Phil McCockin's New York Chicken Bagel Deluxe

A towering New York-style breakfast sandwich featuring a toasted everything bagel layered with cream cheese, creamy chicken salad, crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and red onions. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a hearty lunch that delivers authentic deli flavor in every bite.

Course Breakfast, brunch, Lunch

Cuisine American

Keyword american cuisine, breakfast, breakfast sandwich, brunch, chicken, everything bagel, food, lunch, travel

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 3

Total Time 13

Servings

Calories 921kcal

Author Phil McCockin

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Sandwich

1 everything bagel sliced in half
2 tbsp cream cheese
½ cup chicken salad
2 –3 tomato slices
2 lettuce leaves
2 –3 thin red onion slices
Optional: sliced cucumber avocado, pickle spear

Homemade Chicken Salad (Optional)

1 cup cooked chicken breast shredded
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 celery stalk finely diced
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste

Add to my MSH planner

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

If making homemade chicken salad, combine all chicken salad ingredients in a bowl and mix until creamy. Chill until ready to use.
Slice the bagel in half and toast until lightly golden and crisp.
Spread cream cheese evenly across the bottom half of the warm bagel.
Spoon chicken salad over the cream cheese and spread evenly.
Layer tomato slices on top of the chicken salad.
Add lettuce leaves and red onion slices.
Add optional cucumber or avocado if desired.
Place the top half of the bagel over the filling and gently press down.
Wrap in parchment paper for an authentic deli-style experience.
Serve with hot coffee and a pickle spear on the side.

Just The Tips

Lightly toast the bagel to maintain its chewy New York-style texture.
Chive or scallion cream cheese adds an extra layer of deli flavor.
Soak red onion slices in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow their bite.
Make the chicken salad a day ahead to allow the flavors to develop.

Storage

For best results, store the chicken salad separately and assemble the sandwich just before serving. Prepared chicken salad will keep refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Notes

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this Everything Bagel Deluxe ahead of time?

Yes, but for the best texture, store the components separately and assemble just before eating. The chicken salad can be made up to 3 days in advance and kept refrigerated in an airtight container. This prevents the bagel from becoming soggy and keeps the vegetables crisp.

2. What type of chicken works best for the chicken salad?

Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and adds extra flavor. Leftover roasted chicken, poached chicken breast, or grilled chicken also work well. The key is using tender, fully cooked chicken that can be easily shredded or diced into bite-sized pieces.

3. What are some authentic New York deli-style additions?

Many New York delis offer extras such as sliced cucumber, avocado, crispy bacon, sprouts, or even a pickle spear tucked alongside the sandwich. For a true deli experience, pair your Everything Bagel Deluxe with a hot cup of coffee and a kosher dill pickle on the side.

Nutrition