Grilled chicken sandwich – This dish consists of juicy, flavorful chicken, paired with fresh toppings and a soft, toasted bun, for summer barbecue, preparing a quick weeknight dinner, or meal-prepping for the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This grilled chicken sandwich recipe is:
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Customizable: Perfect for personalizing with your favorite toppings and sauces.
- Healthy and flavorful: Packed with lean protein and vibrant flavors.
Ingredients for the Grilled Chicken Sandwich
To make the best grilled chicken sandwich, you’ll need the following:
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and evenly pounded for even cooking.
- Marinade: A simple blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Buns: Brioche, sourdough, or ciabatta for the ultimate sandwich base.
- Toppings: Crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, pickles, onions, or even coleslaw.
- Condiments: Mayo, mustard, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Grilled Chicken
- Pound the chicken evenly: This ensures the chicken cooks evenly without drying out.
- Marinate for maximum flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinate it overnight.
- Preheat the grill: A hot grill ensures beautiful sear marks and locks in the juices.
- Use a meat thermometer: Check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Let it rest: After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices.
Variations on the Grilled Chicken Sandwich
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade. Pair with spicy mayo or sriracha for an extra kick.
- BBQ Style: Swap the marinade for a smoky barbecue sauce and top with crispy onions.
- Mediterranean Flair: Use tzatziki sauce, arugula, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the bun and serve the grilled chicken on a bed of greens or wrapped in lettuce.
- Cheesy Delight: Add a slice of melted cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for gooey goodness.
How to Serve a Grilled Chicken Sandwich
The beauty of a grilled chicken sandwich lies in its versatility. Here’s how to make it shine:
- Classic Pairing: Serve with fries, potato wedges, or a fresh green salad.
- Gourmet Touch: Add caramelized onions, avocado slices, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- For the Crowd: Set up a DIY sandwich bar with a variety of toppings and condiments.
How to Store and Reheat Grilled Chicken Sandwiches
- Storage: Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep buns and toppings separate to prevent sogginess.
- Reheating: Warm the chicken in a skillet or microwave. Toast the buns lightly before assembling the sandwich.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and add a slightly richer flavor. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take slightly longer to cook.
2. What’s the best way to grill chicken without it sticking?
Make sure your grill grates are clean and preheated. Lightly oil the grates and the chicken to prevent sticking.
3. Can I cook this recipe without a grill?
Yes! Use a grill pan or skillet on the stovetop. You can also bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes.
4. Can I freeze grilled chicken?
Yes! Freeze grilled chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
5. What’s the best bun for a grilled chicken sandwich?
Soft yet sturdy buns like brioche, potato rolls, or ciabatta are ideal as they hold up well without overpowering the sandwich.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Grilled chicken sandwich - This dish consists of juicy, flavorful chicken, paired with fresh toppings and a soft, toasted bun, for summer barbecue, preparing a quick weeknight dinner, or meal-prepping for the week.
Ingredients
- 4 buns: Hamburger or brioche rolls.
- ¼ cup honey mustard sauce (or mayo).
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, about 4 small breasts.
- Toppings: Lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles (optional).
Marinade:
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts on a cutting board, cover with plastic wrap, and pound to ½-inch thickness with a meat mallet for even cooking.
- In a bowl or freezer bag, mix the marinade ingredients. Add the chicken, coat well, and let it marinate for 30 minutes to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
- Set your grill to medium-high (375°F).
- Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard the marinade. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- While the chicken cooks, brush the cut side of the buns with olive oil and grill them face down until golden.
- Spread honey mustard (or mayo) on each bun. Add toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, or onions, place the grilled chicken on top, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 1198Total Fat 69gSaturated Fat 20gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 43gCholesterol 311mgSodium 1566mgCarbohydrates 63gFiber 2gSugar 9gProtein 79g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Conclusion
The grilled chicken sandwich is a timeless classic that you can elevate in countless ways. With these tips, variations, and serving ideas, you’re equipped to craft a sandwich that’s as unique as your taste buds. Whether you’re serving it fresh off the grill or enjoying leftovers the next day, this dish promises to deliver every time.
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