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
Season the Chicken
Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp dried oregano, 0.5 tsp dried thyme, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken breasts.
Prepare the Garlic Aioli
Mince 1 clove of garlic very finely or use a garlic press. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 large egg yolk, the minced garlic, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 0.5 tsp salt until well combined.
- Slowly drizzle in 0.5 cup olive oil, whisking continuously and vigorously until the mixture emulsifies and thickens into a creamy aioli.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
TIPEnsure all ingredients are at room temperature for a better emulsification. Add oil very slowly at first to prevent breaking the aioli.Grill the Chicken Breasts
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F/200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the hot grill.
- Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is no longer pink in the center, with nice grill marks.
- Remove chicken from grill and let rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes.
TIPResting the chicken allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful breast.Toast Buns and Prepare Vegetables
While the chicken rests, melt 1 tbsp butter in a pan or on the grill. Slice 4 brioche buns in half and toast them cut-side down until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.
- Wash and dry 4 romaine lettuce leaves.
- Thinly slice 1 tomato and 0.5 red onion into rings.
Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread a generous layer of the prepared garlic aioli on both halves of each toasted brioche bun. Place a grilled chicken breast on the bottom bun.
- Layer with fresh romaine lettuce, tomato slices, and red onion rings.
- Top with the other half of the brioche bun.
Serve Immediately
Serve the grilled chicken sandwiches hot and fresh. They pair wonderfully with a side of fries, a simple green salad, or potato chips for a complete meal.
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.
