Chicken salad sandwiches feel simple. They are not when chicken yield and mayo ratios are inconsistent.
Quick Summary
- Cost chicken salad by batch yield, not raw weight
- Weigh portions: 4-5 oz per sandwich is standard
- Include all toppings (lettuce, pickles, mayo) in your cost
- Recalculate monthly as chicken prices move
This guide shows how to cost chicken salad by the batch, then price each sandwich with real portion control.
Key Takeaways
- Cost chicken salad by batch yield
- Use cooked yield, not raw purchase weight
- Weigh the sandwich portion (4-5 oz is common)
- Price add-ons like avocado or extra chicken separately
Batch Cost Formula
Chicken salad cost per oz = Batch cost / Total batch ounces
Sandwich cost = (Chicken salad per oz x Portion oz) + Bread + Sides + PackagingBatch Example (72 oz Yield)
Batch ingredients
- Cooked chicken: 48 oz
- Mayo: 16 oz
- Celery/onion: 6 oz
- Seasoning + herbs: 2 oz
Total yield: 72 oz
If the batch cost is $24.00:
$24.00 / 72 oz = $0.33 per ozSandwich Pricing Example
| Item | Portion | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken salad | 5 oz | $1.65 |
| Bread | 2 slices | $0.35 |
| Lettuce/pickle | fixed | $0.10 |
| Packaging | 1 set | $0.30 |
| Total | $2.40 |
With a 30% target food cost:
$2.40 / 0.30 = $8.00Add-On Pricing Ladder
- Extra chicken salad: price by the ounce
- Avocado or bacon: premium modifiers
- Chips or soup combo: price the bundle, not just the sandwich
Margin Leaks to Watch
- Chicken yield not measured after cooking
- Mayo-heavy batches that inflate cost
- Overfilled sandwiches during rush
- Free side add-ons not priced
Market Check (BLS)
BLS CPI data for December 2025 shows food away from home up 4.1% year-over-year. Chicken and mayo costs move often, so review batches monthly.
Related Guides
KitchenCost keeps batch recipes and sandwich portions synced to real costs. If your sandwich margins feel inconsistent, start here: KitchenCost.
Do This Now
- Weigh a batch of chicken salad and record the total ounces
- Measure one sandwich portion on a scale (target: 4-5 oz)
- Calculate your batch cost per ounce
- Multiply portion oz × cost per oz to get sandwich food cost
- Check if your current menu price hits your 30% food cost target
- Set a reminder to recalculate batch costs monthly