A Grilled Chicken Sandwich is the hero of sunny days, backyard cookouts, and all the moments when you want a meal that’s both satisfying and fresh. Imagine juicy, marinated chicken, smoky from the grill, tucked into a toasted roll with crisp lettuce, sweet tomato, melty cheddar, bacon, and a swipe of good mayo and mustard. It’s hearty, colorful, and comes together with just enough simple steps to make you feel like a kitchen superstar. If you love sandwiches that deliver on flavor and texture, this recipe will surely become a go-to in your kitchen.

Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Grilled Chicken Sandwich keeps things straightforward, letting each ingredient shine. Every component adds something special, from bright lemony marinade to creamy cheeses and crisp toppings — trust me, you’ll taste the difference!

Chicken breasts: Slice and pound them thin for quicker grilling and maximum juiciness.
Olive oil: Not just for moisture, but it also helps infuse the marinade flavors deep into the chicken.
Lemon juice: Provides a zesty kick and acts as a natural tenderizer for the chicken.
Garlic: Minced fresh, this adds a wonderful savoriness to the marinade.
Dried thyme: A classic herb that pairs beautifully with both chicken and fresh vegetables.
Dried oregano: Offers a subtle earthiness and ties the whole sandwich together.
Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out every bit of flavor in both the marinade and assembled sandwich.
Sandwich rolls: Go for sturdy but soft rolls that will hug all the fillings without falling apart.
Cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly over the hot grilled chicken for creamy richness.
Cooked bacon: Adds crunch and smoky depth — don’t skip it!
Tomato: Fresh, juicy tomato slices brighten every bite.
Leafy lettuce: Choose crisp leaves that have good crunch and vibrant color.
Mayonnaise: Creamy dressing that adds moisture and tang.
Mustard: For a hint of sharpness that balances the richness of bacon and cheese.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Step 1: Slice and Pound the Chicken

Start by slicing each chicken breast horizontally so you get four even cutlets. This not only ensures quick, even cooking, but also means every bite in your Grilled Chicken Sandwich is perfectly sized – and no more wrestling with thick or uneven pieces! Lay them out between sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to about half an inch. You’re prepping the foundation for magic here, so take a little care.

Step 2: Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Pop the chicken cutlets in, flip to fully coat, and then either cover the bowl or use a large resealable bag. Let it sit in the fridge for at least three hours to let the citrus, garlic, and herbs really seep into the meat. This isn’t just about taste — it’s what keeps your chicken ultra-juicy on the grill.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken to Perfection

Preheat your grill to high and oil those grates so nothing sticks. Grill each chicken piece for two to three minutes per side; you’re looking for beautiful golden grill marks and a fully cooked interior (an instant-read thermometer should hit 165°F/75°C). In the final minute, add a slice of cheddar to each cutlet so it softens and melds into the hot, smoky chicken. The melting cheese and charred edges? Pure magic.

Step 4: Rest and Assemble

Once grilled, let the chicken rest about ten minutes — this keeps all those savory juices where you want them. Then get ready for layering: spread a generous dab of mayo and mustard on each toasted roll, then stack on your cheesy chicken, two slices of bacon, fresh tomato, and a handful of lettuce. Every Grilled Chicken Sandwich should look overflowing with flavors and colors!

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Place your assembled sandwiches on plates while still warm and let everyone dig in. You’ll find it’s a meal that feels backyard-casual yet absolute crowd-pleasing, perfect for a weekend lunch or laid-back dinner. Enjoy that combination of juicy chicken, crisp bacon, melty cheese, and all the fresh crunch in one unbeatable bite.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Garnishes

Sprinkle a touch of freshly cracked black pepper or a few torn fresh basil leaves onto your Grilled Chicken Sandwich just before serving. A toothpick with a mini dill pickle on top adds retro charm and a bit of tang to each bite!

Side Dishes

Serve up your Grilled Chicken Sandwich with classic fries, tangy coleslaw, or a crisp cucumber salad to showcase those summer flavors. If you’re feeling indulgent, homemade potato chips or grilled corn on the cob are both perfect partners.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the sandwich “deconstructed” on a platter, letting everyone build their ideal Grilled Chicken Sandwich at the table (kids especially love this). For brunch or parties, slice sandwiches into halves or quarters, skewer with toothpicks, and arrange on a platter for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover chicken, bacon, and toppings in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Store rolls at room temperature so they don’t get soggy, and assemble fresh just before eating for the best texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the grilled chicken portions individually (without toppings or buns) by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap, then storing in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and your Grilled Chicken Sandwich dreams are always within reach.

Reheating

Gently reheat chicken in a covered skillet with a splash of water or broth, or use the microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out. Add cheese in the last minute of warming so it melts all over again, then layer up your sandwich for a delicious, just-grilled taste.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs grill beautifully and add extra juiciness to your Grilled Chicken Sandwich. Just adjust grill time as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.

What’s the best roll for this sandwich?

Look for sandwich rolls that are sturdy enough to hold all the fillings but still soft inside. Brioche, ciabatta, or kaiser rolls all work terrific — just make sure toasting them for a minute or two for extra flavor and structure.

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, marinating overnight will amp up the flavor even further! Just place your chicken with marinade in a sealed container in the fridge, and grill when you’re ready for an especially flavorful Grilled Chicken Sandwich.

What’s a lighter alternative to mayo?

Plain Greek yogurt mixed with a little lemon juice makes a zesty, creamy swap for mayo. It still adds moisture but with fewer calories and a slightly tangy twist.

Can I make this Grilled Chicken Sandwich indoors?

Definitely! If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, use a grill pan or large skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll still get deliciously seared chicken and melty cheese, all from the comfort of your kitchen.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s packed with bright flavors, satisfying textures, and a hint of smokiness, the Grilled Chicken Sandwich delivers every time. Gather your favorite people, fire up the grill, and treat yourself to a sandwich that always feels like a special occasion.

Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 23 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Diet: Non-vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the deliciousness of a perfectly grilled chicken sandwich, complete with juicy marinated chicken, melted cheddar, crispy bacon, and fresh veggies, all sandwiched between soft rolls. A satisfying meal that’s great for lunch or dinner.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four thinner cutlets. Place each between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to about 1/2 inch thickness for even cooking.
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the bowl or a resealable bag, ensuring it’s well coated. Marinate in the fridge for at least 3 hours for maximum flavor.
Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill to high and lightly oil the grates. Grill the chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until fully cooked (internal temp should reach 165°F (75°C)). During the last minute, place a slice of cheddar on each piece to melt.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes. Layer each roll with cheesy grilled chicken, bacon, tomato, lettuce, and your choice of mayo and mustard.
Serve: Serve warm and relish in the flavors of this grilled chicken sandwich!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American