Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Club

This Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich recipe lets you bring your favorite fast food treat home whenever the craving strikes. With smoky grilled chicken, fresh toppings, and a tangy homemade honey roasted bbq sauce, it truly captures all the flavors of the original and then some. Weekend lunches and summer dinners never felt so satisfying.

My family was hooked from the first time I served these on a sunny Sunday afternoon. We quickly agreed these taste even better than from the drive-thru and no one misses standing in line.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These should be thick and juicy for best texture Always trim any excess fat
• Dill pickle juice: Gives the marinade its signature tanginess Look for fresh pickle brine from the refrigerated section if you can
• Whole milk: Ensures tender chicken by helping the marinade penetrate deeper
• Powdered sugar: Lends a subtle touch of sweetness Use fine powdered sugar for no graininess
• Garlic powder and onion powder: Build a savory base Choose fresh jars for full flavor
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer Use kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper if possible
• Smoked paprika: Gives depth and subtle smokiness Spanish smoked paprika is best for bold flavor
• Mayonnaise: Forms the base of the creamy sauce Look for a full fat version for richness
• Sweet bbq sauce: Use a good quality sauce for the honey roasted bbq A classic Southern style works best
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and stickiness Use pure honey for clean flavor
• Dijon mustard: Adds a mild tang Tender French or grainy are both great options
• Lemon juice: Brightens up the sauce and lifts the flavors Fresh squeezed is always best
• Pepper jack or colby jack cheese: Melts beautifully over the hot chicken Choose pre sliced for convenience
• Multigrain buns: Sturdy enough to hold all the fillings Look for buns with visible grains and seeds
• Green leaf lettuce and beefsteak tomato: Provide crunch and freshness Pick ripe tomatoes for the juiciest bite
• Applewood smoked bacon: Adds a salty smoky finish Thick cut bacon holds up best in sandwiches

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Marinade:

In a large bowl whisk together dill pickle juice whole milk powdered sugar garlic powder onion powder kosher salt black pepper and smoked paprika Start with room temperature liquids for the best blending

Marinate the Chicken:

Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise for more even cooking Lay them flat in the marinade making sure each piece is thoroughly coated Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours Longer marinating means more flavor

Make the Honey Roasted BBQ Sauce:

While the chicken marinates combine mayonnaise sweet bbq sauce honey dijon mustard lemon juice and a pinch of smoked paprika in a bowl Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy Cover and refrigerate until you are ready to use

Grill the Chicken:

Preheat your grill to medium heat Oil the grates if necessary Remove chicken from marinade letting excess drip off Grill each piece for about 6 to 8 minutes per side Flipping occasionally Cook until a thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit Place a slice of cheese on each piece right after grilling to let it melt from the residual heat

Assemble the Sandwiches:

Split the multigrain buns and lightly toast if desired Place green leaf lettuce and a thick tomato slice on the bottom half Lay the hot grilled chicken on top followed by melty cheese and half slices of crispy bacon Spread the honey roasted bbq sauce on the underside of the top bun Cap the sandwich and serve right away

I absolutely love how the smoky paprika and pickle juice transform simple chicken breasts into something you just cannot wait to eat My husband keeps a stash of the sauce in the fridge for wraps and salads all week and every cookout now features these sandwiches by popular request

Storage Tips

Store leftover cooked chicken wrapped tightly in the fridge for up to three days Keep toppings and buns separate to preserve freshness If you have extra sauce keep it in a covered jar in the refrigerator for up to one week The chicken freezes well Just let it cool then wrap and freeze for up to three months To use thaw overnight in the fridge and gently rewarm in a pan or microwave with a splash of water to keep it from drying out

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find multigrain buns swap in brioche rolls whole wheat or even a GF bun works well For the chicken try turkey breast cutlets or boneless thighs if you want a richer flavor The honey roasted bbq sauce can be replaced with any homemade or store bought honey mustard or smoky bbq blend For cheese use Monterey Jack cheddar or even Swiss as easy alternatives

Serving Suggestions

These grilled chicken club sandwiches are perfect with waffle fries sweet potato fries or even a big dill pickle on the side For a lighter meal serve alongside a green salad or refreshing fruit cup On game days I love making sliders by using small rolls and cutting the chicken pieces to fit

Cultural Context

The grilled chicken club is a classic Southern fast food staple reimagined for home cooks by using fresh real ingredients The tangy pickle marinade is a nod to Chick-fil-As famous flavor while the club toppings bacon lettuce tomato make it hearty enough for a meal This sandwich hits that sweet spot between nostalgic comfort and elevated homemade satisfaction

Common Recipe Questions

→ What kind of cheese complements the grilled chicken club?

Pepper jack offers a spicy bite, while colby jack delivers a milder, creamy flavor—both pair well with the juicy chicken breast and smoky bacon.

→ Can I use different buns for this sandwich?

Multigrain buns are traditional, but any sturdy variety such as brioche, whole wheat, or potato rolls will work and hold the fillings nicely.

→ Is the honey BBQ sauce essential?

The honey roasted BBQ sauce adds a sweet, smoky layer, but you can substitute with your favorite condiments like mayo, mustard, or classic BBQ sauce.

→ How do I make sure the chicken stays juicy?

Marinating the chicken in a mix of pickle juice, milk, and seasonings adds flavor and moisture. Grill just until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

→ How do I store leftover sandwich components?

Keep chicken, bacon, and sauce refrigerated in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken and thaw before reheating.