How Much Chicken Salad Do You Need for 20 Sandwiches? The Ultimate Guide

As you look at a pile of chicken in the kitchen, have you ever thought, “How much chicken salad do I need for 20 sandwiches?” I know the feeling! It can be hard to get the amounts right, whether you’re planning a baby shower, a family get-together, or just making meals for the week. Today we’re going to talk about how to divide up chicken salad for a big group.

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 math is based on using about 4 ounces of chicken salad per sandwich, which is a good amount of filling that doesn’t make the sandwich too messy to eat.

Breaking Down the Chicken Salad Math

Let’s look at how we arrive at this number:

1. Standard serving size per sandwich: 4 ounces
2. Basic calculation: 20 sandwiches × 4 ounces = 80 ounces
3. Converting to pounds: 80 ounces ÷ 16 ounces/pound = 5 pounds
4. 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 restaurant that specializes in chicken salad to ask about catering for about 100 people, they told me to order enough for 144 mini croissant sandwiches. That’s about 29 mini sandwiches for 20 people.

Another idea comes from working in a deli, where sandwiches are usually made with 1/3 pound (5 3 ounces) of filling. This would suggest needing about 6. 7 pounds for 20 sandwiches, which is about the same as our highest guess when we add 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:

1. Make the chicken salad 1-2 days before your event
2. Store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator
3. If possible, assemble sandwiches shortly before serving to prevent soggy bread
4. 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.