When it comes to the ultimate sandwich, nothing beats a perfectly grilled chicken sandwich.
Tender, juicy chicken paired with crisp turkey bacon, creamy avocado, fresh veggies, and a smoky chipotle ranch dressing – all stacked between a toasted brioche bun.
It’s the kind of sandwich that makes you crave seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Tender and Juicy: Grilled chicken marinated for maximum flavor.
Layered Flavors: Smoky, creamy, fresh, and savory all in one bite.
Healthier Option: Featuring turkey bacon and plenty of fresh greens.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for lunches, dinners, or casual gatherings.
Customizable: Easy to adapt to your personal taste.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Chicken Breasts: Thinly sliced for even cooking.
Turkey Bacon: Adds crispy texture with lower fat content.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully over hot grilled chicken.
Avocado: Creamy and rich, perfect for sandwiches.
Tomato & Red Onion: Fresh and vibrant additions.
Spring Mix Lettuce: Tossed lightly in smoky chipotle ranch.
Brioche Buns: Buttery, slightly sweet buns ideal for sandwiches.
Mustard Aioli: A tangy spread that elevates every bite.
Chipotle Ranch Dressing: Adds a smoky, spicy flavor kick.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Marinate the Chicken: Even 30 minutes makes a big difference.
Toast the Buns: A quick grill ensures they stay crisp, not soggy.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Always the key to the best sandwiches.
Assemble Just Before Serving: Keeps everything fresh and delicious.
Let Chicken Rest After Grilling: Helps retain juices.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
Step 2: Prepare Mustard Aioli and Chipotle Ranch
Mix mayonnaise with Dijon and coarse mustard for the aioli.
For the chipotle ranch, blend mayonnaise, buttermilk, adobo sauce, lime juice, garlic, green onions, and seasonings.
Step 3: Cook the Turkey Bacon
In a skillet, cook turkey bacon over medium heat until crispy.
Set aside on paper towels.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Heat the grill to medium-high.
Grill chicken for 3–5 minutes per side until cooked through.
Top each piece with cheddar cheese during the last minute to melt.
Step 5: Toast the Brioche Buns
Lightly butter and toast buns on the grill until golden.
Step 6: Assemble the Sandwich
Spread mustard aioli on the bottom bun.
Add grilled chicken with melted cheese, turkey bacon, tomato, red onion, avocado, and a handful of spring mix tossed with chipotle ranch.
Top with the second bun.
What to Serve It With
Sweet potato fries
Crunchy coleslaw
Pickle spears
Fresh lemonade or iced tea
Variations / Substitutions
Different Breads: Try ciabatta, pretzel buns, or sourdough.
Alternative Cheeses: Swap cheddar for Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack.
More Heat: Add jalapeños or extra adobo sauce.
Vegetarian Twist: Use grilled portobello mushrooms instead of chicken.
Storage & Leftovers
Separate Storage: Keep chicken, bacon, and veggies separate to avoid sogginess.
Fridge: Store grilled chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat Gently: Warm the chicken and bacon before assembling leftovers.
Assemble Fresh: Always assemble sandwiches just before serving for best results.
FAQs About Grilled Chicken Sandwiches
Can I use regular bacon?
Absolutely! Use your favorite crispy bacon if preferred.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Yes! Bake at 400°F until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
How spicy is the chipotle ranch?
It’s mildly spicy, but you can adjust by adding more or less adobo sauce.
What’s a good substitute for buttermilk?
Mix milk with a splash of lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes to mimic buttermilk.
Can I prepare the sauces ahead of time?
Definitely! Both mustard aioli and chipotle ranch can be made a day in advance.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a sandwich that’s smoky, juicy, and loaded with flavor, this Grilled Chicken Sandwich is the answer.
It’s easy to customize, quick to prepare, and absolutely perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week.
Once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your rotation!
Full Recipe Card
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sandwich:
4 thin-sliced chicken breasts
8 slices turkey bacon
4 slices cheddar cheese
1 avocado, sliced
1 large tomato, sliced
1 red onion, thinly sliced
2 cups spring mix lettuce
4 brioche buns
For the Mustard Aioli:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons coarse grain mustard
For the Chipotle Ranch Dressing:
1 cup mayonnaise
3/4 cup buttermilk
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 green onions, chopped
3 teaspoons adobo sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare mustard aioli and chipotle ranch; refrigerate until needed.
Cook turkey bacon until crisp.
Grill chicken, topping with cheddar in the last minute.
Toast brioche buns.
Assemble sandwiches with aioli, chicken, bacon, veggies, avocado, and spring mix.
