The Chick Fil A grilled chicken sandwich doesn’t have anything on our homemade Grilled Chicken Sandwich, complete with fresh summer ingredients, perfectly cooked chicken, and the most flavorful bites.  An amazing sandwich for the summer months ahead. 

Ditch the fast-food versions of this summer classic and enjoy our grilled chicken sandwich recipe, which has the perfect flavor combination of marinated chicken, bright pesto aioli, zesty red onions, and creamy avocado.  Make it a meal and serve it with some summer classics like grilled vegetables or homemade baked French fries, all rounded out with some strawberry rhubarb crisp for dessert.

What You Will Need

Chicken Sandwich

• chicken breasts – Select small to medium sized chicken breasts as these fit better on the sandwich bun.
• olive oil – Avocado oil will work well too.
• lemon juice – Helps to brighten the chicken marinade.
• soy sauce – Adds a rich umami flavor to the chicken.
• worcestershire sauce – Sour, mildly sweet, and a tad spicy, this ingredient adds the most unique flavor.
• garlic – Adds a bit of heat and earthiness.
• kosher salt & ground black pepper – Just a bit to heighten the other flavors.
• lemon zest – Helps elevate the bright lemon flavor throughout.
• American cheese – A mild, yet creamy cheese, perfect for melting on top of a tasty chicken breast.
• focaccia buns – The perfect savory bun for this classic sandwich.
• arugula – Adds distinct and fresh pepper and lemon flavors.
• avocado – The creaminess pairs perfectly with the more robust flavors throughout.
• quick pickled onions – Such an easy way to elevate any sandwich recipe!

Pesto Aioli

• pesto – This is basically summer in a jar; basil, parmesan, and lemon add a burst of flavor. Whip up our homemade version for the freshest flavor.
• mayo – A simple ingredient that adds creaminess and subtle flavors of mustard, salt, and vinegar. Try making the homemade mayo!
• lemon zest & lemon juice – A quick way to brighten all the flavors.
• garlic – Adding a bit of heat paired with a subtle buttery flavor.
• salt – Just a pinch.

How To Make A Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Start by mixing together the oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon zest in a small bowl to make the chicken marinade.

Next, place the chicken breasts in a glass container or silicone bag and cover them with the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator. Be sure to cover the glass container before placing it into the fridge.

While the chicken is marinating, place all of the pesto aioli ingredients in a small bowl and mix to combine. Once it’s a consistent color and texture, cover the bowl and place it into the fridge until it’s time to assemble the sandwich.

If you’re thinking about skipping pickled onions, please, please don’t. They add such a depth of flavor and taste amazing on sandwiches, salads, and on our tasty sloppy joe bowls. Use our simple tutorial to get these done while your chicken is marinating.

After the chicken has marinated, heat your gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat (approximately 450°F).  Then carefully place the marinated chicken breasts on direct heat (right on top of the flames) and cook them for about 3-5 minutes per side.  

Next, remove the chicken from the direct heat so that they continue to cook for 3-5 minutes. Once an instant-read thermometer reads 157°F, add a slice of cheese on top of each chicken breast and close the grill to allow the cheese to melt.

Recipe Tip:

Maintain the grill temperature after the chicken has been moved off the flames. Cooking with indirect heat will cook the chicken as if it is in the oven, so there’s no need to flip the breasts at this stage.

Grilled Chicken Sandwich Topping Ideas

Let your tastebuds be your guide as you put your own personal touch on this grilled sandwich. Here are a few other topping ideas and variations to get your creative juices flowing.

• crisp bacon – An excellent choice for any sandwich.
• tomato slices – Adds a fresh, summery flavor.
• bun varieties – You could also use classic hamburger buns, french bread slices, or brioche buns depending on your preference.
• iceberg lettuce – Adds a crisp, fresh bite.
• melty provolone cheese – For those who like sharper cheeses.
• cheddar cheese – A hard cheese with similar flavors to American cheese.
• hot sauce – For those who like some heat.
• potato chips – An unexpected but delicious topping that adds a nice crunch to each bite.

Recipe FAQs

• gluten-free: Use a gluten-free bun variety.
• dairy-free: Use dairy-free pesto in your pesto aioli and a dairy-free version of American cheese.
• grill time: The grill time is slightly less than what it would be for a typical chicken breast as we’re using smaller breasts to fit nicely on our sandwich buns.
• storage: We don’t suggest keeping leftover sandwiches as they’ll become soggy if stored assembled.  If you have leftover chicken breasts, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Made this grilled chicken sandwich recipe and loved it?! We would love it if you would take a minute and leave a star rating and review – it is also helpful if you made any substitutions or changes to the recipe to share that as well. THANK YOU! 

Don’t forget to check out my Instagram account for some behind-the-scenes action! Or give me a follow on Facebook or see what I am pinning on Pinterest!

Other Sandwich Recipes You Might Like

• Pork Belly Sandwich
• BBQ Chicken Sandwich
• Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
• Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Sandwich
• French Dip