Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Jalapeño Pickle Sauce
Juicy grilled chicken sandwiches with crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, and a creamy jalapeño pickle sauce for the perfect mix of smoky, tangy, and spicy.
🔗 Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Jalapeño Pickle Sauce Links
👩🍳 How This Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Jalapeño Pickle Sauce Was Born
It’s funny how a recipe can start as one thing and then turn into something completely different. That’s exactly what happened with this Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Jalapeño Pickle Sauce. It started life as something I called Kicken Chicken Sammies with Jalapeño Cucumber Slaw. I had fresh cucumbers on hand and thought a cucumber slaw with a little heat sounded perfect. The only problem? Cucumbers just don’t pack the flavor punch or crunch that cabbage does, and their high water content turned my “slaw” into a soggy mess. The one part worth saving from that disaster was the chicken.
That’s the reality of recipe development. Sometimes you fail a few times before you land on something worth making again and again. And that’s how this juicy grilled chicken sandwich came to be. It’s the result of a happy accident and now it’s one of my favorite sandwiches to grill.
The chicken is coated in a savory seasoning blend and seared over a hot grill or grill pan until the outside is beautifully caramelized and the inside stays tender and flavorful. The homemade jalapeño pickle sauce comes together in minutes with creamy Greek yogurt, tangy dill pickles, spicy jalapeños, and just enough hot sauce to wake up every bite. Pile the grilled chicken onto soft, toasted buns with crisp romaine lettuce, fresh tomato slices, and red onion, then slather on that sauce for the ultimate flavor combo.
Every bite has the perfect balance of smoky grilled chicken, creamy heat from the sauce, and fresh crunch from the toppings. It’s simple, bold, and so good you’ll want to fire up the grill every week just to make it.
🛒 Recipe Ingredient List
🥣 How to Make the Best Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Jalapeño Pickle Sauce
Start by making the sauce so it has time to chill and let the flavors blend. Stir together the Greek yogurt mayo, minced jalapeño, hot sauce, chopped dill pickles, a splash of pickle juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and creamy. If you like a stronger kick, keep a few of the jalapeño seeds in or add an extra shake of hot sauce. Pop the bowl in the fridge while you work on the rest of the sandwich so the sauce thickens slightly and tastes even better when it hits the warm chicken.
Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally so they cook quickly and evenly. Mix your garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then rub it generously over both sides of the chicken. Let the seasoned chicken sit for about fifteen minutes at room temperature so the flavors have a chance to work their way in. This also helps the meat cook more evenly once it hits the heat.
Heat your grill to medium-high or get a grill pan hot on the stove. Make sure the grates or pan are well-oiled so the chicken doesn’t stick. Lay the chicken on the heat and let it sear for a few minutes without moving it so you get those nice grill marks and a good crust. When its fully ready to flip, the chicken will generally release from the pan easily. If you start to pick it up and find that pieces are sticking to the pan, its probably not ready to flip. Flip it once and cook until the thickest part reaches 165°F.
Right before it’s done, lay slices of pepperjack cheese on top, then close the grill lid or cover the pan to trap the heat and melt the cheese until it’s bubbly and perfect.
After your cheese is melted and you remove the chicken (or maybe all of this is happening on one big grill), place your buns cut-side down directly on the grill. Just a minute or two will give them a golden, toasty edge and help them hold up against the juicy chicken and sauce.
When it’s time to assemble, spread a generous layer of the chilled jalapeño pickle sauce on the inside of each bun. Place the hot, cheesy chicken on the bottom half, then pile on crisp romaine lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and sharp red onion. Do I need to say, add the top bun? Serve them right away while the chicken is still hot, alongside fries or whatever side you’re in the mood for.
🌟 Love this recipe? Spread the love by leaving a star review or dropping a comment below! I’d really love to hear what you think. If this recipe hit the spot for you, you’d be helping me out big time by sharing it on Pinterest or Facebook! 💬✨
Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them (It won’t cost you extra, promise). This helps support my work and allows me to continue creating content—thank you for your support! Rest assured, I only recommend products I personally use and love.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Jalapeño Pickle Sauce
Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts (sliced in half horizontally)
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 4 slices pepperjack cheese
- 1 romaine lettuce leaves
- 1 tomato (thinly sliced)
- 1 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 4 hamburger buns
Greek Yogurt Mayo Jalapeno Pickle Sauce
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon minced jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat)
- ½ teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon minced dill pickles (or pickle relish)
- splash of pickle juice
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- To a small bowl, combine ¼ cup Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon minced jalapeño, ½ teaspoons hot sauce, 1 tablespoon minced dill pickles, splash of pickle juice, salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate while you make the chicken.
- Slice the 2 chicken breasts in half horizontally and season both sides of the chicken with a mixture of 2 teaspoon garlic powder, 2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Let the chicken rest for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to 400℉ or heat grill pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken and grill for 5-6 minutes. Flip and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165℉.
- Add slices of pepperjack cheese and close the grill or place a lid over the grill pan. Heat for a couple minutes, until the cheese is melted.
- Grill the buns directly on the grill grates for 1–2 minutes or until toasty.
- To serve, coat the inside of the buns with sauce, add chicken and top with romaine lettuce, sliced tomato and red onion. Serve warm with French fries or your favorite vegetables
Notes
Substitutions
Storage
Nutrition
FAQs
How do I keep the chicken juicy on the grill?
Avoid overcooking and let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. Resting helps the juices redistribute so the meat stays tender. You can also pound the chicken to an even thickness before seasoning, which helps it cook more evenly.
What if I don’t have a grill?
A grill pan on the stove works great, and you’ll still get that nice sear. You can also use a cast iron skillet for a slightly different texture—just add a little oil and cook over medium-high heat until the chicken is cooked through.
Will the sandwich still taste good if I skip the cheese?
Yes, the sauce adds plenty of flavor and creaminess on its own. If you want a cheese alternative, try adding avocado slices for a similar creamy texture.
What to Serve with This Grilled Chicken Sandwich
A Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Jalapeño Pickle Sauce is versatile enough to fit into just about any meal vibe you’re going for. Keep it casual by serving it alongside a basket of crispy fries and a cold drink, perfect for a backyard lunch or an easy weeknight dinner. If you want something a little lighter, pair it with a fresh green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or a crunchy slaw for a bit of brightness to balance the heat from the sauce.
For a heartier spread, turn it into a full cookout plate with grilled corn on the cob, roasted vegetables, or baked beans. You could even slice the sandwiches into halves or thirds and serve them as part of a game-day platter with potato chips, pickles, and other finger foods. The smoky chicken, creamy heat from the jalapeño pickle sauce, and crisp toppings make it a great main that plays well with both fresh, light sides and classic comfort food.
More Sandwich and Burger Recipes to Try
If you love this Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Jalapeño Pickle Sauce, there are plenty of other sandwiches and burgers to try next. For something spicy and rich, Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches with Whipped Hot Honey Gorgonzola bring a creamy, sweet heat that melts right into the chicken. If breakfast is your favorite meal of the day, a Sourdough Biscuit Breakfast Sandwich with crispy bacon, eggs, and fresh vegetables is always a hit. Steak lovers will appreciate a hearty Steak Sandwich with Horseradish, layered with tender steak, caramelized onions, and melted provolone.
For homemade bread fans, Italian Submarine Sandwich Bread is an easy, flavorful option that works for any sub or hoagie. If you want a lighter but still satisfying burger, Grilled Ranch Turkey Burgers and Zucchini Corn Chicken Burgers are both packed with fresh ingredients and big flavor. Jalapeno Popper Hamburgers offer a savory, cheesy twist with crispy bacon, while Loaded Greek Chicken Burgers bring Mediterranean flair with feta, olives, and red onion. Pair any of these with Soft Hamburger Buns or Pretzel Buns for the perfect bite, or try adding roasted garlic to your patties for a deeper, richer flavor.