Chicken Curry Baguette: A Quick Favorite with a Swedish Twist

One of my all-time favorite quick meals, especially since my student days, is the deliciously creamy chicken curry spread in a fresh baguette. It’s a dish I’ve loved for years, not only because it’s easy to make (especially if you’ve got leftover chicken), but also because it’s so versatile. Whether you need a grab-and-go lunch or a cozy meal at home, this chicken curry mix hits the spot. And if you have the time to sit down and enjoy it properly, it's even better served as a dollop on a baked potato, with a crisp side salad to balance it all out. 

Simple, creamy, and surprisingly indulgent—a perfect way to brighten up a Thursday evening!

Ingredients:

2 cooked chicken breasts (leftovers work great)

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup crème fraîche

1-2 tsp curry powder (adjust to taste)

1 tsp paprika

1 tbsp mango chutney (optional, for a bit of sweetness)

1 small apple, diced

1 paprika, diced

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh baguette

Lettuce leaves (optional, for added crunch)

To do: 

1. Begin by shredding your cooked chicken breasts into small bite-sized pieces.

2. In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, crème fraîche, paprika powder and curry powder. Stir until smooth and creamy. If you like a bit of sweetness, add a tablespoon of mango chutney at this point.

3. Fold in the diced apple and finely chopped red onion and the paprika, giving the mixture a nice crunch and a hint of tartness. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Slice the baguette in half lengthwise and spread the chicken curry mix generously onto the bottom half. Add a few lettuce leaves if you want some extra freshness, then top with the other half of the baguette.

Enjoy! This chicken curry baguette is perfect to take with you on the go, or, if you're staying home, serve it as a topping for a baked potato alongside a fresh side salad for a more relaxed meal.

A Short History of Chicken Curry in Sweden

Chicken curry spread (kycklingcurry-röra) has become a beloved dish in Sweden, especially in sandwich bars, delis, and student cafes. This dish made its way into Swedish kitchens during the 1970s and 80s, when more exotic flavors like curry became popular in Scandinavian cuisine. Influenced by the global spice trade and the increasing availability of international ingredients, curry powder found its place in everyday cooking, often paired with familiar ingredients like chicken and apple to suit the Swedish palate.

Chicken curry baguettes quickly became a popular “grab-and-go” meal in cafes, loved for their creamy texture, mild spice, and convenience. Today, this combination is a nostalgic favorite for many Swedes, offering a simple yet flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy days or casual dinners.

No matter how you serve it—whether in a baguette or on a baked potato—chicken curry spread has secured its place as a Swedish comfort food classic. 

And yes, what you see in the picture are bites my son took from the baguette—he just couldn't wait for me to take the photo!

Enjoy!