Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Name: Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 115 min
Ingredients: 4 medium chicken breasts; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tbsp pickle juice; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp paprika; 2 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1/3rd cup mayonnaise; 1/4 tsp paprika; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; pinch of salt & pepper; 1 tsp pickle juice; 8 slices bacon; 4 Brioche buns; 4-6 slices provolone cheese; iceberg lettuce; thinly sliced red onion; pickle slices; sliced tomato

Published: Jun 28, 2021 · Modified: Nov 10, 2026 by jamjarkitchen · This post may contain affiliate links · 67 Comments

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Take chicken breasts to another level with this easy and delicious Grilled Chicken Sandwich! Moist grilled chicken topped with melty provolone and served on bacon grease toasted brioche bun with seasoned mayo, fresh tomatoes, bacon, iceberg lettuce and pickles. The perfect sandwich bite!

Close-up of the ultimate juicy grilled chicken sandwich topped with crispy bacon, melted cheese, fresh lettuce, sliced tomato, and red onion, served on a glossy, toasted brioche bun.

I feel like grilled chicken sandwiches have a reputation for being the boring option at a summer cookout. They're usually fine, but they're rarely the thing anyone gets particularly excited about. Well, this grilled chicken sandwich recipe is here to change that, because there's absolutely nothing boring about it.

The secret starts with a simple chicken marinade made with spices and a little pickle juice, which adds great flavor and helps keep the chicken breasts tender and juicy on the grill. Then comes the good stuff: melted provolone cheese, crispy bacon, and a buttery brioche bun toasted in bacon fat. Yes, bacon fat. Trust me on this one.

I love a good burger as much as anyone, but sometimes a really good grilled chicken sandwich is exactly what I want. This one has become a favorite for summer grilling, backyard BBQs, and easy weeknight dinners when we want something a little more exciting than the usual chicken breast. It's easy to make, packed with flavor, and the kind of sandwich you'll find yourself craving long after grilling season is over. Hope you enjoy!

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Check out other grilling recipes for you to love.
Equipment
Ingredients
Step by Step Instructions
Serving Suggestions
Frequently Asked Questions
Recipe

Check out other grilling recipes for you to love.

Overhead view of ingredients for assembling grilled chicken sandwiches including two grilled chicken breasts topped with melted cheese, toasted brioche buns, sliced tomatoes, red onions, fresh lettuce, and a creamy sauce on the side.

Equipment

Grill: You could also use a grill pan.
Grill safe tongs or spatula
Foil lined pan
Skillet
Paper towel lined plate
Cutting board and knife
Measuring Cups and spoons
Meat Thermometer (optional): This is optional but it's definitely the best way to ensure your meat is cooked properly. I highly recommend the Oxo meat thermometer.

Ingredients

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for these grilled chicken sandwiches. Look for good-quality chicken breasts that are similar in size so they cook evenly. You can also use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time.
Olive oil: Avocado oil is a great substitute, especially for grilling at higher temperatures.
Pickles and pickle juice: The pickle juice adds a delicious tangy flavor to the chicken marinade and seasoned mayonnaise. I recommend using dill pickles rather than sweet pickles for this recipe. Save a few slices to add to your finished sandwich!
Garlic powder: You can substitute granulated garlic if that's what you have on hand.
Onion powder: I prefer onion powder to granules here because it distributes evenly and won't burn during grilling.
Paprika: Regular paprika works well, but you can use smoked paprika if you want a slightly smokier flavor.
Bacon: Crispy bacon makes just about any sandwich better, but we're also using the rendered bacon fat to toast the brioche buns. Thick-cut or regular bacon will both work, although regular bacon tends to crisp up a little faster.
Brioche buns: You can use regular hamburger buns or potato buns, but I really think brioche takes these sandwiches to another level.
Provolone cheese: I love the mild, creamy flavor of provolone and how beautifully it melts over the grilled chicken. Swiss, Monterey Jack, or cheddar cheese are all delicious alternatives.
Mayonnaise: The base for the tangy seasoned mayo that brings everything together. Use your favorite good-quality mayonnaise, or substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier spread.
Iceberg lettuce (optional): I love the fresh crunch of iceberg lettuce against the warm chicken and crispy bacon. Romaine, butter lettuce, or your favorite sandwich greens will also work.
Tomato (optional): A few slices of ripe, juicy tomato add freshness to the sandwich. I especially love using thick slices of beefsteak tomato when they're in season.
Red onion (optional): Adds a little sharpness and crunch that balances the richness of the bacon and cheese. Thinly sliced sweet onion or pickled red onions are great alternatives.
Salt & pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the chicken marinade. Freshly ground black pepper is my preference, and you can adjust both to taste.

Step by Step Instructions

Time needed: 1 hour and 55 minutes

How to make Grilled Chicken Sandwiches

Gently pound the chicken to achieve an even thickness.
Make marinade and pour over chicken. Marinate for 1-2 hours.
Preheat the grill and cook the bacon.
Once the bacon is crispy remove from the pan and set on a paper towel lined plate. Pour out some of the bacon grease but leave a small layer to toast the buns on.
Grill the chicken.
While the chicken is grilling, toast the buns in the skillet with the layer of bacon grease.

Place in the pan cut side down and toast over medium high heat until golden and crisp on the edges.
During the last minute of grill time, top the chicken breasts with some provolone cheese slices.
Remove chicken from the grill and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
While the chicken rests make the seasoned mayo.
Assemble the sandwiches and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

I love serving these Grilled Chicken Sandwiches with my fresh and delicious French Green Bean Salad or my Berry Caprese Salad (aka: 4th of July Salad).

If you want to make this recipe low carb you can skip the brioche buns and serve in a lettuce wrap.

A best homemade grilled chicken sandwich layered with crispy bacon, melted cheese, fresh lettuce, ripe tomato, and red onion, served on a toasted brioche bun.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a safe internal temperature for cooking chicken breasts?

The thickest part of the chicken needs to register 165 degree F to be considered safe. The easiest way to determine this is by using a meat thermometer. I like this Oxo meat Thermometer.

How do I toast the buns if I don't want to use bacon?

Simply brush the buns with some melted butter or olive oil and toast cut side down in a skillet over medium high heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

What if I don't have a grill?

You can also make these sandwiches using the stove. Simply marinate the chicken according to the instructions. Then heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat until hot. Add the chicken breasts and then put a lid on the skillet. Cook undisturbed over medium high heat for 4-5 minutes, then flip to the other side and repeat until the chicken registers an international temperature of 165 degrees F.

More delicious sandwiches for you to try.

Grilled Pepper and Mozzarella Sandwich

Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers

BBQ Ranch Burgers

Made this grilled chicken sandwich recipe? Let me know what you think in the comments!

Recipe