Ultimate Loaded Chicken Club Sandwich

By Tyla | Last modified on Jan 22, 2026

Featured in: Lunch

Imagine biting into a towering triple-decker sandwich piled high with juicy grilled chicken, crispy applewood bacon, ripe avocado, fresh tomatoes, and crisp lettuce—all layered between perfectly toasted artisan sourdough bread. This Ultimate Loaded Chicken Club Sandwich is a harmonious blend of textures and bold flavors that delivers a gourmet twist on a classic favorite.

Whether you’re serving this at a lively lunch gathering or enjoying it as a comforting dinner, each bite is an indulgent experience packed with premium ingredients and a creamy avocado ranch spread that ties everything together beautifully. Prepare to impress your family or guests with this hearty and satisfying handheld meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines juicy grilled chicken with crispy bacon for bold, savory flavors.
Triple-decker design offers layered textures and generous portions perfect for sharing.
Homemade creamy avocado ranch spread adds freshness and richness.
Uses premium artisan bread toasted with garlic butter for a gourmet touch.
Balance of fresh vegetables and cheeses creates a deliciously satisfying comfort meal.

Ingredients

Boneless chicken breasts (4): Skinless and pounded to even thickness, perfect for juicy grilling and uniform cooking.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used to coat chicken to retain moisture and help spices adhere while grilling.
Garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper: A flavorful blend of spices that seasons the chicken for a savory, aromatic crust.
Applewood bacon strips (12): Crispy bacon adds smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy notes for texture contrast.
Brown sugar, black pepper, cayenne pepper: Enhance the bacon with a subtle sweetness and gentle heat during cooking.
Ripe avocados (2, mashed): Creamy base for the ranch spread, adding healthy fats and richness.
Mayonnaise (1/4 cup) and ranch dressing (2 tablespoons): Blend with avocado for a smooth, tangy, and herby spread.
Lime juice (1 tablespoon) and minced garlic clove: Adds brightness and pungency to the avocado ranch for freshness.
Thick slices of sourdough bread (12): Toasted and spread with garlic butter to create a crunchy, flavorful foundation.
Softened butter (3 tablespoons) mixed with garlic powder: Spread on bread before toasting for a golden, fragrant crust.
Fresh lettuce leaves (8): Crisp, refreshing greens bring balance and crunch to the sandwich layers.
Thick tomato slices (8): Juicy and bright, perfectly seasoned to complement savory ingredients.
Red onion slices (4): Adds sharpness and slight pungency, balancing richness.
Pickle spears (8): Provide a tangy crunch when served on the side.
Swiss cheese slices (8) and sharp cheddar slices (4): Melted layers add creamy, nutty, and sharp flavors that enhance the overall taste.

Instructions

Season and Prepare Chicken Breasts: Pat chicken breasts dry and pound them to an even thickness of about 3/4 inch for consistent cooking. Brush each breast with olive oil and generously season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the chicken rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to absorb flavors and ensure even grilling.
Cook Crisp Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook applewood bacon strips until they start to crisp. During the final two minutes, sprinkle brown sugar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to caramelize and add a sweet, spicy kick. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease and keep crispy.
Grill Chicken to Perfection: Preheat your grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Grill the seasoned chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked, verifying with a meat thermometer that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before slicing into thick pieces to retain juices.
Toast Artisan Bread Slices: Spread softened garlic butter mixed with garlic powder evenly on one side of each sourdough slice. Toast them in a skillet or toaster until golden brown and crisp, creating the perfect sturdy base with flavorful hints of garlic.
Make the Creamy Avocado Ranch Spread: Mash ripe avocados until mostly smooth and stir in mayonnaise, ranch dressing, lime juice, minced garlic, and salt. This creamy spread adds luscious richness and a zesty tang that complements the sandwich fillings beautifully.
Assemble the First Layer: Spread the avocado ranch generously on the toasted bread slices. Begin layering with crisp lettuce leaves and thickly sliced tomatoes, seasoned lightly with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural sweetness. Add the sliced grilled chicken breast on top for a hearty base layer.
Add Cheese and Bacon Layers: Place Swiss cheese slices over the grilled chicken, followed by a generous layer of crispy bacon strips for smoky, savory texture. Cover with the middle slice of bread, spread side down, then flip it to spread avocado ranch on top.
Build the Middle Layer: Layer more fresh lettuce and red onion slices followed by sharp cheddar cheese. Add additional bacon strips and any remaining grilled chicken for extra indulgence, creating distinct flavor and texture contrasts between layers.
Complete the Sandwich: Crown the sandwich with the final toasted bread slice, spread side down. Press gently to secure layers. Use long toothpicks to hold the triple-decker sandwich stable before cutting each sandwich into quarters diagonally for easy handling.
Serve Immediately: Plate with crunchy pickle spears and your favorite chips or side salad for a perfect gourmet meal. Enjoy the satisfying combination of flavors and textures in every bite.

You Must Know

Resting the grilled chicken before slicing lets the juices redistribute, ensuring moist meat.
Season tomatoes right before assembling to prevent soggy bread.
Using three slices of toasted bread creates a traditional club sandwich structure with great stability.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover sandwich components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Grilled chicken and bacon can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, while the avocado ranch spread is best used within 1 day to prevent browning.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this sandwich with crispy kettle chips, a crisp green salad, or a classic coleslaw to complement its robust flavors. For drinks, a sparkling lemonade or iced tea balances the richness perfectly.

Professional Tips

Use a sharp serrated knife for clean sandwich cuts without squashing the layers.
Toast bread evenly with softened garlic butter to add flavor and prevent sogginess.
For extra meltiness, briefly place assembled sandwiches in a panini press or under a broiler before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?: Yes, boneless chicken thighs offer more moisture and flavor, but adjust cooking time to ensure doneness.
How do I keep the sandwich from becoming soggy?: Toast the bread well and add spreads just before assembling. Keep moist ingredients like tomatoes and avocado separate until serving if preparing ahead.
Can I make the avocado ranch spread ahead of time?: Make it up to a day in advance and store airtight. Use lime juice to help reduce browning but stir before spreading.
What can I substitute for artisan sourdough bread?: Thick-cut multigrain or country white bread work well as alternatives, but choose sturdy breads for layering.
Is this sandwich suitable for meal prepping?: Assemble right before eating for best texture. You can prep individual components in advance to save time.
Can I use vegetarian bacon alternatives?: Yes, smoked tempeh or plant-based bacon options can be used to keep the smoky flavor and crisp texture.
What cheese melts best in this sandwich?: Swiss and sharp cheddar complement the savory flavors and melt nicely to hold the layers together.