There is something unmistakably comforting about a Pakistani chicken mayo sandwich. It shows up at family gatherings, tea parties, Eid celebrations, birthdays, and long afternoons when guests linger, and conversation flows easily. I first tasted a truly memorable version while traveling through Pakistan, where even the simplest sandwiches carry layers of care, spice, and balance.
These Pakistani Chicken Mayo Star Sandwiches take that classic flavor and turn it into a festive appetizer. Cut into star shapes, they feel celebratory without losing the rich, familiar comfort that makes this sandwich so loved. Perfect for holiday spreads, New Year gatherings, or travel-inspired party boards, they are creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying.
What Makes This Sandwich Special
Pakistani-style chicken mayo sandwiches stand out because of three essential elements:
- Well-seasoned, flavorful chicken
- A creamy dressing that is rich but never overpowering
- Fresh mix-ins that add crunch and contrast
When shaped into stars, they become playful, elegant, and easy to serve, ideal for entertaining.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- Boneless chicken breast
- Chicken stock or water
- A small amount of chicken bouillon powder (optional but recommended)
- Salt and black pepper
For the Creamy Mayo Dressing
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream or plain full-fat yogurt
- Cream cheese, softened
- Lemon juice
- Dijon or whole-grain mustard
- Freshly cracked black pepper
For the Mix-Ins
- Finely shredded green cabbage
- Thinly sliced cucumber
- Green onion, finely chopped
For the Star Sandwiches
- Soft white sandwich bread, crusts removed
- Softened butter (optional, for spreading)
How to Make Pakistani Chicken Mayo Star Sandwiches
1. Cook and Shred the Chicken
Place the chicken in a pot with chicken stock or water. Add a small pinch of bouillon powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer gently until the chicken is very tender.
Shred the chicken finely. A stand mixer or two forks both work well. The finer texture helps the filling spread evenly and hold together in the star shapes.
2. Make the Creamy Dressing
In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream or yogurt, softened cream cheese, lemon juice, mustard, and black pepper. Mix until smooth, creamy, and balanced.
This combination creates richness without overwhelming the chicken, a hallmark of a good Pakistani-style chicken sandwich.
3. Add Mix-Ins and Chicken
Fold the shredded chicken into the dressing. Add cabbage, cucumber, and green onion. Mix gently until everything is evenly coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. The filling should be savory, lightly tangy, and creamy without being heavy.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches
Lay the bread slices flat. Spread a very thin layer of softened butter if desired, then add an even layer of the chicken mixture. Top with another slice of bread and press gently.
5. Cut Into Star Shapes
Using a medium star-shaped cookie cutter, press straight down into each sandwich. Lift carefully to keep the edges clean and defined.
Set the star sandwiches aside and reserve the leftover bread pieces for breadcrumbs or snacks.
6. Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate the sandwiches for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps them firm up and keeps the star shapes neat when arranged on a platter.
Serving Suggestions
- Arrange on a large platter with lettuce leaves or cucumber slices
- Garnish lightly with black pepper or microgreens
- Serve alongside tea, sparkling drinks, or light juices
These sandwiches fit beautifully into holiday spreads, children’s parties, or elegant afternoon teas.
Easy Variations
- Add finely chopped green chili for gentle heat
- Use yogurt only for a lighter dressing
- Add shredded carrots for color and sweetness
- Swap white bread for soft whole wheat for a heartier version
A Final Travel Thought
Every culture has a sandwich that feels like home. In Pakistan, the chicken mayo sandwich is that quiet constant, familiar, generous, and always welcome at the table. Shaping it into stars doesn’t change its soul; it simply gives it a moment to shine.
These star sandwiches remind me that travel food doesn’t have to be complex to be meaningful. Sometimes, it’s the creamy, comforting recipes passed from kitchen to kitchen that stay with us the longest.