Juicy grilled chicken tucked inside a soft bun with your favorite toppings makes a timeless chicken sandwich that’s quick and satisfying.
Why this recipe works
This grilled chicken sandwich shines because it’s simple and honest. A straightforward seasoning, a hot sear on the grill, and a few fresh toppings are all you need for a flavorful result. It’s lighter than a breaded, fried chicken burger, but equally delicious — choose whichever you prefer.
Ingredients you will need
Full ingredient amounts and the printable recipe card are provided at the end of this post. The ingredient list below covers the essentials and common optional toppings.
Ingredient info and substitution suggestions
Chicken – Use three boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 15 ounces total). Trim any excess fat before seasoning for the best texture.
Seasoning – A simple mix of garlic salt, black pepper, and onion powder complements the chicken without overwhelming your toppings. You can swap in your favorite spice blend — Cajun seasoning is a good choice if you like heat.
How to make the chicken sandwich
Step-by-step photos and instructions are included to help you visualize each stage. The printable recipe with exact measurements and timings is available at the bottom of this post.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high.
- Trim the chicken breasts of any fatty pieces.
- In a small bowl, mix garlic salt, black pepper, and onion powder.
- Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the chicken breasts. You may not need all of the mix.
- Grill the chicken, turning occasionally, until an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F (about 10–12 minutes, depending on thickness).
- If desired, toast the buns on the grill. Assemble the sandwiches with your preferred toppings and sauces, then serve hot.
Frequently asked questions & expert tips
Store grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. To preserve texture, keep the chicken separate from buns and fresh toppings until you’re ready to assemble.
No — you can cook the chicken in an oven, on the stovetop in a skillet, or on a griddle. The grill adds a smoky sear, but any method that reaches 165°F internally will work.
Serving suggestions
Serve the sandwich with classic sides such as french fries, potato chips, coleslaw, baked beans, sweet potato fries, onion rings, or a crisp green salad.
For toppings, try the classic tomato, lettuce, and pickle trio, or mix it up with sliced jalapeños, coleslaw, bacon, cheddar or provolone, avocado, or red onion. Finish with mayo, spicy mayo, buffalo, or barbecue sauce to taste.
More chicken recipes
- BBQ Chicken Sandwich
- Crispy Chicken Burger
- Grilled Chicken Quesadilla
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich
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Chicken Sandwich
IMPORTANT – Frequently asked questions and tips are included earlier in this post. Scroll up to view them.
Ingredients
- 15 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts 3 breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 sandwich buns
Optional toppings
- mayonnaise or ranch dressing
- sliced tomatoes
- lettuce
- pickles
- onions
Things you’ll need
- Grill
- Instant read thermometer
- Tongs
Before you begin
- The simple seasoning keeps the chicken balanced with your toppings, but feel free to use any spice blend you prefer. For heat, try Cajun seasoning.
Instructions
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Preheat grill to medium-high.
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Trim chicken breasts of any fatty pieces.
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Combine garlic salt, black pepper, and onion powder in a small bowl.
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Sprinkle the chicken with the seasoning mixture; you may not need all of it.
-
Grill the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 10–12 minutes depending on thickness.
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Toast the buns on the grill if you like, then assemble with your preferred toppings and serve.
Expert tips & FAQs
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days, keeping chicken separate from buns and fresh toppings.
- Nutritional information excludes optional toppings.
Nutrition
Recipes here are tested using conventional gas ovens and stovetops. Oven performance varies, so an oven thermometer can help ensure accurate temperatures. If using alternate appliances, cooking times may differ.