There’s something undeniably satisfying about a well-made chicken sandwich. Whether you like it grilled, fried, or pulled, the chicken sandwich offers a versatile canvas for a variety of flavours and textures. Over the years, I’ve experimented with countless chicken sandwich combinations, always looking for that perfect balance of juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and flavour-packed sauces. Today, I’ll share some of my favourite chicken sandwich recipes and ideas, while answering some common questions to help you master this classic.

What makes a chicken sandwich a sandwich?

First off, what actually makes a chicken sandwich a sandwich? It might seem like an obvious question, but it’s worth unpacking. At its core, a sandwich is about two slices of bread with a filling in the middle, and when it comes to chicken sandwiches, the filling is key. Whether it’s a chicken breast, thigh, or shredded chicken, the star of the sandwich is always the protein.

However, it’s not just about the chicken. The bread, sauces, and additional fillings all play a role in making the sandwich come together. A chicken sandwich becomes more than the sum of its parts when each element adds something unique—whether it’s a burst of acidity from pickles, the creaminess of mayo, or the crisp bite of lettuce.

What goes well in a chicken sandwich?

The beauty of a chicken sandwich is its versatility. You can keep it as simple or as elaborate as you like. Personally, I like to build my chicken sandwiches around a few key ingredients, and from there, I mix and match to suit different flavours.

• Cheese: Melted cheese, such as cheddar, Swiss, or provolone, adds richness. Blue cheese or brie can elevate the flavour profile if you’re after something more gourmet.
• Crisp Veggies: Lettuce, sliced tomato, and thinly sliced red onion are classics that add freshness and crunch. For something different, try adding shredded carrot or cucumber.
• Pickles and Relish: A bit of acidity helps cut through the richness of the chicken. Dill pickles, jalapeños, or even a sweet relish work wonders.
• Spreads: Mayo is the classic, but there’s no reason to stop there. Mix in some sriracha for heat, or try aioli, pesto, or even a tzatziki sauce for something lighter.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like coriander, parsley, or basil can brighten up the sandwich with their fragrance and flavour.

One of my favourite combinations includes grilled chicken breast, sharp cheddar, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a slathering of garlic mayo on toasted sourdough. The garlic mayo gives it a punch, while the pickles add the right amount of tang to balance the richness of the cheese and chicken.

What is a royal chicken sandwich?

Now, let’s talk about the royal chicken sandwich. This isn’t just any ordinary chicken sandwich—it’s all about going big and indulgent. A royal chicken sandwich typically refers to a sandwich that’s been elevated with extra ingredients, sauces, or methods of cooking that make it feel a little more luxurious than your standard fare.

For example, a royal chicken sandwich might involve a fried or grilled chicken fillet, topped with bacon, melted cheese, and a rich sauce like béarnaise or garlic butter. Some variations even add onion rings or sautéed mushrooms. It’s the kind of sandwich you’d find on the menu of a fancy pub or a restaurant that wants to take this classic to the next level.

My own version of a royal chicken sandwich involves a grilled chicken breast marinated in lemon and herbs, topped with crispy bacon, melted brie, and a dollop of cranberry sauce, all served on a soft brioche bun. The sweetness of the cranberry perfectly complements the saltiness of the bacon and the creaminess of the brie, making each bite feel indulgent.

Unique Chicken Sandwich Recipe Ideas

Now that we’ve covered some basics, let’s get into some more adventurous ideas. Chicken sandwiches are perfect for experimentation because the mild flavour of the chicken takes well to all kinds of ingredients. Here are a few of my personal favourites that you can try at home:

1. Spicy Grilled Chicken with Avocado: Marinate your chicken in a mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic, and lime juice before grilling it. Serve it on a toasted roll with sliced avocado, shredded lettuce, and a chipotle mayo for a smoky, spicy kick.
2. Buffalo Chicken Sandwich: Toss your cooked chicken in buffalo sauce, then top with blue cheese dressing, shredded lettuce, and a few slices of celery. This one’s for those who like their chicken sandwiches with a bit of heat.
3. Pulled Chicken with BBQ Sauce: Slow-cook chicken thighs in your favourite BBQ sauce, then shred them and pile them onto a soft bun with coleslaw and pickles. The BBQ sauce provides a sweet, smoky flavour that pairs perfectly with the tangy crunch of coleslaw.
4. Mediterranean Chicken Pita: Use grilled chicken seasoned with oregano and lemon, and stuff it into pita bread with hummus, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Drizzle with tzatziki for a refreshing, light sandwich option.

What makes a great chicken sandwich platter?

If you’re putting together a chicken sandwich platter, you want variety to be the name of the game. Offer different kinds of bread, proteins, and toppings to cater to everyone’s tastes. I always like to provide a mix of cold and hot options.

For example, you could have a few cold chicken salad sandwiches with lettuce and cucumber, alongside some mini spicy grilled chicken sandwiches with slaw and pickles. Add bowls of different condiments—think mayo, mustard, BBQ sauce, and sriracha—for people to customise their sandwiches. Don’t forget to include some veggie sides, such as coleslaw, crisps, or even roasted vegetables for a complete platter that pleases a crowd.

Conclusion

A great chicken sandwich is all about balance—juicy chicken, the right amount of crunch, and a sauce that ties it all together. Whether you’re a fan of a classic grilled chicken sandwich or want to experiment with more unique flavours, there’s something for everyone. Keep experimenting with different ingredients, and soon you’ll find your own perfect chicken sandwich recipe.