Why You’ll Love Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe
This sandwich brings together smoky grilled chicken, rich melted cheese, and fresh vegetables for a balanced bite. The combination of mustard aioli and creamy chipotle dressing adds a tangy, slightly spicy kick. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon garlic herb seasoning
4 thin sliced chicken breasts
8 strips turkey bacon
4 slices cheddar cheese
1 avocado, thinly sliced
1 large tomato, sliced
1 red onion, sliced
2 cups spring mix lettuce
4 brioche buns
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons coarse grain mustard
1 cup mayonnaise
3/4 cup buttermilk
2 cloves garlic, smashed and chopped
2 green onions, 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
Directions
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and garlic herb seasoning. Add the chicken breasts and coat well. Let the chicken marinate for 5 to 10 minutes.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it directly on the grill. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Add a slice of cheddar cheese on top during the final minute and close the lid to melt.
Meanwhile, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the turkey bacon in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Lightly butter the brioche buns and toast them on the grill until golden on both sides.
In a bowl, toss the spring mix lettuce with a few tablespoons of the prepared chipotle dressing until lightly coated.
To make the mustard aioli, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and coarse grain mustard in a small bowl until smooth.
To make the chipotle 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 an hour for best flavor.
To assemble the sandwiches, spread mustard aioli on the bottom bun. Add grilled chicken, crispy turkey bacon, tomato slices, red onion, avocado slices, and a portion of dressed lettuce. Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Total time: 20 minutes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Variations
Swap the cheddar cheese for pepper jack or Swiss for a different flavor profile. You can use grilled turkey or beef instead of chicken if preferred. Add pickles or jalapeños for extra tanginess or heat. For a lighter version, use whole wheat buns and reduce the amount of sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Store cooked chicken, bacon, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep sauces chilled.
To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Toast the buns fresh before assembling for the best texture. Avoid reheating assembled sandwiches to prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I cook the chicken without a grill?
Yes, you can cook the chicken in a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Avoid overcooking and let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling.
Can I make the sauces ahead of time?
Yes, both sauces can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What can I use instead of turkey bacon?
You can use regular beef bacon or skip it entirely for a lighter sandwich.
Can I use store-bought dressing?
Yes, but homemade dressing adds more flavor and freshness.
What type of buns work best?
Brioche buns are ideal for their soft texture and slightly sweet flavor.
Can I make this sandwich spicy?
Yes, add more adobo sauce or sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
How do I prevent soggy sandwiches?
Assemble just before serving and avoid adding too much dressing.
Can I grill the vegetables too?
Yes, grilled onions and tomatoes add a deeper flavor.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, prepare all components ahead and assemble when ready to eat.
Conclusion
This grilled chicken sandwich is a delicious combination of juicy meat, crisp toppings, and creamy sauces. It’s quick to make, full of flavor, and perfect for a satisfying homemade meal any day of the week.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Juicy grilled chicken sandwiches layered with crispy turkey bacon, fresh vegetables, and creamy homemade sauces. A flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
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 mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons coarse grain mustard
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed and chopped
- 2 green onions, 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, mix olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and garlic herb seasoning. Add chicken and coat well. Let marinate for 5–10 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and discard marinade.
- Grill chicken for 3–5 minutes per side until fully cooked. Add cheese slices on top and close lid to melt.
- In a skillet, cook turkey bacon in hot oil for 2–3 minutes per side until crispy. Transfer to paper towels.
- Lightly butter brioche buns and toast on the grill until golden.
- In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and coarse grain mustard to make a mustard aioli.
- In a blender, combine remaining mayonnaise, buttermilk, garlic, green onions, adobo sauce, lime juice, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth to create a chipotle dressing. Refrigerate for up to 1 hour.
- Toss spring mix with a few tablespoons of the chipotle dressing until lightly coated.
- Assemble sandwiches by spreading mustard aioli on the bottom bun, then layering chicken, bacon, tomato, onion, avocado, and dressed lettuce. Top with the other half of the bun.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor if time allows.
- Use pre-cooked bacon to save time.
- Substitute grilled tofu or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less adobo sauce.
- Store extra dressing in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
