Why You’ll Love Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Chipotle Aioli Recipe
This sandwich is flavorful, quick to make, and incredibly satisfying. The marinated grilled chicken stays juicy and tender, while the crispy beef bacon adds a savory crunch. The creamy chipotle aioli and mustard spread bring a rich, tangy kick that pairs perfectly with the fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- olive oil
- lemon juice
- honey
- garlic herb seasoning
- thin sliced chicken breasts
- beef bacon strips
- cheddar cheese slices
- avocado, sliced thin
- tomato, sliced
- red onion, sliced
- spring mix lettuce
- brioche buns
- mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard
- coarse grain mustard
- mayonnaise
- buttermilk
- garlic cloves, chopped
- green onions, chopped
- canned adobo sauce
- lime juice
- onion powder
- garlic powder
- salt
- black pepper
Directions
In a large bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and garlic herb seasoning. Add the chicken and coat it well. Let it marinate for 5 to 10 minutes.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Discard the marinade.
Grill the chicken for about 3 to 5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Add a slice of cheddar cheese on top and close the lid to allow it to melt.
Heat a skillet with a little olive oil and cook the beef bacon slices for 2 to 3 minutes per side until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Lightly butter the brioche buns and grill them for about a minute until lightly toasted.
In a bowl, toss the spring mix with a few tablespoons of the chipotle aioli dressing until lightly coated.
Spread the mustard aioli on the bottom buns. Layer with grilled chicken, crispy beef bacon, tomato, onion, avocado, and dressed lettuce. Top with the other half of the bun.
To make the dressing, combine mayonnaise, buttermilk, garlic, green onions, adobo sauce, lime juice, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy, then refrigerate for up to one hour before using.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
Swap beef bacon with grilled sliced steak strips for a heartier version.
Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicier kick.
Add grilled mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra depth of flavor.
Try a different bread like ciabatta or a whole wheat bun.
Make it lighter by using Greek yogurt-based dressing instead of mayonnaise.
Storage/Reheating
Store the grilled chicken, bacon, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat the chicken and beef bacon in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Assemble the sandwich fresh for the best texture. Avoid storing fully assembled sandwiches as they may become soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and tend to be even juicier.
What can I use instead of brioche buns?
You can use any sandwich bun, ciabatta, or even wraps.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F and the juices should run clear.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the dressing can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Is the chipotle aioli spicy?
It has a mild smoky heat, but you can adjust the amount of adobo sauce to your preference.
Can I grill everything outdoors?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and even crisp the beef bacon on a grill-safe pan.
What’s the best way to keep the sandwich from getting soggy?
Toast the buns and assemble just before serving.
Can I skip the mustard aioli?
Yes, but it adds extra flavor. You can replace it with plain mayonnaise if preferred.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely, cucumbers, pickles, or shredded cabbage are great additions.
Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
Yes, cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months and reheated when needed.
Conclusion
This Grilled Chicken Sandwich is a perfect balance of juicy, crispy, creamy, and fresh elements. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and ideal for a quick meal that feels both hearty and flavorful.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Chipotle Aioli
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A delicious grilled chicken sandwich with turkey bacon, melted cheddar, fresh veggies, and a zesty mustard aioli. Perfectly balanced and satisfying for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon garlic herb seasoning
- 4 thin-sliced chicken breasts
- 8 strips of turkey bacon
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 1 avocado, sliced thin
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 2 cups spring mix lettuce
- 4 Brioche buns
- 1/2 cup real mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons coarse grain mustard
- 1 cup real mayonnaise (like Best Foods or Hellman’s)
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed and chopped
- 2 green onions (white and light green parts), chopped
- 3 teaspoons canned adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and garlic herb seasoning. Add the chicken breasts and coat them well with the marinade. Let marinate for 5-10 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Discard the marinade.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook turkey bacon slices, 3-4 at a time, for 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Grill the chicken for 3-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Add a slice of cheddar cheese on top of the chicken and cover the grill to melt the cheese.
- Butter both sides of the Brioche buns and toast them lightly on the grill for about 1 minute.
- In a bowl, toss the spring mix lettuce with 3-4 tablespoons of the dressing (chipotle aioli). Add more dressing as needed.
- Spread the mustard aioli on the bottom of each toasted bun. Top with grilled chicken, bacon, tomato slices, onion slices, avocado, and 1/4 cup of the dressed spring mix. Place the top of the bun on each sandwich.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add extra adobo sauce to the dressing.
- Feel free to swap turkey bacon with regular bacon or omit it for a lighter version.
- Make the aioli ahead of time and refrigerate for an hour to let the flavors blend.
- If you prefer a different cheese, you can swap cheddar for provolone or Swiss.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grill, Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1150 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
