Chicken Club Sandwich

One of the saddest realities of my weekly lunch routine is that I don’t get to enjoy sandwiches as often as I’d like to. I always find myself eating dinner leftovers, mainly out of fear that I’ll have to toss them if they linger in the fridge too long (I hate wasting food). That said, anytime I have the ingredients to make a cafe-style chicken club sandwich, I make an exception.

Few sandwiches can top a club, in my opinion. Made with toasted bread, crisp bacon, creamy mayo, cool deli meat, sharp cheddar and fresh vegetables, it always hits the spot. Somehow adding bacon and toasted bread to a standard sandwich just elevate the sandwich experience to the next level. A club sandwich is often a triple-decker, but this recipe makes two single sandwiches—better for sharing, of course, but also easier to eat.

If you have an insatiable desire to pile on extra toppings (like I do), feel free. Consider this recipe your roadmap to sandwich nirvana. Whether you take the direct route and make a classic chicken or turkey club sandwich, or take a few detours, the destination is guaranteed to be delicious.

Ingredients for Chicken Club Sandwiches

• Whole wheat bread: For the best chicken club sandwich, choose a soft yet sturdy whole-wheat bread. When piling on toppings, you need a strong base to hold everything together.
• Mayonnaise: Use your favorite mayonnaise brand or make homemade mayonnaise. Either will add moisture and a creamy tang to every bite.
• Deli chicken: Deli chicken has a milder taste than turkey and is typically more tender. Of course, you can use either in your sandwich.
• Bacon: No club sandwich is complete without a few crunchy, smoky strips of the best bacon you can get your hands on. Making bacon in the oven is one of the easiest (and least messy) ways to evenly cook it.
• Cheddar cheese: For maximum flavor, we recommend a sharp white cheddar for this sandwich.
• Vegetables: Butter, romaine or iceberg lettuce adds the crisp, cool layer. Finish your sandwich with a few slices of plum or beefsteak tomato or tomatoes on the vine.

Directions

Step 1: Spread the mayonnaise

Spread the mayonnaise on one side of each slice of toasted wheat bread.

Step 2: Add toppings

Next, layer two slices of bread with chicken, cooked bacon, lettuce leaves, cheddar and tomato slices.

Step 3: Finish the sandwich

Top each stack with one of the other slices of bread to make two sandwiches. Slice them, if desired, and enjoy!

Chicken Club Sandwich Variations

• Double meat: Pack on the protein by pairing the chicken with another deli meat. Try oven-roasted turkey breast, black forest ham, Genoa salami or prosciutto.
• Bread options: Use any of your favorite sandwich breads for this recipe. A few slices of toasted country white bread, sourdough, oat bread, rye or even ciabatta rolls would work well for a chicken club sandwich.
• Avocado: Avocado will take any sandwich to the next level. Here, it pairs like a dream with the crisp bacon and juicy tomatoes.
• More vegetables: Add thin slices of red onion, cucumber, bell pepper, roasted red peppers, pepperoncini or fresh sliced jalapenos for a little kick. You could also add fresh baby spinach or chopped kale for a boost of leafy green nutrition.
• Sauces and spreads: Mayo is the classic choice for a chicken club sandwich recipe, but feel free to break the rules and add a bit of mustard or replace the mayo with a smear of green goddess dressing, ranch or a creamy Caesar dressing. This homemade sandwich spread is also delish.
• Cheese choices: Swiss, provolone, smoked Gouda, pepper jack and Muenster are just a few other options to consider when assembling your chicken club sandwich.

How to Store Chicken Club Sandwiches

Wrap the assembled chicken club sandwiches in storage wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate them.

How long do chicken club sandwiches last?

For the best taste, enjoy a chicken club sandwich within a few hours of assembly—within 24 hours at the latest. Beyond that, you’ll notice the bread getting soggy and the lettuce wilting. If you need a longer shelf life, consider another type of make-ahead sandwich.

Chicken Club Sandwich Tips

Can you use a different type of chicken for these sandwiches?

Absolutely. If you have leftover grilled chicken breast or a rotisserie chicken in your refrigerator, you can use those in place of sliced deli chicken.

What else can you serve with chicken club sandwiches?

Serve a gourmet chicken club sandwich with a side of potato salad, homemade potato chips or a cozy cup of your favorite soup recipe. For lighter fare, opt for a garden salad or one of these healthy pasta salad recipes.