Introduction: A Grilled Sandwich Worth Craving
If you’re a fan of grilled sandwiches, Chicken Club Melt with Ranch Aioli is the ultimate upgrade to your classic club sandwich. This sandwich combines tender grilled chicken breast, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese, all wrapped up in a warm, toasty bread shell. What truly elevates this sandwich is the Ranch Aioli – a creamy, garlicky sauce that adds the perfect amount of tanginess and richness.
This sandwich is hearty, flavorful, and ideal for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual meal at home or serving it at a weekend get-together, this Chicken Club Melt is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Chicken Club Melt with Ranch Aioli:
For the Sandwich:
- 2 multigrain or ciabatta sandwich rolls – These rolls provide a nice crunch and flavor, but feel free to use any bread you prefer.
- 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast – The star of the sandwich! Make sure the chicken is cooked through and juicy.
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon – For that crispy, savory addition.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – To melt beautifully over the chicken and bacon.
- Butter – For toasting the bread to a golden, crispy perfection.
For the Ranch Aioli:
- ½ cup mayonnaise – The creamy base for the aioli.
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing – For that tangy, herby flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – To add depth and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional) – For color and freshness.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice – For a hint of acidity to balance the richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ranch Aioli
- In a small bowl, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ranch dressing, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice.
- Whisk together until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust with extra ranch dressing or lemon juice to your liking.
- If desired, add 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
- Set the ranch aioli aside in the fridge while you prepare the sandwich.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Season the 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast with salt, pepper, and any other seasoning you prefer (paprika, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning work great).
- Heat a grill pan, regular skillet, or grill over medium-high heat. If using a grill pan or skillet, add a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
- In the same pan or skillet used for the chicken, add the 4 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until crispy.
- Flip the bacon halfway through the cooking time to ensure it crisps evenly.
- Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease.
Step 4: Toast the Bread
- Slice the 2 multigrain or ciabatta sandwich rolls in half.
- Spread a thin layer of butter on the inside of each slice.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the buttered bread slices on the skillet and toast until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Once the bread is toasted, remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 5: Assemble the Chicken Club Melt
- Spread a generous amount of Ranch Aioli on the bottom half of each toasted sandwich roll.
- Layer the sliced grilled chicken on top of the aioli.
- Add crispy bacon on top of the chicken, followed by shredded cheddar cheese.
- Place the top half of the sandwich roll on the melted cheese, pressing gently to hold the sandwich together.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
- Return the assembled sandwich to the skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
- Cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt evenly. Let the sandwich cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the sandwich is heated through.
- Flip the sandwich carefully and toast the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure both sides are golden brown and the cheese is perfectly melted.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
- Once both sides are crispy and golden, remove the sandwich from the skillet.
- Slice the sandwich in half diagonally for a perfect presentation.
- Serve with your favorite sides like fries, chips, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutritional Breakdown (per sandwich)
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for each Chicken Club Melt with Ranch Aioli (assuming the recipe makes 2 sandwiches):
- Calories: ~600-700 kcal per sandwich
- Protein: ~40g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Fat: ~35g
- Fiber: ~4g
- Sodium: ~1200mg
The nutritional values will vary based on the specific ingredients and serving size used. You can adjust by using lighter bread, less cheese, or reducing the amount of aioli to fit your dietary needs.
Tips for Success
Here are some tips to ensure your Chicken Club Melt with Ranch Aioli turns out perfectly every time:
- Use Thick-Cut Bacon: Thick-cut bacon will add the perfect crunch and richness to the sandwich. If you only have regular bacon, double it up to get the same texture.
- Butter the Bread: Buttering the bread before toasting helps achieve that golden, crispy texture that makes this sandwich so irresistible.
- Grill the Chicken Well: Make sure the chicken is cooked through and golden brown for the best flavor. You can also add some smoked paprika or garlic powder to the chicken seasoning for extra flavor.
- Customize the Aioli: You can adjust the ranch aioli by adding hot sauce or sriracha for some heat or a teaspoon of dijon mustard for a tangy twist.
- Make it Healthier: Use whole-grain bread for extra fiber, or swap the regular cheddar cheese for a lighter cheese like mozzarella or Swiss.
Variations
Here are a few variations to mix things up with your Chicken Club Melt:
- BBQ Chicken Club Melt: Add a few tablespoons of BBQ sauce to the aioli or drizzle some over the chicken before assembling the sandwich.
- Vegetarian Club Melt: Skip the chicken and bacon and use grilled portobello mushrooms and avocado for a satisfying vegetarian version.
- Spicy Chicken Club: Add jalapeños or pepper jack cheese to make the sandwich spicier.
- Avocado Chicken Club: For extra creaminess, add sliced avocado to the sandwich for a fresh, buttery touch.
Storage and Reheating
This sandwich is best served fresh, but here’s how you can store and reheat leftovers:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Chicken Club Melt with Ranch Aioli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the sandwich separate from any fresh lettuce or tomatoes if you want them to stay crisp.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled sandwiches. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
- Reheating: Reheat leftover sandwiches in a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat to maintain that crispy texture. You can also microwave it for 30-60 seconds, but it won’t be as crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Chicken Club Melt with Ranch Aioli with:
- Crispy fries or sweet potato fries – A classic side for any sandwich.
- Coleslaw – A refreshing and crunchy contrast to the rich flavors of the sandwich.
- Pickles – Add some tangy crunch on the side.
- Side Salad – A light salad with greens and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sandwich.
Final Thoughts
The Chicken Club Melt with Ranch Aioli is a savory, satisfying sandwich that takes the classic club sandwich to a whole new level. With its crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and creamy aioli, this melt is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a fun weekend meal with friends and family.
Give it a try, and enjoy this mouthwatering fusion of flavors that will have you coming back for more!