Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A Loaded Chicken Club Sandwich delivers everything you crave in a satisfying handheld meal—layers of juicy chicken, smoky bacon, crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, creamy spreads, and toasted bread stacked high for maximum flavor. This version elevates the classic club by adding generous fillings and thoughtful touches that make every bite memorable. What I love most about this recipe is how flexible it is; you can use grilled chicken, rotisserie leftovers, or pan-seared fillets and the sandwich still tastes incredible. I once made this sandwich using homemade herb mayo with a touch of lemon, and it worked great, brightening all the rich flavors. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a casual gathering, this Loaded Chicken Club Sandwich is hearty, customizable, and guaranteed to hit the spot.
Loaded Chicken Club Sandwich: A Hearty, Flavor-Packed Classic Made Even Better
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 2 large sandwiches
- Diet: Halal
Description
A hearty, fully loaded chicken club sandwich stacked with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, cheese, and a zesty sauce layered between toasted bread.
Ingredients
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, sliced or shredded
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp
- 4 slices cheddar or Swiss cheese
- 4 large slices tomato
- 1 cup lettuce or mixed greens
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 6 slices toasted bread (white, wheat, or sourdough)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the sandwich sauce.
- Toast the bread slices until golden.
- Spread the sauce over each slice of toasted bread.
- Layer lettuce, tomato slices, and red onion onto one slice.
- Add a layer of sliced chicken and top with a slice of cheese.
- Place a second slice of toast on top and spread with more sauce.
- Add bacon slices and another small layer of lettuce or chicken if desired.
- Top with the final slice of toast, sauce-side down.
- Press gently, secure with toothpicks, and slice into halves or quarters.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut.
- Add avocado slices for extra creaminess.
- Swap bacon for turkey bacon to lighten it up.
- Try chipotle mayo for a spicier twist.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Assembly
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cooked Chicken Breast
Sliced or shredded chicken provides a lean yet juicy protein base. Grilled chicken adds smoky flavor, while rotisserie chicken brings convenience.
Bacon
Crispy bacon adds salty crunch and smoky richness that balances the freshness of the vegetables.
Bread (Sourdough, White, or Whole Wheat)
Toasted bread supports the stacked fillings and adds texture. Thick slices provide the best structure.
Lettuce
Crisp greens such as romaine or iceberg add freshness and crunch, balancing the rich layers.
Tomato Slices
Ripe tomatoes bring juiciness, acidity, and color. Choose firm, flavorful varieties for best results.
Cheese
Cheddar, Swiss, or provolone melt beautifully and add creamy depth to the sandwich.
Mayonnaise
Mayo adds creaminess and helps bind all the elements together. Flavored or herbed mayo works especially well.
Mustard (Optional)
Adds tang and sharpness, balancing the richness of the chicken and bacon.
Salt and Black Pepper
A touch of seasoning ensures every layer is flavorful.
Directions
Begin by preparing all components. Toast the bread slices until golden and crisp. Cook the bacon until crispy, then drain on paper towels. Slice the cooked chicken breast thinly or shred it, depending on your preference.
Spread mayonnaise (and mustard, if using) on each slice of toasted bread. Layer lettuce and tomato on the bottom slice and season lightly with salt and pepper. Add a slice of cheese, followed by a generous layer of chicken.
Place the middle slice of bread on top, spread with more mayo, and add bacon, additional lettuce, and a second layer of chicken or cheese if desired. Finish with the final slice of bread.
Press gently to secure the layers, then slice the sandwich diagonally into halves or quarters. Secure with sandwich picks for easier handling and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 2
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Storage/reheating
This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh due to the crispy vegetables and toast. If storing for later, assemble without lettuce or tomatoes to avoid sogginess, then add them just before serving. Keep leftovers refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Reheating is not recommended, as it can dry out the chicken and wilt the vegetables.
Variations and Customizations
Grilled Chicken Club
Use grilled chicken seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, and herbs for extra flavor.
Avocado Club Sandwich
Add sliced avocado or guacamole for creamy richness.
Spicy Chipotle Club
Mix chipotle peppers into the mayo for smoky heat.
Turkey and Chicken Combo
Layer turkey slices with chicken for a more traditional club feel.
Maple Bacon Twist
Brush bacon with maple syrup during cooking for sweet-salty crunch.
Ranch Chicken Club
Swap mayo for ranch dressing for a zesty, herb-packed variation.
Veggie-Loaded Club
Add cucumbers, red onion, or roasted peppers for added texture and color.
Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free bread and ensure condiments are gluten-free.
Cheese Lover’s Club
Double the cheese layers and use a blend of cheddar and Swiss.
Pesto Mayo Spread
Blend mayonnaise with pesto for a bright, herbaceous twist.
FAQs
What chicken works best for this sandwich?
Grilled or pan-seared chicken breasts offer the best texture and flavor.
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, turkey slices make an excellent substitute.
What is the best bread for a club sandwich?
Sourdough, white sandwich bread, or wheat bread toasted until crisp.
Can I make this sandwich ahead?
Assemble partially—leave out lettuce and tomato until ready to serve.
Should I use warm or cold chicken?
Either works, though warm chicken melts the cheese slightly.
Can I add sauces?
Yes, chipotle mayo, honey mustard, or ranch are great additions.
How do I keep the sandwich from falling apart?
Use sturdy bread, stack evenly, and secure with picks.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely—it’s convenient and flavorful.
Can I make this lower calorie?
Use light mayo and omit cheese or bacon as desired.
What sides pair well with this?
Chips, fries, coleslaw, a simple salad, or pickles.
Conclusion
The Loaded Chicken Club Sandwich elevates a classic favorite with hearty layers, bold flavors, and satisfying textures. From the crisp bacon to the juicy chicken and creamy condiments, every bite delivers comfort and freshness. This customizable recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick lunch, relaxed dinner, or weekend treat. Enjoy building—and devouring—this flavorful, stacked masterpiece.
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