Grilled Chicken Sandwich
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With layers of juicy grilled chicken, melted cheddar, and crispy bacon, this easy Grilled Chicken Sandwich is the ultimate summer sandwich! Make it for a mouthwatering lunch or a kid-friendly weeknight dinner.
Life is too short for boring sandwiches, which is why I’ve been making this Grilled Chicken Sandwich on repeat all summer long!
I know it’s hard to beat my crispy cod sandwich or caprese grilled cheese, but I can’t resist the layers of juicy chicken, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh fixings on this crave-worthy sandwich. It seriously blows any fast food version out of the water.
Plus, it’s quick and easy enough to throw together for weeknight dinners or serve at a weekend cookout. The chicken grills in just 10 minutes, and you can prep everything in advance. Whether you serve it with fries, chips, or fresh summer sides, this one is a guaranteed hit!
Recipe features
- It’s way better than fast food, but still made with minimal effort (just marinate, grill, and assemble).
- The chicken grills up in just 10 minutes, making this recipe perfect for easy summer lunches or dinners.
- From buns to sauces to toppings, this sandwich is easy to customize to your taste buds.
Ingredients
Chicken breast – I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness ahead of time, to help them cook evenly and stay juicy. You can also use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat.
Grilled chicken marinade – Soaking the chicken in a blend of olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper really brings the flavor and moisture. Head to the Variations below for even more marinade ideas.
Cheese – I like sharp cheddar cheese on my chicken sandwiches, but sliced pepper jack, Swiss, American, gouda, provolone, or blue cheese crumbles would also be great.
Bacon – A layer of salty, crunchy bacon is perfect on top of the juicy char-grilled chicken and melty cheese. Feel free to substitute turkey bacon or tempeh bacon for a lighter option.
Toppings – The classic trio—tomato slices, lettuce, and mayo—brings freshness, crunch, and just the right amount of creaminess. There are even more toppings to choose from below!
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the chicken. Place the chicken in a ziplock bag with the marinade ingredients. Seal the bag, shake to coat, and place it in the fridge to marinate.
Step 2: Grill the chicken. Place the marinated chicken on a hot grill and grill for about 5 minutes per side.
Step 3: Melt the cheese. If using cheese, place a slice on each piece of chicken during the last minute of grilling to help it melt.
Step 4: Rest. Transfer the grilled chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices soak back into the meat, keeping the chicken nice and juicy when you bite into it.
Step 5: Assemble. Layer each grilled chicken breast onto a bun. Top with bacon, tomato, and lettuce. Spread mayo on the top bun, then close up your sandwich and dig in!
Tips and FAQs
- Pounding raw chicken breasts helps them cook evenly and prevents them from drying out. Simply place the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound it to an even thickness using a meat mallet, rolling pin, or the bottom of a heavy pan.
- Don’t overcook the chicken! Thin chicken breasts typically take about 8 to 10 minutes on a 400ºF grill. For food safety, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before taking them off the grill.
- While the grilled chicken rests, l like to lightly toast the buns on the grill, cut side down, for 30 to 60 seconds. This step is optional, but recommended because a toasted bun prevents soggy sandwiches.
Tip
If your chicken breasts are thick or oversized, slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This not only helps them cook faster and more evenly but also stretches the recipe to make four sandwiches instead of two!
Variations
There are so many delicious ways to make this grilled chicken and cheese sandwich your own. Here are a few tasty ideas:
- Switch up the marinade – Instead of the spice blend I used, try combining olive oil with Cajun, taco, or Italian seasoning, or try one of these five chicken marinades.
- Add more fresh toppings – Like sliced avocado, guacamole, sliced red onion, jalapeños, or even a handful of arugula for a peppery bite.
- More delicious extras – Pickled red onion, dill pickles, a fried egg, or crispy onion strings can take it over the top!
Serving suggestions
A grilled chicken sandwich with bacon and melted cheese practically begs for a handful of potato chips on the side. If you’re craving that classic drive-thru experience instead, swap the chips for French fries, tater tots, or onion rings.
For a lighter, more summery vibe, enjoy your sandwich with the grilling season classics, like corn on the cob, grilled zucchini, or fresh watermelon. A chilled Italian pasta salad or simple cucumber salad also makes a refreshing pairing, especially if you’re serving a backyard BBQ crowd.
How long should I marinate chicken for grilled chicken sandwiches?
For the best flavor and juiciness, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes (even a short soak helps the seasoning sink in!). When you have the time, marinating the chicken for up to 24 hours can add serious flavor.
What sauce goes best on a grilled chicken sandwich?
Mayonnaise is always a solid choice, but don’t stop there! You can also use chipotle aioli, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, pesto, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, or even this spicy avocado dressing.
Can I cook the chicken without a grill?
Absolutely. If you don’t have an outdoor grill, cook the marinated chicken in a cast iron skillet or grill pan on the stovetop.
Storage
Make ahead: You can marinate and/or grill the chicken up to 1 day in advance.
Refrigerator: Transfer any leftover grilled chicken to an airtight container and chill in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Store the buns and toppings separately.
More grilled chicken recipes
If you made this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating below. Thanks!
Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, pounded to be the same thickness
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp parsley
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
For the sandwich:
- 2 hamburger buns
- 2 slices of cheddar cheese
- 2 slices of bacon
- Lettuce
- 1 large tomato
- 3 tbsp mayo, more or less to taste
Instructions
- Place the chicken in a ziploc bag or in a shallow dish. In a small bowl, stir the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper together, then pour the mixture over the chicken. Seal the bag, then shake so that the chicken is coated in the seasoning mixture. Allow the chicken to marinade for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours in the fridge.
- Heat the grill to medium heat (about 400°F). Once hot, place the chicken smooth-side down and grill for 5 minutes. Use tongs to flip over and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. If using cheese, place a piece of cheese on each piece of chicken during the last minute of cooking.
- Let the chicken sit on a cutting board for 5 minutes before assembling the sandwich, which will allow the chicken to finish cooking.
- Assemble the sandwiches: place chicken on a bun, then top with bacon, tomato and lettuce. Spread mayo on the top bun, then place it on top. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
My husband loves these!