer of Bishop, California, makes a superb sandwich. It’s similar to chicken salad yet even better because it combines the usual tangy mayonnaise with rich cream cheese. You can have this protein-packed spread whipped up in a jiffy for make-ahead lunches or get-togethers. Just add all the ingredients to a food processor and pulse them until they’re finely chopped. Then it’s ready to be served on toasted bread or with crackers, fresh veggies, fruit, a few olives and a wedge of cheese for a picnic-style spread.

Chicken Spread Ingredients

• Cooked chicken: This is the hearty, protein-packed base of the spread. Use cooled, shredded rotisserie chicken (with the skin removed) for convenience, well-drained canned chicken for ease, or chopped leftover chicken breasts if you have them.
• Cream cheese: Be sure to soften cream cheese at room temperature for at least 30 minutes beforehand so it blends up smooth and fluffy.
• Celery: Fresh celery adds brightness, crunch, and savory flavor. If your bunch has leaves, save a few for a pretty garnish.
• Mayonnaise: When mixed with cream cheese, mayonnaise boosts creaminess, adds tang, and gives the spread a silkier consistency. If you prefer, you can replace the mayo with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier twist.
• Onion: A little onion goes a long way in adding zip without overpowering the spread. For less sharpness, swap in a teaspoon of minced dried onion or a pinch of onion powder.
• For serving: Serve your chicken spread on toasted multigrain bread with crisp lettuce and juicy tomato, or set it out as a cold dip with crackers and fresh veggies for easy scooping.

Directions

Step 1: Blend the ingredients together

Add the chicken, cream cheese, celery, mayonnaise and onion to a food processor.

Pulse them just until they’re coarsely chopped.

Editor’s Tip: Stop when the mixture reaches a spreadable texture, before it turns into a paste. No food processor? No problem! Finely chop the chicken and celery by hand, then mix everything together.

Step 2: Plate and garnish the dip

Spoon the chicken spread into a serving bowl and sprinkle it with the reserved celery leaves for a fresh, pretty garnish. Serve the dip on toasted bread with crisp lettuce and sliced tomato to make sandwiches, or set it out with crackers and fresh veggies for scooping.

Editor’s Tip: For the best flavor, cover and chill the spread for 30 to 60 minutes before serving it. This gives the flavors time to mingle.

Chicken Spread Variations

• Turn up the seasoning: A minced clove of garlic, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a dash of black pepper are easy additions that add depth and brightness. You can also try a pinch of celery salt for deli-style flavor, or a shake of cayenne for subtle heat.
• Make herbed chicken spread: Fresh herbs instantly elevate this spread, adding flavor and pretty flecks of green throughout. Try chopped parsley, tarragon, chives or a mix of your favorites for a garden-fresh twist.
• Toss in extra veggies: Add shredded carrot for color and subtle sweetness, or pulse in finely chopped bell pepper at the very end for extra crunch. You could also replace the onion with sliced green onions for extra color and a milder flavor.
• Add texture: Pulse in chopped pecans, walnuts, or canned and drained water chestnuts for a satisfying crunch, or fold in raisins or dried cranberries for chewiness and sweet-tart flavor.

How to Store Chicken Spread

Store the chicken spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Before serving it, give it a quick stir to freshen up its texture. If you’re serving this at a party, discard any leftovers that have been sitting out for longer than two hours.

Can you freeze this chicken sandwich spread?

No, freezing this chicken sandwich spread isn’t recommended. The cream cheese and mayonnaise can separate and turn watery once thawed. For best results, enjoy it fresh from the fridge.

Can you make chicken spread ahead of time?

Yes! Chicken spread is a great make-ahead recipe, especially for easy lunches, picnics and potlucks. For the best texture, prepare it up to one day in advance and refrigerate it. The flavors will actually improve as it sits. The cream cheese will firm up, so let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving it for easier spreading and scooping.

Chicken Spread Tips

What’s the difference between chicken salad and chicken spread?

The main difference between chicken salad and chicken spread is the flavor and texture. Chicken salad typically relies on mayonnaise alone for its light texture, while chicken spread is thicker and richer thanks to the addition of cream cheese. The chicken in this spread is finely chopped to give the dip a smooth, creamy consistency; chicken salad usually features chunkier pieces for a heartier bite.

Can you make chicken spread without a food processor?

Yes, you can make chicken spread without a food processor. Finely chop the cooked chicken and celery by hand, then stir them together with the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise and onion until they’re well combined. It’ll take longer and the texture will be more rustic, but it’ll still be delicious.

How can you serve chicken spread?

Chicken spread is wonderfully versatile. Pile it onto toasted bread with lettuce and tomato for a classic sandwich, tuck it into pita bread pockets, or roll it up in tortillas to make easy pinwheel appetizers. It’s also delicious when served chilled as a dip with crackers, crostini or fresh veggies, and it fits right in on a tea sandwich tray for baby or bridal shower menus.