Classic Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich

A sandwich on a plate with a toothpick in the middle.

5 from 5 votes

Classic Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich

Who can resist a classic sandwich that elegantly combines grilled chicken and crispy bacon? This Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich Recipe is a delicious contrast of flavors and textures and a versatile sandwich for all occasions.

Prep Time15

Cook Time15

Total Time30

Course: Sandwich

Cuisine: American

Servings: Sandwich

Calories: 1254kcal

Author: Kate O'Malley

Ingredients

1 chicken breast or chicken tenders skinless
4 slices bacon
3 slices bread toasted (white, wholemeal, rye or sourdough)
4 lettuce leaves
1 large ripe tomato sliced
2 slices sharp cheddar or Swiss cheese
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tsp Oil for cooking

Instructions

Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breast and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through and the chicken has a golden color.
Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

Cook the Bacon

In the same pan, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Remove the cooked bacon and place on paper towels to remove excess grease.

Prepare the Club Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Stir well to combine. Adjust the mustard to your taste preference.

Assemble the Club Sandwich

Toast the bread slices until golden brown. You can toast both sides on a griddle pan to add toasted stripes to the outside of the bread. Doing it this way also keeps the bread a little more pliable, which makes it easier to eat.
Take one slice of toast and spread it generously with the club sauce.
Place two lettuce leaves, chicken slices, bacon, cheese, and tomato slices on the sauced bread.
Place another slice of toast on top and repeat the process: sauce, lettuce, chicken and bacon slices, tomato and cheese slices.
Finish with the last slice of toast.
Slice the sandwich diagonally into four triangles, securing the layers of each triangle with toothpicks or skewers. Or, cut in half and wrap the entire sandwich with greaseproof paper and string for easy transport.

Notes

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Chicken: You can use leftover roast or rotisserie chicken for a faster sandwich.
Avocado: Add avocado for extra creaminess and flavor.
Club Sauce: I add Dijon mustard to the mayonnaise for extra flavor and tang. You can add any flavor profile, from chili to herbs or lemon zest. Or you can use straight mayonnaise.
Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, gouda, or mozzarella, to change the flavor profile and texture.

Tips for Club Sandwich Success

Choose Bread Wisely: When picking your bread for the sandwich, choose a sturdy, slightly pliable option like white, wholemeal, rye, or light sourdough. Avoid overly crusty bread, which can make eating the sandwich more challenging.
Toast the Bread Right: Toast the bread to your preferred level of crispiness, but if using dense artisanal bread, only lightly toast it to enhance the structural integrity without making it too hard to bite into. Using a griddle pan to toast the bread makes it visually appealing and keeps it more pliable, which makes it easier to eat. If you want extra crispy, brush a little butter or olive oil on the outside before toasting on a pan (don’t do this if using the toaster).
Layering Matters: When assembling the sandwich, how you layer the ingredients balances flavors and textures. Place the lettuce at the bottom to prevent the bread from becoming soggy from the tomatoes and sauces – this is one of my essential tips for avoiding soggy sandwiches.
Cut with Care: When cutting the sandwich into triangles or rectangles, use a sharp knife to ensure the layers stay intact. You can also use toothpicks or skewers to hold the sandwich together if it’s tall.
Sides: Serve your chicken club sandwich with potato chips or french fries and a pickle. Coleslaw or potato salad also make great accompaniments to a club sandwich.

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