Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe
If there’s one recipe that’s guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends, it’s the Grilled Chicken Sandwich. Juicy, flavorful chicken layered with melty cheese, crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, and tangy pickles, all nestled inside a toasty bun—this sandwich has it all. Perfect for cookouts, easy weeknight dinners, or a special weekend lunch, this classic never goes out of style. Get ready to discover just how simple and satisfying homemade can be!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of a Grilled Chicken Sandwich lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial part, from lending bold flavor to adding the perfect crunch or creamy finish. Here’s what you’ll need to make this crave-worthy sandwich at home:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless for quick, even grilling—cut horizontally for thinner, more tender cutlets.
- Olive Oil: Helps keep the chicken moist and carries all those delicious spices right to the meat.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle yet savory depth to the chicken, making each bite more aromatic.
- Smoked Paprika: Brings a gentle smokiness that echoes the grill and enhances the overall flavor.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
- Black Pepper: A little spice for balance and brightness.
- Sandwich Buns: Choose soft, sturdy buns that can handle all the fillings without falling apart.
- Provolone or Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully over the chicken, adding a creamy, savory layer.
- Lettuce Leaves: For crunch and fresh contrast to the warm, juicy chicken.
- Tomato Slices: Juicy and sweet, they bring color and extra freshness to your sandwich.
- Pickle Slices (optional): For a tangy, zesty bite that cuts through the richness.
- Mayonnaise or Favorite Sauce (optional): Adds creaminess and can be customized to your taste.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets—this helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels for better browning, and set aside while you prepare the seasoning.
Step 2: Mix and Apply the Seasoning
In a small bowl, stir together olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Brush this flavorful mixture generously over both sides of each chicken cutlet, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated for maximum taste.
Step 3: Fire Up the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken cutlets on the grill and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. You’re looking for gorgeous grill marks and an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked through.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
With just a minute left on the grill, place a slice of provolone or cheddar cheese on each piece of chicken. Close the grill lid and let the cheese melt into gooey perfection—it’s the finishing touch that takes your Grilled Chicken Sandwich to the next level.
Step 5: Toast the Buns
If you love an extra layer of texture, pop your sandwich buns onto the grill for a minute or two. Toasting adds a subtle crunch and keeps the buns from getting soggy once assembled.
Step 6: Assemble Your Sandwich
Now for the fun part! Spread mayonnaise or your favorite sauce on the bottom buns, then stack on the cheesy grilled chicken, crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, and pickles if you like. Cap it all off with the top bun, and your Grilled Chicken Sandwich is ready to be devoured while it’s still warm and melty.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a handful of microgreens can add a pop of color and flavor to your Grilled Chicken Sandwich. If you’re feeling fancy, try a little drizzle of spicy mayo or a few shavings of red onion for an extra kick.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs beautifully with golden fries, a crisp green salad, or a bowl of coleslaw. In the summer, serve alongside grilled corn or a watermelon salad for a vibrant, refreshing meal that celebrates the season.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Grilled Chicken Sandwiches on a big wooden platter, letting everyone build their own with a variety of toppings. Or, cut them in halves or quarters for party-ready sliders. Add colorful skewers to keep everything in place for a fun, festive look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got leftover grilled chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the toppings and buns separate to prevent sogginess and maintain the freshest flavors.
Freezing
Wrap cooled, cooked chicken cutlets tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay tasty for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for your next Grilled Chicken Sandwich craving.
Reheating
For best results, reheat chicken cutlets in a skillet or on the grill until warmed through and the edges are a little crisp. Add fresh cheese just before serving, and assemble as usual for a sandwich that tastes like it’s hot off the grill.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic option for a juicier, richer Grilled Chicken Sandwich. Just make sure to adjust the grilling time, as thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook through.
What’s the best cheese for a Grilled Chicken Sandwich?
Both provolone and cheddar work beautifully, but you can get creative with Swiss, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a bit of heat. The key is choosing a cheese that melts well and complements the other flavors.
How can I make the chicken more flavorful?
Try marinating the chicken with a splash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar in the oil and spice mixture for 30 minutes before grilling. This not only boosts flavor, but also keeps the chicken extra tender and juicy.
Is it possible to cook the chicken without a grill?
Definitely! A grill pan or even a regular skillet on the stovetop will do the trick. You’ll still get a deliciously seared, flavorful chicken for your sandwich, though you might miss out on those smoky grill marks.
What sauces go well on a Grilled Chicken Sandwich?
Classic mayonnaise is always a winner, but don’t hesitate to try ranch, honey mustard, chipotle mayo, or even a zesty barbecue sauce. Each one brings a unique twist to your sandwich experience!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a meal that’s equal parts comforting and exciting, give this Grilled Chicken Sandwich a try. It’s easy, endlessly customizable, and sure to become a favorite at your table. Happy grilling and even happier eating!
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Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Grilled Chicken Sandwich recipe features juicy, seasoned chicken breasts grilled to perfection and topped with melted cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato, and pickles on toasted sandwich buns. It’s a quick and flavorful meal perfect for lunch or dinner, combining classic American flavors with a simple grilling method.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Bread and Cheese
- 4 sandwich buns
- 4 slices provolone or cheddar cheese
Toppings and Condiments
- 4 lettuce leaves
- 4 tomato slices
- 4 pickle slices (optional)
- Mayonnaise or your favorite sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken efficiently and evenly.
- Prepare the Seasoning Mixture: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Season the Chicken: Brush both sides of the halved chicken breasts generously with the seasoned oil mixture to ensure full flavor coverage.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces on the grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Add Cheese: During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of provolone or cheddar cheese on each chicken piece and close the grill lid to allow the cheese to melt.
- Toast the Buns: Optionally toast the sandwich buns lightly on the grill until they are golden and slightly crisp.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread mayonnaise or your preferred sauce on the buns, layer with the grilled chicken topped with melted cheese, then add lettuce leaves, tomato slices, and pickles if using.
- Serve: Top with the other half of the bun and serve the sandwiches warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken by adding lemon juice or balsamic vinegar to the oil mixture and letting it rest for 30 minutes before grilling.
- Try adding grilled onions or avocado slices to the sandwich for delicious variations.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F to avoid undercooking.
- Pickles are optional but add a nice tangy crunch to the sandwich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
