The Best Guedille au Poulet (Chicken Salad Sandwich)
June 26, 2023
Guedille au Poulet, a quick and delicious chicken salad sandwich made in the Air fryer with extra bacon and apple mixed with a dill pickle mayo, topped with crunchy lettuce and diced tomato. A pure delight!
During my childhood, I spent significant time travelling on the road. A single journey to Quebec City would consume a five-hour ride. Throughout these trips, we embarked on countless gastronomic adventures, exploring various Casse-croûtes—those charming roadside snack bars—where we would indulge in quick bites. The offerings were not fancy: burgers, pogos, poutines, and guedilles served with crispy fries. This Guedille au poulet sandwich, ubiquitous across Quebec, may not be classified as haute cuisine, but they satisfy a hungry traveller on long road trips.
Traditionally, they came in three distinct flavours: chicken, egg, or cabbage, nestled in a hot dog bun accompanied by crunchy lettuce and diced tomatoes. These guedilles have evolved, featuring tantalizing lobster and seafood variations akin to the famous Lobster rolls. For me, the guedille au poulet sandwich embodies the taste of adventure.
The Chicken Salad
This version of guedilles, I’ve upgraded it over the years, adding some lovely apples, bacon bits and pickles which might sound strange to some but dangerously addictive once you try it out! Plus, done in the Air fryer does save you time. The chicken salad filling could easily be added to a wrap or even on an endive leave or little gem lettuce for an excellent appetizer. This recipe uses a giant dill pickle and its brine instead of salt, bringing a whole new dimension to the salad. Plus, the apple balance it out perfectly with a sweet touch! Overall it makes the chicken salad juicy, briny and sweet! A brilliant mix!
Baby Version
If you have young kids in mind, cut on the pickle and brine, and you’ll still get a lovely bite for the baby! So, begin by blending all the ingredients and keep some on the side for the baby before adding the pickle and its brine. Because ultimately, babies should stay away from salt. Also, better to search in a wrap for little ones; easier for them.
Variations
I’ve used a fantastic Kewpie mayo (Japanese), done with just the yolks of the egg. Of course, you can use your favourite mayonnaise. I also added a bit of creme fraiche, which could be substituted with mayo again. As for the apple, bacon and pickles are also not part of the original recipe, so they are optional. Typically guedilles are served in hot dog bread, but it works wonderfully in wraps and other slices of bread too.
Other Sandwiches
FAQ
How long can I keep the chicken salad in the fridge?
I suggest only two days in the fridge in an airtight container.
What are guedilles served with?
Usually fries
Is it served hot or cold?
Usually served cold. Some snack bars toast the bread; others do not.
Where can I try a Guedille in Quebec?
Many side-of-the-road delis or snack bars called Casse-Croûte, or Fast Food chains like Ashton, St-Hubert, etc.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breast Cut into small cubes
- 1 apple Cut into small cubes
- 5 sliced of bacon or cured pancetta
- 1 giant dill pickle
- 1 tbsp dill pickle brine
- 1 scallion
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp creme fraiche or mayo
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper
Toppings
- crunchy lettuce
- 1 tomato diced
- 8 hot dog bread similar or wrap
Instructions
- Start by cutting the chicken, apple and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken, apple and bacon on top at 200°C (400F°) for 12 minutes.
- Blend the cooked chicken with the rest of the ingredients.
- Fill up the bread with the chicken salad, and add a bit of lettuce and tomatoes.
Video
Nutrition
14 Comments
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Stacy
These were amazing! Love the addition of pickles-
Marie Breton
I put the brine plus the whole pickle, it replace the salt and brings in many other dimensions to a simple chicken salad! Long live the pickles!
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Vanessa
Perfect summer food! Can’t wait to enjoy one out on the deck! -
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Bernice
We always pack sandwiches for road trips too. My favourite are post holiday treats like ham or turkey sandwiches. However, sometimes you just want a sandwich without making an entire meal so the air fryer chicken is perfect for that! -
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Sean
GUEDILLE! YESSS! Seriously, guedilles don’t get enough love outside of Quebec. This is an awesome chicken recipe – I love that you went above and beyond with the ingredients. Not just mayo. Haha. Now, if only it was easier to find proper top-cut bread-sided hot dog buns west of Quebec… then I’d truly be in Guedille heaven. Cheers! -
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Asha
Never heard of or tried a guedille sandwich before. Thanks for the informative post and tasty recipe. I bet those road trips were really fun with the treat stops along the way!-
Marie Breton
The trips were super long so ever stop was Disney Land for us! Therefore Guedille is a Disney Land Churro let’s say!
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It looks really flavourful and filling! Thanks for sharing this recipe.