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If you’re craving a sandwich that brings together the perfect harmony of crispy bacon, juicy chicken, fresh tomatoes, and vibrant herbs, then you’re in for a treat with this Loaded Chicken Club Recipe. It’s a deliciously satisfying classic club sandwich, elevated with fresh herbs and a creamy garlic mayo that truly makes every bite burst with flavor. Whether it’s a weekend lunch or a casual dinner, this Loaded Chicken Club Recipe hits all the right notes — crunchy, savory, and absolutely irresistible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing this Loaded Chicken Club Recipe is delightfully simple, relying on fresh, quality ingredients that each add their own magic to the final dish. From the crisp sourdough bread to the herb-infused mayonnaise, each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of taste and texture.
- Boneless chicken breasts: The hearty centerpiece, bringing juicy protein with a tender bite.
- Thick-cut bacon strips: Crispy and smoky, they add an unbeatable crunch and depth of flavor.
- Sourdough bread slices: Robust and tangy, providing the toasted, golden foundation for the club.
- Fresh lettuce leaves: Crisp and refreshing, offering a cool contrast to the warm ingredients.
- Ripe tomatoes: Juicy slices that add subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- Mayonnaise: Creamy and rich, serving as the base for the flavorful herb garlic spread.
- Fresh herbs (parsley, chives): Bright and aromatic, they lift the sandwich with fresh, garden-like notes.
- Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse the mayo with a punch of savory warmth.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every layer perfectly.
How to Make Loaded Chicken Club Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning your boneless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs for an added flavor boost. Let the chicken rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes — this step helps the seasoning soak in and ensures even cooking later on.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the thick-cut bacon strips until they achieve that perfect crispy texture, which will take roughly 6 to 8 minutes. Once crispy, transfer them onto paper towels to drain the excess fat, but don’t throw that bacon fat away just yet — you’re going to use it to cook the chicken for an amazing extra layer of flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Using the same skillet, heat the reserved tablespoon of bacon fat. This will help you get a beautifully golden crust on the chicken breasts. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side until it’s cooked through and juicy inside (aim for an internal temperature of 165°F). Once done, set the chicken aside to rest for 5 minutes — resting is key to keeping the meat tender. After resting, slice the chicken into strips, ready to pile onto your sandwich.
Step 4: Prepare the Herb Garlic Mayonnaise
While the chicken is resting, mix the mayonnaise with minced garlic and finely chopped fresh parsley and chives in a small bowl. Season this herbaceous spread with a little salt and pepper to taste. This flavorful mayo elevates the sandwich by adding a creamy texture and an aromatic punch that ties all the ingredients together.
Step 5: Toast the Bread
Toast your sourdough slices until golden and crispy. Whether you use a toaster, grill pan, or broiler, the goal is a sturdy bread that holds up well to the loaded fillings and adds a satisfying crunch to every bite.
Step 6: Assemble Your Loaded Chicken Club Recipe
Spread the herb garlic mayo generously on one side of each slice of toasted bread. Then, layer lettuce leaves, juicy tomato slices, the sliced chicken breast, and the crispy bacon strips onto the bottom slice. Crown it with the second slice of bread, press down lightly to secure, and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor combo.
How to Serve Loaded Chicken Club Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, consider adding a few fresh herb sprigs on the side or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper over the top. Thinly sliced pickles or a few rings of red onion can bring a nice tangy contrast that complements the rich flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Loaded Chicken Club Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides. Think a classic green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, sweet potato fries, or even a handful of crunchy veggie sticks. These sides keep the meal balanced and refreshing without overpowering the star sandwich.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the fun! Slice your sandwich diagonally for that classic club look, revealing all the colorful layers inside. You can also secure the halves with toothpicks topped with cherry tomatoes or olives. For a casual gathering, cut the sandwich into smaller finger-sized portions to encourage sharing and nibbling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, wrap the sandwich tightly in parchment paper or foil and refrigerate it. The sandwich is best eaten within 24 hours to maintain the freshness of the bread and the crispness of the bacon. Keep the sandwich refrigerated to ensure the chicken and mayo stay safe and tasty.
Freezing
Because this Loaded Chicken Club Recipe features fresh veggies and crispy bacon, freezing the fully assembled sandwich is not recommended. However, you can freeze cooked chicken breasts separately in airtight containers or bags for up to 2 months, then thaw and use in fresh sandwiches.
Reheating
When reheating leftover chicken, gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave briefly just until heated through to avoid drying out. It’s best to toast fresh bread if possible and assemble the sandwich fresh to keep that wonderful crunch and texture alive.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread?
Absolutely! While sourdough provides a nice tang and sturdy texture, you can use whole wheat, multigrain, or even a hearty French baguette depending on your preference. Just make sure the bread can hold up to the fillings without becoming soggy.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the sourdough bread for a gluten-free alternative. Many stores offer gluten-free sandwich bread that works perfectly and lets you enjoy the full flavor of this Loaded Chicken Club Recipe without worry.
Can I make the herb garlic mayo ahead of time?
You can prepare the herb garlic mayo up to two days in advance and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. This actually helps the flavors meld beautifully, making your sandwich even tastier.
What herbs work best in the mayo?
Fresh parsley and chives are classic and provide a lovely brightness, but feel free to experiment with basil, dill, or tarragon for a different herbal profile that still complements the chicken and bacon wonderfully.
How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Resting the chicken after cooking is crucial to locking in moisture. Also, cooking to the proper internal temperature of 165°F prevents overcooking, which can dry the chicken out. Using the bacon fat to cook the chicken adds extra richness and helps keep it tender.
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Chicken Club Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines familiar flavors with fresh, homey touches that make it feel truly special. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s a sandwich to savor and share. Don’t wait to give it a try – once you taste those layers of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and herb-kissed mayo, you’ll be reaching for seconds!
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Loaded Chicken Club Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Loaded Chicken Club sandwich is a delicious and hearty meal featuring juicy, herb-seasoned chicken breasts, crispy thick-cut bacon, fresh lettuce and tomatoes, and a flavorful herb garlic mayonnaise, all layered between toasted sourdough bread slices. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner, this recipe combines classic club sandwich elements with a fresh herb twist for an elevated taste experience.
Ingredients
Chicken and Meat
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 6 strips thick-cut bacon
Bread and Vegetables
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 4 leaves fresh lettuce
- 2 large ripe tomatoes
Condiments and Flavorings
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, chives), chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Let them rest at room temperature for 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon strips until crispy, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels, reserving 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the reserved bacon fat in the same skillet. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice it thinly.
- Make Herb Garlic Mayo: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise with minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring well to blend the flavors.
- Toast the Bread: Toast the sourdough bread slices until golden brown and crispy. This can be done using a toaster, grill pan, or broiler based on your preference.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread the herb garlic mayonnaise evenly on one side of each toasted bread slice. On the bottom slice, layer fresh lettuce leaves, tomato slices, the sliced chicken breasts, and crispy bacon. Top with the second bread slice, mayonnaise side down, and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps keep it juicy when sliced.
- Reserve some bacon fat for added flavor when cooking the chicken.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley and chives for a bright, fresh mayo.
- Ensure tomatoes are ripe and lettuce is crisp for the best sandwich texture.
- Serve the sandwich immediately after assembling to enjoy the contrasts in texture.
