Tasty Grilled Chicken Club

This grilled chicken club sandwich is super juicy and my top pick for a quick but filling lunch. The honey BBQ mayo adds a zesty pop while crispy bacon plus melty cheese create tasty layers you’ll love.

I whipped this up last minute with chicken breasts and was amazed how everything clicked without tricky steps. Now I grab it when I want a hearty meal that’s still special.

What’s Needed

• Thin-cut chicken breasts for fast, juicy grilling: thinner pieces grill evenly and don’t dry out
• Milk and pickle juice to soak the chicken: tenderize the meat gently without strong flavors
• Mayonnaise is the creamy base of the honey BBQ sauce: adds smoothness and tanginess
• Honey: sweetens and balances the tangy BBQ and mustard
• BBQ sauce for rich smoky flavor: pick one that’s nicely spiced and sweet
• Dijon mustard: adds a sharp bite to the sauce for depth
• Lemon juice: brightens everything with fresh citrus notes
• Smoked paprika: gives subtle smokiness linking all flavors; grinding fresh is best
• Crispy bacon: salty crunch cooked just till crisp yet chewy
• Cheese slices: melt on the chicken for creamy richness; mild cheddar or gouda work great
• Fresh lettuce and tomato: give crunch and freshness to balance warm parts
• Buttered multigrain or brioche buns toasted crisp: hold it all together and add flavor
• Oil to grill with: stops sticking and helps cook evenly

How To Make It

Mix the Marinade

Combine milk and pickle juice in a bowl. Slice chicken breasts thin horizontally for faster and even cooking. Soak chicken in this mixture at least 30 minutes but no more than 4 hours so it doesn’t turn mushy.

Whip Up the Honey BBQ Mayo

Stir together mayo, honey, BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and smoked paprika. Chill it in the fridge so the flavors blend and it thickens while you grill.

Fire Up the Grill

Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high and brush lightly with oil to keep chicken from sticking. Take chicken out of marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Grill 4 to 5 minutes each side until 165°F inside. Add cheese slices on top in the last minute so they melt nicely.

Toast the Buns

Butter the bun cut sides and toast on grill or skillet until golden and crispy. This keeps the bread from getting soggy once you add toppings.

Put It All Together

Slather the bottom bun with a good amount of honey BBQ mayo. Layer on lettuce and tomato for some crunch and juiciness. Stack grilled chicken with melted cheese on veggies then top with crispy bacon. Spread a bit more honey BBQ mayo on the top bun if you want extra zing. Close it up and eat right away while warm and juicy.

I really like how smoked paprika ties together the smoky bacon and BBQ into one smooth flavor. At a family BBQ, everyone was wowed that simple stuff could make such a tasty sandwich. It quickly became a must-have.

Storing Tips

Keep leftover chicken and sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To warm, gently heat chicken on the stove or microwave so it stays juicy. Toast fresh buns right before eating so the sandwich doesn't get soggy.

Swap Ideas

If you want juicier meat, swap chicken breasts with thighs and cook a bit longer. No smoked paprika? Use regular paprika with a dash of liquid smoke. Try different cheese like Swiss or pepper jack for new flavors and melt.

Tasty Pairings

Sweet potato fries or a simple green salad with light dressing make great sides. Pickles work well for extra tang and crunch. A cold glass of unsweetened iced tea balances all the rich flavors perfectly.

Every bite of this sandwich hits just right with a fun mix of textures and tastes.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ How do you keep the chicken tender and juicy?

Marinating chicken in a mix of pickle juice and milk breaks down proteins so it stays juicy and soft after you grill it.

→ What's the trick to getting bacon nice and crispy?

Bacon is cooked on its own until crunchy before going into the sandwich, so it contrasts nicely with the juicy chicken and melted cheese.

→ Why toast the buns?

Butter-toasted buns get golden and crunchy which keeps the sandwich from getting soggy once you add sauce and fillings.

→ How do you make the honey BBQ mayo?

You mix mayo with honey, BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and smoked paprika to get a sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor that goes great with the sandwich.

→ Can grilling times for the chicken change?

It depends on how thick the chicken is. Grill each side for about 4-5 minutes until the inside hits 165°F (74°C) so it stays juicy and safe to eat.

→ Why add cheese at the end of grilling?

Putting cheese on in the last minute lets it melt perfectly without drying out the chicken, making it more flavorful and moist.