The key to the best grilled chicken sandwich isn't just the toppings - it's the marinade. This easy grilled chicken sandwich recipe uses a simple, flavorful marinade that keeps the chicken juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. Whether you're grilling for a weeknight dinner or summer cookout, this recipe delivers perfectly seasoned chicken every time.
The Best Marinade for a Juicy Grilled Chicken Sandwich
The key to the best grilled chicken sandwich isn't just the toppings - it's the marinade. This simple combination of pantry ingredients creates tender, flavorful chicken with the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet notes. A well-balanced marinade doesn't just add flavor - it helps keep the chicken moist and juicy on the grill.
Why This Marinade Works
- Olive Oil: Olive oil locks in moisture and helps prevent the chicken from drying out on the grill. It also allows the seasonings to coat the chicken evenly.
- Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard adds subtle sharpness and depth without overpowering the sandwich. You can use smooth Dijon or grainy brown mustard depending on what you have on hand.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A small amount of apple cider vinegar helps tenderize the chicken while adding brightness. Lemon juice or lime juice work beautifully as substitutes.
- Honey: Honey adds a touch of sweetness that balances the acidity and helps the chicken caramelize slightly on the grill. Brown sugar can be used if needed.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These pantry staples provide savory depth and enhance the overall flavor of the marinade.
How Long to Marinate Chicken
For the best grilled chicken sandwich, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor and maximum tenderness, 2-6 hours is ideal. You can marinate up to 24 hours, but avoid going much longer to maintain the best texture.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and tend to stay even juicier than chicken breasts. Simply adjust the cooking time slightly as needed.
Recipe Inspiration
One of the best summer foods is a grilled chicken sandwich, so I decided to add my version to the blog. I love that the juicy grilled chicken breast is really the star of the show. Don't skip the marinade! It makes all the difference.
I love serving these with a dill pickle and potato chips. For a more casual approach, serve everything platter-style and let everyone build their own sandwich. As a cookbook author, I find this kind of serve-yourself setup makes meals more fun and stress-free.
If you're looking for more summertime recipes, check out our Summer Panzanella Salad, Grilled Garlic Rack of Lamb, Italian BMT, Grinder Sandwich, and Cilantro and Parsley Salsa.
Or, for delicious chicken recipes, check out our Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken, Gorgonzola Chicken, or Tuscan Chicken Thighs.
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Why You'll Love this Recipe
Here's why you'll love this yummy grilled chicken sandwich recipe.
- The marinade makes the difference:Â Tender, flavorful chicken that stands out from basic grilled sandwiches.
- Quick and reliable:Â Minimal prep, straightforward grilling, and consistently juicy results.
- Family-friendly:Â Simple flavors that everyone loves.
- Versatile:Â Works for sandwiches, salads, wraps, or meal prep.
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients you will need for these grilled chicken sandwiches:
- Chicken breasts - You'll want boneless and skinless chicken breasts. You could also use chicken thighs if you prefer them!
- Olive oil - Use regular, not extra virgin olive oil in this recipe
- Dijon Mustard - I also love using a grainy brown mustard in the marinade. You can really use any mustard you have on hand.
- Apple Cider Vinegar - You can substitute lemon juice or lime juice in place of the apple cider vinegar
- Honey - Brown Sugar is a great substitute!
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder
- Salt and Black Pepper
- Brioche Buns - You can also use any type for hamburger buns. I love Aldi's seeded brioche buns!
- Mayonnaise
- Tomato - I used a Roma tomato
- Lettuce - I used leafy greens that I had on hand, but you can use iceberg lettuce or butter lettuce as well!
- Red Onions
Directions
Let's make this chicken sandwich together!
Recipe Video
Step 1
Pound chicken breasts to ½ in thickness.
Step 2
Combine chicken, olive oil, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix well and cover. Cover with foil and marinate for 1 hour.
Step 3
Heat grill to medium heat. Oil the grates and place chicken on the grill. Grill chicken for 5 minutes per side. Remove chicken pieces from the grill and set aside on a plate.
Step 4
Spray buns with cooking spray. Toast buns on the grill for 30 seconds. Assemble sandwich by spreading mayo on the top and bottom of the bun. Layer lettuce, chicken, tomato, and red onion and top with the top bun. Serve and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
Here are some expert tips and tricks for this easy recipe.
- Marinate in Advance - Make the marinade in the morning and refrigerate the chicken all day. This will make dinner time even easier!
- Complete the Meal - Serve this with a simple pasta salad on the side for a complete meal.
- Oil the Grill - Remember to oil your gas grill to prevent sticking. Nobody wants a mess on the grill!
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
- Grill - We have this grill and smoker combo and we love it! My husband loves to grill and he is so happy with it!
- Grill Tool Kit - If you're grilling, you need all the appropriate accessories! This kit comes with a brush, tongs, and spatula that you can use exclusively for your grill.
- Grill Cart - We use a small kitchen cart like this one to store all of our grilling tools. It's a great way to keep everything organized!
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this easy recipe.
- Add on the toppings - You can use any of your favorite toppings for this sandwich! A few other ideas are red peppers, hot sauce, honey mustard sauce, and chipotle mayo.
- Make it Spicy - Make the chicken spicy by adding a few teaspoons of cayenne pepper to the marinate. It'll add a good kick to the chicken.
- Broil - If you don't have a grill, no worries, you can still make this recipe! Just broil the chicken in the oven for the same blackened, grill taste. Broil on the top rack for 5 minutes per side until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165F.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use mayonnaise, flavored mayonnaise such as sriracha mayo or chipotle mayo, ketchup, honey mustard, or dijon mustard.
A grilled chicken sandwich is a great balance between protein and carbs, making it a better option than a fried chicken sandwich!
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this recipe.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight continuer and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
- Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.
- Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until the chicken is warm.
Other Recipes to Try
Check out some of our other easy and delicious recipes.
The Best Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Equipment
- Grill
- Grill Tools
Ingredients
- 2 lb chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 6 brioche buns
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 to mato sliced
- Lettuce for topping
- Red onions for topping
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts to ½ in thickness.
- Combine chicken, olive oil, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix well and cover. Marinate for 1 hour.
- Heat a grill to medium heat. Oil the grates and grill chicken for 5 minutes per side. Set aside on a plate.
- Spray buns with cooking spray. Toast buns on the grill for 30 seconds.
- Assemble sandwich by spreading mayo on the top and bottom of the bun. Layer lettuce, chicken, tomato, and red onion and top with the remaining bun. Serve and enjoy!
Video
Notes
-
- Marinate in Advance - Make the marinade in the morning and refrigerate the chicken all day. This will make dinner time even easier!
-
- Oil the Grill - Remember to oil your gas grill to prevent sticking. Nobody wants a mess on the grill!
-
- Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight continuer and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
-
- Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.
-
- Reheating Instructions:Â The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until the chicken is warm.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Leave a comment below or tag us @tasting.with.tina on Instagram!
Angie says
So easy to follow! Can't wait to make again for Memorial Day.
Christina Musgrave says
So glad you enjoyed!