Published: by Cheryl Whyte · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment
This Club Sandwich with Chicken just got a healthy ‘real-food’ makeover. Juicy chicken, crispy bacon, runny eggs, ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, and fresh lettuce, all nestled between two slices of wholegrain sourdough bread.It’s great for lunch, but can also be enjoyed for breakfast and dinner.
JUMP TO RECIPE PRINT RECIPE
Looking for more satisfying lunch ideas? Try this BLT Tortilla Wrap Sandwich, Tomato Bruschetta, or this Oven Baked Vegetable Frittata.
When it comes to British pub lunches, I love a classic chicken club sandwich. But, they’re often loaded with processed ingredients like deli meats, sugary condiments, and french fries that have been deep-fat-fried in bad-quality oils. And let’s not forget this is all sandwiched between not two but three layers of white bread.
Every now and then,I love indulging in dishes that bring me joy,but I also find so much fun in experimenting with healthier twists.It’s a great way to enjoy those flavors more often without sacrificing nutrition!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Filling – A chicken club sandwich is packed with layers of flavorful ingredients that are guaranteed to leave you feeling full and satisfied.
- Versatile and Customizable – One of the best things about a chicken club is its versatility. You can customize it to your heart’s content, adding or omitting ingredients based on your preferences.
- Indulgent – Forget a pub lunch, you can make this classic in the comfort of your own home.
This chicken club sandwich recipe is suitable for those on a nut-free diet. It also contains no added sugar.
Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this delicious Club Sandwich with Chicken.
INGREDIENT NOTES
- Fillings: The star players in this club sarnie are the lean chicken breast, perfectly butterflied for even cooking, alongside a fried egg cooked in a touch of olive oil (or oil-free in a non-stick pan), and crispy oven-baked bacon.
- Wholemeal Sourdough: I’m toasting the pieces of bread on a griddle pan to achieve those enticing blackened lines, infusing a delicious smoky flavor into the bread.
- Cheese:A little goes a long way with shredded sharp cheddar, especially when finely grated using a microplane grater. However, for a twist, you can opt for aslice of cheeselikeSwiss cheeseorthin slicesof mozzarella if desired.
- Vegetables: Adding color and nutrition to the mix, I’m incorporating a vibrant assortment of tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and refreshing cucumber. Not only do they contribute fiber, vitamins, and minerals, but they also provide a boost of protective antioxidants.
- Condiments: While staying true to the classic club sandwich flavor, I’m opting for minimally processed alternatives like Hunter and Gather 100% Olive Oil Mayonnaise and Unsweetened Ketchup. These real food products offer convenience without sacrificing taste.
Instructions
Below, you’ll find visual step-by-step instructions that show how easy it is to make this Club Sandwich with Chicken recipe. Remember, exact ingredient amounts and detailed instructions are in the printablerecipe cardat the bottom of the post. ⇩
Step 1: Lay the bacon on a baking sheet.
Step 2: Bake for 15 minutes until crispy.
Step 3: Butterfly the chicken breasts so they cook quickly and evenly. Season and brush with olive oil.
Step 4:Cook the chicken on a griddle pan or in a frying pan for 6 minutes on each side until cooked through andgolden brown.
Step 5:Toast the fourslices of bread. I used the same griddle pan as the chicken. But, you can use a regular toaster, if preferred.
Step 6:Start building your sandwich. Place the toaston a board. Spread ketchup onto two slices, and mayo onto the other two. Place lettuce,tomato slices, and cucumber on top of the mayo-coated side.
Step 7: Sprinkle some grated cheese on the ketchup side. Then, add two bacon strips and chicken breast on top of the salad layer.
Step 8:Fry an egg until the white is set and theegg yolksare runny, and balance on top of eachpiece of chicken. Place the tomato-coated toast on top, and enjoy!
Substitutions
- Chicken Breasts:Swap the chicken breasts with turkey for a lighter alternative. If you’re short on time, you can use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken from Sunday’s roast.
- Wholegrain Sourdough Bread: Swap with any 100% whole wheat bread you prefer – wholegrain, wholemeal, multigrain, or seeded options all provide lots of fiber and other nutrients.
- Mayonnaise: Try mashed avocado instead of mayonnaise, or a homemade garlic aioli.
- Ketchup: An olive oil-based sundried tomato pesto or a sugar-free BBQ sauce would taste fantastic in this sandwich.
- Lettuce Leaves: Use your favorite. Anything from arugula (rocket) to spinach and iceberg are great options.
- Fried Eggs: You could try sliced boiled eggs instead of fried.
Variations
- Southwest Chicken Club: Season the chicken with chili powder, cumin, and paprika to add a spicy kick. Top with salsa and jalapenos for a Southwestern-inspired twist.
- Mediterranean Chicken Club: Add sliced olives, roasted red peppers, and feta cheese for Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for extra tanginess.
- Pesto Chicken Club: Spread basil pesto sauce on the bread instead of mayonnaise. Top with fresh basil leaves, sliced tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese for a flavorful Italian-inspired twist.
Recipe Tips
Toothpick Stacking. To keep the sandwich layers intact, insert toothpicks into the sandwich at evenly spaced intervals before slicing. This helps prevent the layers from shifting when cutting into the sandwich.
Serving Suggestions
Feel free to mix and match these serving suggestions to create a delicious and satisfying meal with your club sandwich as the star!
- Chips or Fries: Serve with homemadepotato chips, potato wedges, oven-bakedfrench fries, sweet potato fries, zucchini fries, or carrot fries. These Roasted New Potatoes would also be delicious!
- Side Salad: Accompany the sandwich with a Simple Spinach and Arugula Salad, a Fresh Tomato Salad, or a Creamy Purple Cabbage Slaw.
- Soup: Pair with a hot bowl of Tomato Basil Soup, Chicken No Noodle soup, or Broccoli and Cheese Soup.
- Fruit: Add a serving of fresh fruit on the side, such as sliced melon, grapes, or berries.
- Pickles or Olives: Serve the sandwich with a side of pickles, gherkins, or olives.
- Potato Salad: Enjoy the Club Sandwich with a side of Herby Potato Salad.
- Brunch Spread: Include the Club Sandwich as part of a brunch spread alongside other breakfast items like scrambled eggs, pancakes, and fresh fruit.
Storage
Enjoy your Club Sandwich with Chicken immediately after making it. The combination of fresh ingredients like salad, meat juices, and runny egg yolk can quickly soak into the bread, potentially making it soggy if left for too long. So savor every bite while it’s still fresh and flavorful!
Freezing: Not suitable for freezing.
Making a Club Sandwich Healthier
Transforming your favorite recipes into healthier versions is simpler than you think. Here’s how I did it with my favorite Club Sandwich with Chicken.
Opt for Good Quality Fats: When cooking your chicken, use a small amount of heart-healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil instead of processed options like vegetable oils.
Choose Complex Carbs: Swap white bread for wholemeal, wholegrain, or multigrain varieties to boost fiber intake and keep you feeling fuller for longer. Also, skip theextra slice of breadin the middle of a traditional club sandwich.
Be Mindful of Your Protein Sources: Select high-quality, locally sourced poultry and eggs whenever possible. For bacon, opt for minimally processed options like Artisan Finnebrogue Naked Bacon, which offers grass-fed, nitrate-free, sugar-free choices.
Upgrade Condiments: Unless you’re making your own at home, choose minimally processed condiments like Hunter and Gather 100% Olive Oil Mayonnaise, and Unsweetened Ketchup. The products contain real food ingredients.
Go Sharp with Cheese: Use sharp (mature) cheddar for a bold flavor punch without needing as much. Grating it finely with a microplane gives brilliant coverage with just a small amount.
Enjoy a Club Sandwich with Chicken in moderation as part of a varied and balanced diet.
FAQs
Can I make this Club Sandwich with Chicken ahead of time?
While it’s best to assemble and enjoy a chicken club immediately after preparation to prevent sogginess, you can certainly prepare some of the ingredients in advance. First, cook thechicken pieces andbacon ahead of time. Then, store them in anairtight containerin the fridge. You can also wash and chop the lettuce, tomato, and cucumber, and store them separately. Cook the eggs and assemble the sandwich just before serving to maintain its freshness.
More Chicken Recipes
Looking for more delicious and nutritious chicken recipes? Try these next time:
- Nourishing Chicken No Noodle Soup with Vegetables
- Easy Curried Butter Beans (Lima Beans) with Spinach
- Chermoula Spice Blend (Dry Rub)
- Ultimate Scrambled Eggs and Beans (One-Pan Breakfast)
Did you enjoy this Classic Club Sandwich with Chicken? I’d love to know! Be sure to leave a comment and a star rating. Love and great health, xo!
📖 Recipe
Classic Club Sandwich with Chicken, Bacon and Egg
Author: Cheryl Whyte
This Club Sandwich with Chicken just got a healthy 'real-food' makeover. Packed with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, runny eggs, ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, and fresh lettuce, all nestled between two slices of wholegrain sourdough bread.Enjoy as a hearty lunch or dinner.
If you love this recipe, rate it with 5 stars below!
5 from 5 votes
PRINT PIN RATE
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 481kcal
Equipment
Griddle Pan, or frying pan – for the chicken
Kitchen Tongs, for turning the chicken and bacon
Sharp Knife, for preparing the vegetables
Cutting Board, for preparing the vegetables
Baking Sheet, lined with baking parchment (optional)
Small Frying Pan, for frying the eggs
Ingredients
- 4 slices smoked streaky bacon
- 2 chicken breasts, butterflied (see notes on how to butterfly chicken)
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- ½ teaspoons sea salt flakes
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 slices wholegrain sourdough
- ½ tablespoon unsweetened olive oil mayonnaise
- ½ tablespoon unsweetened tomato ketchup
- 1 cup lettuce leaves
- 2 mini cucumbers , sliced lengthwise
- 2 tomatoes, sliced
- ½ tablespoon grated sharp (mature) cheddar cheese
- 2 medium eggs
Instructions
Preparation: Gather and prepare your ingredients. Preheat oven to 375ºF/190ºC/Gas Mark 5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (baking paper).
Bacon: Arrange the slices of bacon on a lined baking sheet and bake in the oven for about 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Once perfectly cooked and crispy, transfer them to a layer of paper towels to blot away any excess fat. Set aside.
Chicken: Heat the griddle pan (or a frying pan) over a medium-high heat. Brush the butterflied chicken lightly with 1 teaspoon of the extra virgin olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6 minutes on each side or until cooked through with no pink remaining. Remove from the heat and set aside to rest.
Sandwich: Toast the sourdough and then lay all four slices of toast on a cutting board or clean surface. Spread mayo on the two bottom slices of toast and ketchup over the other two slices. Add the lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes on top of the two slices with mayo. Sprinkle grated cheese onto the two slices with ketchup. Add two pieces of bacon on top of the salad, then a chicken breast.
Egg: In a small frying pan, add the remaining teaspoon of olive oil and fry the egg. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on medium heat until the egg white has set, but the yolk is still runny. Place the egg on top of the chicken. Add the lid and insert a toothpick through the top of the bread and into the sandwich to hold it together while you slice it in half.
Serve and Enjoy! Serve a half sandwich per person with a side of cooked veggies or a salad. Enjoy immediately after assembling.
Notes
How to Butterfly a Chicken Breast: Begin by placing a chicken breast on a sturdy cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice horizontally into the thickest portion of the breast, making sure to stop about ½ inch from the other side. Next, gently open up the chicken breast like a book, ensuring that it lies flat and maintains an even thickness throughout. This technique allows for more even cooking and ensures tender, juicy results.
A Note on Portion Size: Each sandwich serves two people. To make it a balanced and well-rounded meal, serve with a side of extra vegetables or a side salad.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 481kcal (24%) | Carbohydrates: 39g (13%) | Protein: 38g (76%) | Fat: 18g (28%) | Saturated Fat: 5g (31%) | Cholesterol: 171mg (57%) | Sodium: 1040mg (45%) | Fiber: 3g (13%) | Sugar: 6g (7%)
Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutritional information is estimated using an online nutrition calculator. For accuracy, we recommend you calculate using the exact ingredients and brands you used.
Course | Lunch
Cuisine | American
Keyword | chicken club sandwiches, chicken sandwich, Easy Recipe, good sandwich, great sandwich, perfect sandwich, sandwich night, sandwich recipes
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? Share a photo and tag @therealfoodgeek so I can see all your delicious creations!
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