Chicken salad Easter rolls transform ordinary dinner rolls into adorable Easter chicks filled with creamy chicken salad. These festive treats combine delicious flavor with holiday-themed fun for a perfect spring brunch or Easter celebration centerpiece.
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Salad Easter Rolls
These chicken salad Easter rolls are guaranteed to be the showstopper at your spring gathering! Not only are they absolutely adorable with their chick-shaped appearances, but they’re also incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make. The combination of creamy chicken salad nestled inside soft, buttery dinner rolls creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Kids will be delighted by their cute appearance, while adults will appreciate the sophisticated flavor profile. Plus, they’re completely customizable based on your favorite chicken salad recipe and can be prepared ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.
Chicken Salad Easter Rolls Ingredients
For the Rolls:
- 12 dinner rolls (brioche or Hawaiian sweet rolls work best)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for color)
For the Chicken Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, finely diced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons finely diced celery
- 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Decorating:
- 24 small black olive pieces (for eyes)
- 12 small carrot triangles (for beaks)
- Fresh dill sprigs or chives (for feathers/grass)
- Paprika or smoked paprika (for dusting)
Tools Used to Make Chicken Salad Easter Rolls
- Sharp knife or bread knife
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Small paring knife (for decorating)
- Spoon or cookie scoop
- Baking sheet or serving platter
- Pastry brush (for butter)
- Small melon baller (optional, for hollowing rolls)
How to Make Chicken Salad Easter Rolls
- Prepare the chicken salad: In a medium bowl, combine diced chicken, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, celery, red onion, dill, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
- Prepare the rolls: Slice off the top third of each dinner roll and set aside. Carefully hollow out the center of each roll bottom, leaving about ½-inch border all around. Be gentle to avoid tearing the rolls.
- Brush and enhance: Lightly brush the inside of each roll with melted butter mixed with dried parsley (if using). This adds flavor and helps prevent sogginess.
- Fill the rolls: Spoon or scoop the chilled chicken salad into each hollowed roll, filling just to the top but not overfilling.
- Create the chick look: Place the roll tops at an angle against the filled bottoms to create the appearance of a baby chick breaking out of its shell.
- Decorate: Add two small olive pieces for eyes and a small carrot triangle for the beak. Arrange fresh dill sprigs or chives around the rolls to resemble grass or feathers. Lightly dust some with paprika for color variation if desired.
- Serve: Arrange on a platter and serve immediately, or cover loosely and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Variations of Chicken Salad Easter Rolls
- Mediterranean Style: Add chopped kalamata olives, diced cucumber, and feta cheese to your chicken salad mixture.
- Curry Twist: Mix in 1-2 teaspoons of curry powder, raisins, and diced apple for a unique flavor profile.
- Southwest Version: Add corn, black beans, diced red bell pepper, and taco seasoning for a Mexican-inspired variation.
- Waldorf Style: Incorporate diced apples, grapes, walnuts, and celery for a sweet-savory combination.
- Buffalo Chicken: Mix in buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles for a spicy kick, perfect with Cheesy Parmesan Mozzarella Bites.
Serving Chicken Salad Easter Rolls
Arrange these adorable chicken salad Easter rolls on a platter lined with fresh lettuce leaves or additional herbs to mimic a nest or spring garden. For a complete Easter or spring brunch spread, serve alongside Hawaiian Roll French Toast for a sweet contrast.
These festive rolls pair beautifully with a Low-Carb Cauliflower Potato Salad and Easy Asian Cucumber Salad for a well-rounded meal with varied textures and flavors.
For a dessert offering to complete your spring celebration, consider serving Lemon Blueberry Trifle or The Ultimate Easy Carrot Cake Bars which complement the spring theme perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these chicken salad Easter rolls ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. However, assemble the rolls no more than 2 hours before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
What’s the best type of roll to use? Brioche or Hawaiian sweet rolls work best due to their slightly sweet flavor and soft texture. They’re also the perfect size for individual servings.
How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy? Brushing the inside of the rolls with melted butter creates a barrier against moisture. Additionally, make sure your chicken salad isn’t too wet—strain any excess liquid before filling.
Can I use store-bought chicken salad? Absolutely! Store-bought chicken salad works great for a time-saving option. Just make sure it’s not too chunky so it fits nicely in the rolls.
Are there any vegetarian alternatives? Yes! Replace the chicken with chickpeas or diced hard-boiled eggs for a vegetarian version that’s just as delicious.
Final Thoughts
These chicken salad Easter rolls bring whimsy and deliciousness to your spring table. Try this fun recipe for your next gathering and watch everyone’s delighted reactions—both to their adorable appearance and their scrumptious taste!
More Recipes to Try!
- Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe
- Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake
- California Turkey Club Wraps
- Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito
- Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dip
- Churro Bites Recipe
- Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark
- Funnel Cake Bites Recipe
- Delicious Cruffins
- Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake
Festive Chicken Salad Easter Rolls
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12 rolls
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