Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Tender chicken breast, marinated in zesty lemon and herbs, grilled to smoky perfection. Served on a toasted brioche bun with crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, and a creamy homemade garlic aioli. A classic sandwich, elevated.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare and Marinate the Chicken
- b.Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even ½-inch thickness. This ensures they cook evenly.
- c.In a bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, oregano, thyme, 1/4 tsp salt, and pepper.
- d.Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring it's fully coated. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the Garlic Aioli
- b.While the chicken marinates, make the aioli. In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk, 1 minced garlic clove, and Dijon mustard.
- c.Very slowly, a few drops at a time, start adding the 1/2 cup of olive oil while whisking constantly. Once it starts to emulsify, you can add the oil in a thin, steady stream.
- d.Continue whisking until all the oil is incorporated and the aioli is thick and creamy.
- e.Stir in 1 tbsp of lemon juice and the remaining 1/4 tsp of salt. Cover and refrigerate.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Grill the Chicken
- b.Preheat your grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat (about 425°F or 220°C). Lightly oil the grates.
- c.Remove chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
- d.Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown with clear grill marks.
- e.Check for doneness with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
- f.Transfer the chicken to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes to keep it juicy.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Toast Buns and Assemble
- b.While the chicken rests, brush the cut sides of the brioche buns with melted butter.
- c.Place the buns cut-side down on the grill for about 1 minute, until lightly toasted.
- d.Spread a generous layer of garlic aioli on both halves of the toasted buns.
- e.Layer the bottom bun with lettuce, the rested chicken breast, tomato slices, and red onion rings.
- f.Place the top bun on and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the juiciest chicken, don't skip pounding it to an even thickness. It's the key to even cooking.
- 2When making aioli, ensure your egg yolk is at room temperature and add the oil very slowly to prevent it from breaking.
- 3Letting the grilled chicken rest is crucial. It allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist sandwich.
- 4For a cheesier version, add a slice of provolone or Swiss cheese to the chicken during the last minute of grilling.
- 5If you don't have a grill, a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat works great for cooking the chicken.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade for a spicy kick.
gluten freeGluten free
Serve the grilled chicken on your favorite gluten-free buns or wrapped in large lettuce leaves for a carb-free option.
dairy freeDairy free
Use a dairy-free butter alternative or a brush of olive oil to toast the buns.
healthyHealthy
Opt for a whole wheat bun and skip the butter for toasting. Load up on extra vegetables like cucumber and bell peppers.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Chicken breast is a fantastic source of high-quality lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Contains Healthy Fats
The homemade aioli uses olive oil, which is rich in monounsaturated fats that are beneficial for heart health.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Fresh toppings like tomatoes and lettuce provide essential vitamins like Vitamin C and K, while chicken offers B vitamins and selenium.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it can be very healthy. It's a great source of lean protein. Making the aioli at home with olive oil provides healthy fats, and using whole wheat buns and plenty of fresh vegetables increases the fiber content.