Chicken Salad for Sandwiches {Massachusetts}

Recipe from Massachusetts! A simple crockpot recipe to make the famous Willow Tree Chicken Salad for Sandwiches. Moist and full of flavor that is perfect for a lunch time sandwich.

I loved having a Willow Tree chicken sandwich growing up. It was my favorite sandwich any time of the year but especially in the summertime. So easy to put together and take to the beach or to the park.

Now that I live in Florida it's not so easy to go to Willow Tree at 997 S Main St, Attleboro, Massachusetts. It is  a bit of a drive so there is nothing else but to cook it myself.

Which I just needed to make a few call around for the recipe and here we are with the Willow Tree Chicken Salad for Sandwiches. Now I made a few changes to the recipe but it’s pretty close, so let’s get started!

Preparing the Chicken in Crock-Pot for the Chicken Salad

First thing first, getting my chicken ready first in the crock-pot is so easy. It adds the flavor and makes it super moist.

1. I used 2 packs of chicken thighs which was about 5 thighs per pack and add my spices to the .crock-pot.
2. I add them to the crockpot for 5 hours. (all crock-pots are different so I would check the chicken at 4 hours) I add the seasoning and water to just cover the chicken.
3. Once the chicken is cooked, drain the chicken and let it cool, it's time to get the bones out and the skin.
4. I place the meat in a mixer and let it shred.
5. Once the chicken is done is shred, I mix the dressing then pour into the shredded chicken and mix.
6. Place it on a bun with lettuce and enjoy!

Ways to Serve

The most popular way that I eat this chicken salad sandwich is with Cape Cod Potato Chips. The perfect chip to go with this sandwich. I  quench my thirst with none other than Dell's Lemonade. This is truly a traditional lunch in New England for me and so many of us that grew up in this area of the country.

My Favorite Products from New England to Buy

Here are my favorite New England products that I loved and grew up with in Rhode Island.

• Cape Cod Potato Chips
• Del's Lemonade
• Autocrat Coffee Syrup

Tips

I use the mixer to shred the chicken but it can also be done with a fork by pulling it apart. 

MORE RECIPES From New England

• New England Baked Shrimp
• Roasted Pumpkin Seed With Himalayan Salt
• Low-Carb Butternut Squash Salad {Rhode Island}

TRAVEL GUIDE To New England

• Beach Vacations in New England
• Fall in New England
• Summer Vacation in Plymouth, MA

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Chicken Salad for Sandwiches

Simple crockpot recipe to make the famous Willow Tree Chicken Salad for Sandwiches. Moist and full of flavor for a lunch time sandwich.

Course Lunch

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 4 hours

Servings 8

Calories 214 kcal

Author Lizzy Loves Food

Ingredients

For the Chicken in Crockpot

• 1 pound chicken breast cooked in the crockpot
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 bouillon chicken
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

For the Mix

• 3 tablespoons celery finely minced
• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Cook the chicken in the crock pot with the seasoning. Cook on high for 4 to 6 hours. When full cooked. Drain the chicken.
2. Using a stand mixer with paddle attachment, blend chicken breasts until thoroughly shredded.
3. Remove bowl from stand mixer and add in all other ingredients. Stir by hand to mix well to blend everything well.
4. Serve with lettuce leaves on a roll to make the traditional Willow Tree sandwich. Enjoy!

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Let the chicken cool off before pulling it apart.  It makes it easier to handle. 

Nutrition Facts

Chicken Salad for Sandwiches

Amount Per Serving (8 g)

Calories 214 Calories from Fat 153

% Daily Value*

Fat 17g26%

Saturated Fat 3g19%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 10g

Monounsaturated Fat 4g

Cholesterol 45mg15%

Sodium 493mg21%

Potassium 226mg6%

Carbohydrates 2g1%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 2g2%

Protein 12g24%

Vitamin A 46IU1%

Vitamin C 1mg1%

Calcium 8mg1%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.