Ultimate Loaded Chicken Club

The Ultimate Loaded Chicken Club is a hearty sandwich designed to bring together smoky, savory, and creamy flavors with fresh textures. It balances perfectly grilled chicken, crispy applewood smoked bacon, and a rich avocado ranch spread, all nestled between golden toasted sourdough and fresh garden vegetables. This sandwich is a filling meal that feels indulgent but is still packed with wholesome ingredients.

I first made this recipe for a family weekend get-together, and it quickly became the star of the table. Everyone loved how the smoky bacon paired with the grilled chicken and that creamy avocado ranch spread was irresistible.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: the lean protein base that grills beautifully and soaks up seasoning well
• Olive oil: essential for coating and marinating the chicken to keep it juicy
• Garlic powder paprika Italian seasoning salt black pepper: a spice blend that creates a flavorful crust on the chicken
• Applewood smoked bacon: crispy and smoky with a touch of sweetness from brown sugar, it adds crunch and depth
• Brown sugar black pepper cayenne pepper: seasoning bacon for a sweet spicy contrast
• Ripe avocados: mashed smooth, they bring creaminess and healthy fat to the avocado ranch spread
• Mayonnaise ranch dressing lime juice minced garlic salt: these blend into the avocado to deliver tangy herbal notes
• Thick-sliced sourdough bread: sturdy and perfect for toasting to golden crispness without falling apart
• Unsalted butter and garlic powder: for garlic butter that toasts up the bread with rich flavor
• Romaine lettuce tomato slices red onion pickle spears: fresh vegetables that add crunch acidity and balance
• Swiss and sharp cheddar cheeses: melted on the chicken for creamy sharpness and gooey texture
• Dijon mustard honey mustard balsamic glaze smoked paprika onion powder chipotle powder: a flavorful drizzle that finishes the sandwich with a touch of smoky sweetness and spice

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear the Chicken:

Coat the pounded chicken breasts evenly with olive oil garlic powder paprika Italian seasoning salt and black pepper. Let them rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Cook the Bacon:

Lay bacon strips flat in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until almost crisp then sprinkle brown sugar black pepper and a pinch of cayenne. Continue cooking until bacon is fully crisped. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

Grill the Chicken:

Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken breasts for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side until cooked through reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thickly.

Prepare Garlic Butter Toast:

Mix softened unsalted butter with garlic powder. Spread this mixture on one side of each slice of sourdough bread. Toast the slices in a skillet or toaster until they turn golden and crisp.

Make Avocado Ranch Spread:

In a bowl mash the avocados until mostly smooth. Stir in mayonnaise ranch dressing lime juice minced garlic and salt until creamy and well combined.

Assemble the Sandwich Bottom Layer:

Spread the avocado ranch mixture generously on the garlic buttered side of four toasted bread slices. Arrange romaine leaves and thick tomato slices on top of the spread. Season tomatoes lightly with salt and black pepper.

Layer Chicken Bacon and Cheese:

Add sliced grilled chicken on top of the vegetables followed by Swiss cheese slices and crispy bacon strips.

Assemble the Middle Layer:

Place the second toast slice over the first layer spread side down. Flip the sandwich and spread more avocado ranch on the exposed side. Layer with more romaine lettuce red onion slices and sharp cheddar cheese.

Finish with Top Layer:

Add additional bacon and extra chicken pieces if desired. Close the sandwich with the third slice of bread spread side down carefully pressing the layers together.

Final Touches and Serving:

Insert long toothpicks into each sandwich quarter to hold the layers securely. Slice sandwiches diagonally and serve immediately with pickle spears and your favorite chips.

Save

This sandwich is a perfect crowd-pleaser. I especially love the avocado ranch spread because it ties everything together with its creamy tanginess. One memorable afternoon my whole family gathered, and everyone went back for seconds right away because of this spread.

Storage Tips

For best freshness enjoy this sandwich immediately after assembly. If you have leftovers wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. Leftovers can be eaten cold or gently reheated in a skillet but avoid microwaving to keep bacon crispy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try turkey breast or a plant-based grilled alternative if you want to switch up the protein. Swap Swiss and cheddar for mozzarella or gouda for a milder cheese flavor. You can adjust the bacon to turkey bacon for a leaner option but expect less smokiness.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this sandwich with crisp dill pickles for acidity and a side of kettle-cooked chips or a light salad to balance the richness. A cold sparkling water with a splash of lime complements the avocado ranch beautifully.

Cultural Background

The club sandwich is a classic American diner staple that became popular in the early 20th century. This loaded version builds on that tradition by incorporating smoky bacon and creamy avocado elements that reflect modern tastes for bold layered flavors.

Pro Tips

• Always pound the chicken to even thickness for consistent grilling and juicy results
• Don’t skip the garlic butter on the toast it adds an amazing layer of flavor and keeps the bread from getting soggy
• Toast the bread slices just right so they hold up well when stacked without overpowering the other ingredients

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you achieve juicy grilled chicken?

Marinate the chicken with olive oil and spices, then grill over medium-high heat for about 6–7 minutes per side to lock in moisture and flavor.

→ What gives the bacon its crispy texture and sweet flavor?

Bacon strips are cooked until nearly crisp, then coated with brown sugar and a pinch of cayenne before finishing crisp in the skillet.

→ How is the avocado ranch spread prepared?

Mash ripe avocados and combine them with mayonnaise, ranch dressing, lime juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt for a creamy, tangy spread.

→ What type of bread complements this sandwich?

Thick-sliced sourdough bread, brushed with garlic butter and toasted for a golden, crisp exterior, adds texture and flavor.

→ Can other proteins be used instead of chicken?

Yes, turkey or plant-based alternatives work well for varied preferences without changing the overall taste profile.

→ How should leftovers be stored and served?

Refrigerate leftovers and enjoy cold or reheat gently to maintain flavors and texture.