Best Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe (Easy Dinner Idea)
Updated May 17, 2025, Published May 20, 2024
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This best Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe perfectly balances indulgent elements, like juicy chicken, crispy bacon, garlic aioli, and hot honey with lighter components. The results are a satisfying experience with every bite!
It’s an easy weeknight meal especially when served with polenta fries or potato salad.
Why This Is The Best Recipe
WOW! This is the best grilled chicken sandwich I’ve ever had, and everyone who has tried it agrees! The flavor and texture combination are out of this world. I promise it will be the star of the show at your next BBQ!
It’s one of those delicious recipes you will crave often and a guaranteed family favorite!
“Okay, I’ve made this twice …
– Barbara H
Not sure what the magic is but the combination of flavours is amazing. Looks simple, sounds easy but the taste? Out of this world delicious. PS. Goes amazing with frozen lemon bars for dessert (or apple cake!)”
Simple Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: Use boneless and skinless to keep the prep simple. We will add a flavorful seasoning of garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper and salt and then grill then up to perfection.
- Brioche Buns: This soft, slightly sweet bread adds a rich, buttery flavor to the sandwich. It is toasted for a delightful texture. You can easily use your favorite hamburger bun or soft ciabatta bun.
- Garlic Aioli: A simple creamy and garlicky mayonnaise-based sauce made with just four simple ingredients, adds a rich and savory flavor to the sandwich.
- Vegetable Toppings: Fresh tomato slices contribute juiciness while crisp lettuce leaves provide a crunchy and cooling element to the sandwich, and the red onions bring a little zing of flavor.
- Bacon and Avocado: Those extras that make this sandwich so good. Avocado brings a creamy element while crispy bacon slices add a smoky and savory flavor.
- Hot Honey: A sweet and spicy honey drizzle adds a touch of heat to elevate the sandwich’s overall taste profile.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Variations & Substitutions
- Different Buns: Whole wheat or multigrain buns, ciabatta, sourdough, or a lettuce wrap for a low-carb alternative all work well.
- Swap the Avocado: Replace it with another creamy element such as hummus, guacamole, or an avocado spread.
- Skip the Garlic Aioli: Swap it out for a different flavor profile. Try it with sauces like this easy tahini sauce, tzatziki sauce, homemade basil pesto, or a flavored hummus.
- Change the Hot Honey: Exchange it for a Sriracha honey, spicy mayo, chili-infused honey, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a different sweet and spicy element.
- Italian-inspired: Top your grilled chicken sandwich with fresh mozzarella or provolone, sliced tomatoes, arugula or spinach. For extra flavor, add caramelized onions or roasted red peppers, and finish with a light drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Make it Cheesy: Add cheese slices like I do in this leftover pork tenderloin sandwich! Gouda, sharp cheddar cheese, and Swiss cheese.
How To Make a Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Here are the step-by-step instructions for making this juicy and tasty chicken sandwich. For additional instructions, refer to the printable recipe card below.
To get started, dry the chicken with paper towels and preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Step #1: Add all of the garlic aioli ingredients to a small bowl and mix until well combined. Cover and set aside.
Step #2: Combine the seasonings in a small bowl. Rub some oil on the chicken breasts and then season both sides of the chicken with the seasoning blend.
Step #3: Place the chicken on a hot grill and grill the chicken for 4-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breast. Remove from the grill and allow to rest for a few minutes.
Step #4: Slice the brioche buns and lightly toast them on the grill.
Step #5: Spread a generous amount of garlic aioli on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
Step #6: Place a grilled chicken breast on each bun. Then add the avocado, tomato slices, lettuce leaves, and two slices of crispy bacon on each sandwich.
Step #7: Drizzle the hot honey over the top. You can use as much or little based on your spice preference.
Step #8: Place the top bun on each sandwich and serve your grilled chicken sandwiches up. Enjoy!
My Pro Tip
Recipe Tips
- Preheat the Grill: Preheating the oven before adding the chicken helps to sear the outside of the chicken quickly, locking in moisture and flavor.
- Even Thickness: Use chicken breasts that are of similar thickness. You can pound the thicker parts slightly to create a more even surface. This helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents dry spots.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Season the chicken liberally with garlic powder, paprika, and salt, ensuring every part is coated for maximum flavor.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked through but still juicy, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
- Rest the Chicken: Allow the grilled chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices, resulting in juicier meat when you bite into your sandwich.
FAQ’s
Yes, if an outdoor grill is not available, you can cook the chicken using a grill pan or an indoor electric grill.
You can absolutely use thighs instead of breasts – they are very juicy and tender. Dark meat can take a little longer to cook so, make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
You don’t have to marinate the chicken for this recipe but it won’t hurt it if you leave the seasoned chicken to marinate in the fridge for a few hours before cooking.
First, make sure you properly preheat, clean, and oil the grill before adding the chicken. When it’s ready, place the chicken at a 45-degree angle on the grill. Let it cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes, then rotate 90 degrees for crosshatch marks and cook another 2–3 minutes before flipping over and the doing the same thing on the other side. Try to avoid over-crowding the chicken so it cooks evenly.
Sure you can prep a few elements of this easy recipe ahead of time to make weeknights a bit easier. First, you can season the chicken the night before and leave the chicken covered in the refrigerator. You can also prep the sauce and veggies the night before. Just be sure to store everything separately. While you could cook the chicken ahead of time as well and reheat, I find freshly cooked grilled chicken has the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy on your next cookout paired with creamy potato salad, caprese pasta salad as well as stick with the grilling them with this classic grilled eggplant recipe and grilled peach salad. It’s also perfect for a family dinner during the week. We love it with some baked fries or crispy roasted potatoes and sautéed frozen green beans or steamed asparagus. These creamy frozen lemon bars are the perfect dessert for any meal!
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled chicken sandwiches should be refrigerated in an airtight container within two hours. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To prevent sogginess, store the components separately.
More Chicken Recipes
You’ll also love my Chicken Cutlets, Pork Sandwich, Falafel pita, Easy Mortadella Sandwich, Easy Caprese Sandwich, and Juicy Hamburger Recipe!
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Easy Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
Grilled Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, (about 6-8 oz each)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- Black pepper, to taste, optional
- Avocado oil , or other high-heat oil.
Garlic Aioli:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, or add siracha to taste for a spicy version
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Toppings
- 4 brioche buns or ciabatta rolls
- 2 avocados, sliced
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- lettuce leaves , or arugula
- 8 slices crispy bacon
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- Dill pickles
- Hot honey for drizzling
Instructions
- Make the garlic aioli: add all the ingredients to a small bowl and mix until well combined. Cover and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Dry the chicken with paper towels. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Combine the seasonings in a small bowl. Rub the chicken breasts with high-heat oil and season them with seasonings. Make sure to coat both sides evenly.
- Grill the Chicken: Place chicken on hot grill and grill chicken for 4-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breast. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before assembling the sandwich.
- Prepare the Brioche Buns: While the chicken is resting, slice the brioche buns and lightly toast them on the grill.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread a generous amount of garlic aioli on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a grilled chicken breast on each bun.
- Layer the Goodness: Add avocado slices on top of the chicken. Place a couple of tomato slices on each sandwich. Add a few lettuce leaves for freshness. Lay two slices of crispy bacon on each sandwich.If you like pickles, add a couple of slices.
- Drizzle with Hot Honey: To finish the sandwich, drizzle hot honey over the top. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
- Top with the Buns: Place the top bun on each sandwich.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your ultimate grilled chicken sandwich immediately while the buns are still warm and the flavors are fresh.
Notes
- Ensure your grill is properly preheated before adding the chicken. This helps sear the chicken’s outside quickly, locking in moisture and flavor.
- Make sure the chicken breasts are of similar thickness. If necessary, pound the thicker parts with a meat mallet slightly to create a more even surface. This helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents dry spots.
- Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Season the chicken liberally with garlic powder, paprika, and salt, ensuring every part is coated for maximum flavor.
- For juicy chicken, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. Allow the grilled chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices, resulting in juicier meat when you bite into your sandwich.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Okay, I’ve made this twice … once for my partner and me and the second time for company(given that they were SO delicious!).
Not sure what the magic is but the combination of flavours is amazing. Looks simple, sounds easy but the taste? Out of this world delicious. Make sure to flatten the chicken first (you also will make your meat go farther). Highly recommend.
PS. Goes amazing with frozen lemon bars for dessert (or apple cake!)
YAY! I’m glad you loved this yummy sandwich. I agree, it goes well with either of our other desserts.
Wow! A grilled chicken sandwich that will become a family favorite!