Ever since I first tried the Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich, I’ve been hooked—but let me tell you, my homemade version might just be even better (and I don’t say that lightly!). It’s got all that juicy, smoky grilled chicken goodness without the fried guilt, plus crispy bacon, melty cheese, and the freshest veggies piled high on a toasty multigrain bun. Trust me, this sandwich hits all the right notes. I’ve spent way too many summer afternoons perfecting my grill technique just for this recipe—those beautiful grill marks and tender chicken are worth every second. Once you taste that first bite, you’ll understand why this is my go-to lunch obsession.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich
Here’s everything you’ll need to make my favorite grilled chicken club—and yes, every single ingredient matters! I’m picky about these because the right combo makes all the difference between a good sandwich and a knock-your-socks-off one.
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 6 oz)—look for one that’s evenly thick so it cooks uniformly
- 2 slices of bacon (I use thick-cut for that perfect crunch)
- 1 slice of cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar melts beautifully over the hot chicken)
- 2 slices of tomato (ripe but firm—no mushy tomatoes allowed!)
- 1 large leaf of green lettuce (I prefer butter lettuce for its tenderness)
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise (measure this—too much makes the bun soggy)
- 1 multigrain bun (toasted lightly—this is non-negotiable for texture)
- Salt and pepper to taste (I use about ¼ tsp kosher salt and a few cracks of black pepper)
Ingredient Substitutions
Don’t stress if you’re missing something! Here’s how to adapt without losing that Chick-fil-A magic:
- Bacon: Turkey bacon works (cook it extra crispy) or skip it for a lighter version
- Cheese: Swiss or pepper jack add fun twists—my husband loves the spicy kick from pepper jack
- Bun: Gluten-free buns or even a lettuce wrap keep it low-carb
- Mayo: Greek yogurt with a squeeze of lemon works in a pinch
Just promise me one thing—never, ever use pre-shredded cheese. That stuff doesn’t melt right and we’re going for perfection here.
How to Make Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich
Alright, let’s get cooking! This sandwich comes together fast once you’ve got all your ingredients ready. I like to prep everything first—it makes the assembly so much smoother when you’re not scrambling for tomato slices while your chicken cools. Here’s exactly how I do it, step by step.
Seasoning and Grilling the Chicken
First thing’s first—that beautiful chicken breast. I pat it dry (crucial for good grill marks!) and season both sides generously with about ¼ teaspoon kosher salt and a few cracks of fresh black pepper. No fancy spice blends needed here—the simplicity lets the grilled flavor shine.
Fire up your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. You want those flames hot enough to sear but not so hot they burn. I grill mine for about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. The magic number? 165°F internal temp—I never skip checking with my instant-read thermometer. When you see those perfect char lines and the juices run clear, you’re golden. Let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing—this keeps all those juices right where they belong.
Cooking the Bacon
While the chicken cooks, let’s get that bacon crispy. My grandma taught me to bake bacon—it’s less messy and cooks evenly. 400°F for about 15-18 minutes on a rack over a baking sheet does the trick. But if you’re like me and sometimes need bacon now, the stovetop works too. Medium heat, flipping often, until it’s that perfect balance of crispy but not burnt. Drain it on paper towels—no one likes soggy bacon in their sandwich!
Assembling the Sandwich
Here’s where the magic happens! Toast your bun lightly—just enough to give it some crunch without making it too hard to bite. Spread that tablespoon of mayo on the bottom bun (trust me, measured mayo prevents sogginess). Layer in this order:
- Crisp lettuce leaf
- Two tomato slices (pat them dry with a paper towel first!)
- Your gorgeous grilled chicken
- The cheese slice (it’ll soften perfectly from the chicken’s heat)
- Those two glorious bacon strips
Gently press the top bun down—just enough to hold everything together without squishing. Slice diagonally (because everything tastes better cut diagonally) and serve immediately. That first bite of warm grilled chicken, melty cheese, and crispy bacon? Absolute perfection.
Tips for the Best Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich
After making this sandwich more times than I can count (okay, maybe I’ve lost track because I make it weekly), I’ve learned a few tricks that take it from good to can’t-stop-eating-it amazing. Here are my must-follow tips:
- Toast those buns! Even just 30 seconds in a dry pan makes all the difference—it adds crunch and keeps the mayo from turning your bread to mush. My golden rule? Toast them until they’re just barely golden, not brown.
- Let the chicken rest after grilling. I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but those 3 minutes of patience let the juices redistribute. Otherwise you’ll end up with dry chicken and a soggy bun—and nobody wants that.
- Use veggies straight from the fridge. I keep my lettuce and tomatoes chilled until assembly—it gives that refreshing crispness that makes Chick-fil-A’s version so good. Room temp veggies get weirdly limp.
- Assemble fast but carefully. Have everything ready to go before your chicken comes off the grill. That way, you can layer it all while the chicken’s still hot enough to melt the cheese perfectly, but not so hot it wilts your lettuce.
Bonus tip from my many failures: don’t overstuff the sandwich. It might look Instagram-worthy piled sky-high, but you’ll end up wearing half of it—ask me how I know. Keep it balanced and you’ll actually taste every component in each bite.
Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich Variations
Once you’ve mastered the classic version, it’s fun to play around with different flavors! Here are my favorite ways to mix things up—some so good they’ve become regulars in our house.
- Avocado Lover’s: Add 3 thin slices of ripe avocado right under the bacon. The creaminess takes this to another level!
- Spicy Southwest: Swap mayo for chipotle mayo (just mix 1 tbsp mayo with ½ tsp adobo sauce) and add pickled jalapeños.
- California Style: Skip the bacon and add a schmear of garlic herb cream cheese with cucumber slices instead.
- Breakfast Club: Top your chicken with a fried egg—the runny yolk makes an incredible sauce.
My husband’s current obsession? Adding crispy onion straws for extra crunch. Whatever you try, the key is balancing textures and flavors without overshadowing that perfect grilled chicken.
Serving Suggestions
This Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich is plenty satisfying on its own, but let’s be honest—everything’s better with the right sides! Here’s what I love serving alongside mine:
- Classic waffle fries—because some traditions are too good to break. I bake mine extra crispy with a sprinkle of sea salt.
- A simple fruit salad of watermelon, grapes, and berries for that sweet contrast to the savory sandwich.
- Sweet potato fries when I’m feeling fancy—their natural sweetness pairs perfectly with the smoky chicken.
- Crunchy coleslaw (my mom’s vinegar-based recipe) cuts through the richness beautifully.
On really hot days, I’ll skip the fries altogether and go for chilled sides—think cucumber salad or those iconic Chick-fil-A superfood side cups. The cool crunch balances the warm sandwich perfectly!
More Chicken and Bacon Goodness
If you’re a fan of the chicken-bacon combo, you’ll love this Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub Recipe. It’s another easy-to-make, flavor-loaded option perfect for lunch.
Looking for a burger alternative? Check out the juicy and savory Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers Recipe.
For a lighter wrap option, don’t miss the Turkey Ranch Club Wraps Recipe – a great on-the-go choice with balanced protein and crunch.
Need something comforting for dinner? Dive into the creamy and indulgent Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Crack Chicken, perfect for weeknights.
Storage and Reheating
Here’s my golden rule: store everything separately to avoid sogginess! Keep chicken, bacon, and veggies in airtight containers (2 days max for best quality). To reheat, pop the chicken in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes—microwaving makes it rubbery. Assemble fresh when ready to eat for that just-made crispness.
Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich Nutrition
Let’s talk numbers—because knowing what’s in your favorite sandwich helps you enjoy every bite guilt-free! Here’s the nutritional breakdown for my version of this grilled chicken club (made exactly as written above). Just remember: “Nutritional values are estimates and vary based on ingredients.”
- Calories: 450 (way lighter than fried chicken sandwiches!)
- Protein: 35g (thanks to that hefty chicken breast)
- Carbs: 35g (mostly from the multigrain bun)
- Sugar: 5g (natural sugars from tomato and bun)
- Fat: 20g (but hey, those are good fats from avocado mayo if you use it)
- Sodium: 800mg (the bacon and cheese contribute most—use low-sodium versions if needed)
A few pro tips if you’re watching specific nutrients: swap regular bacon for turkey bacon to cut sodium by nearly half, use reduced-fat cheese to trim calories, or skip the bun entirely and serve it salad-style for a low-carb option. My personal philosophy? Enjoy every delicious bite—this sandwich packs enough protein and flavor to be worth every number on the label!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich?
Absolutely! I’ve done this many times when I forgot to thaw chicken. Just thaw overnight in the fridge first—never grill frozen chicken directly or it’ll cook unevenly. Pat the thawed chicken extra dry before seasoning to help those beautiful grill marks form. Pro tip: brine frozen chicken for 30 minutes in cold water with 1 tbsp salt per cup to keep it juicy.
How can I make my grilled chicken club sandwich spicier?
Oh, I love this question! Here are my favorite ways to turn up the heat:
- Mix ½ tsp cayenne or chipotle powder into your salt/pepper seasoning blend
- Swap regular mayo for sriracha mayo (just stir in 1 tsp sriracha per tbsp mayo)
- Add pickled jalapeños right under the cheese—the heat melts into everything!
My husband’s current obsession? A drizzle of Nashville hot chicken sauce over the bacon. Just warning you—it’s addictive!
Can I prep ingredients for the Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich ahead?
Yes! Here’s my make-ahead strategy (perfect for meal prep Sundays):
- Chicken: Grill and slice, then store in fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently in oven.
- Bacon: Cook until slightly underdone, refrigerate, then crisp up in pan when needed.
- Veggies: Wash and dry lettuce/tomatoes, store in separate containers with paper towels.
Just don’t assemble until you’re ready to eat—trust me, I learned the hard way that pre-made sandwiches turn into soggy messes. All the components keep beautifully though!
Try This Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich Recipe and Share Your Twist!
Alright, now it’s your turn to make this incredible sandwich your own! I want to hear all about your kitchen adventures—did you add an unexpected ingredient? Find a genius shortcut? Maybe you grilled the chicken over charcoal for extra smokiness? Whatever you do, don’t keep those delicious secrets to yourself. Drop your favorite variations, tips, or even funny cooking mishaps in the comments below (we’ve all had those!). Can’t wait to see what you come up with—who knows, your idea might just become my new go-to version!
Juicy Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich Recipe – 5 Secret Tips!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A delicious grilled chicken club sandwich with crispy bacon, cheese, and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 slices of bacon
- 1 slice of cheddar cheese
- 2 slices of tomato
- 1 leaf of green lettuce
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 multigrain bun
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper.
- Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Cook the bacon until crispy and set aside.
- Toast the multigrain bun lightly.
- Spread mayonnaise on the bottom half of the bun.
- Layer lettuce, tomato, grilled chicken, cheese, and bacon.
- Cover with the top half of the bun and serve.
Notes
- For a smokier flavor, use smoked cheddar cheese.
- You can add avocado slices for extra creaminess.
- Toast the bun for a crispier texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
