20 Fuss-Free Chicken Sandwich Recipes for Lunch or Dinner

Fried Chicken Sandwich
Chris Simpson

It seems like we can't get enough of fried chicken sandwiches. Whether they're smothered with a sweet barbecue sauce, tangy tartar sauce, or just fried so that their buttermilk brine shines, America loves a crispy chicken sandwich with a golden brown exterior and moist interior. However, chicken sandwiches aren't limited to the fried versions. There are so many delightful ways to enjoy this lean protein between two slices of bread. Whether you have one for lunch or dinner, enjoyed during the summer or winter, our favorite chicken sandwich recipes are exactly what you'll want to whip up when a craving strikes.

When the trees start to bloom and temperatures warm up a little, make these seasonal Poached Chicken Sandwiches with Peas and Radishes. The open-faced tartines made with rustic bread are topped with a Pea, Almond, and Ricotta spread, then poached chicken breasts, fresh English peas, sugar snap peas, and fresh mint leaves. Another open-faced bite that we love are Thai Grilled-Chicken Baguettes. They get their Thai-inspired flavor from Masaman-curry paste, lime juice, and fresh herbs such as cilantro and mint. They certainly pack a punch.

In the middle of summer, nothing says sunny days quite like grilled or barbecued meat. Cook bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in a large Dutch oven with ketchup, light brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika for Pulled BBQ-Chicken Sandwiches. The shredded chicken is tossed with the thickened sauce and piled high atop potato buns for one satisfying sandwich.

For something a bit speedier, try making this nutritious Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Mango, Bell Pepper, and Avocados, which makes use of pre-cooked protein. Just as apt for a quick lunch is Chicken Salad with Apricots and Almonds Sandwich.

From breasts to thighs, open-faced or not, enjoy these chicken sandwich recipes any day of the week.

01 of 20

Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

buffalo chicken sandwiches
Armando Rafael

We've transformed everyone's favorite bar food into a spicy chicken sandwich. Don't worry, we didn't forget the traditional pairing of celery and blue cheese—they're in there, too.

02 of 20

Poached Chicken Sandwiches with Peas and Radishes

poached chicken sandwiches with peas and radishes
Con Poulos

Poaching keeps the meat super juicy for this springy sandwich. Arrange slices on thick rustic bread along with a fresh salad made with English peas, snap peas, radishes, and mint.

03 of 20

Smoky Bell-Pepper Pesto on Grilled Chicken Sandwiches

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Roasted red bell peppers, chipotle chile in adobo, garlic, almonds, and fresh oregano are puréed into a spectacular spread in this recipe. Slather it on toasted whole-grain bread, then layer with grilled chicken, escarole, and sharp cheddar.

04 of 20

Nashville-Style Hot Chicken Sandwich

nashville-style hot chicken topped with pickles and served with coleslaw
Chris Simpson

Add some serious heat to a classic fried chicken sandwich. Mix together unsalted butter, hot paprika, hot sauce, and light brown sugar, then brush it on freshly fried boneless chicken thighs for this Tennessee favorite.

05 of 20

Chicken Salad with Apricots and Almonds Sandwich

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This version of the lunchtime favorite features sweet dried apricots and crunchy almonds. A dressing of Greek yogurt and Dijon mustard makes this chicken salad a light and refreshing option.

06 of 20

Thai Grilled-Chicken Baguettes

thai grilled chicken baguettes
Lennart Weibull

From fresh mango slices and a squeeze of lime to a light and crisp salad made from celery, lime juice, and cocktail peanuts, every element of this open-faced sandwich is a flavorful, delicious delight.

07 of 20

Pulled BBQ-Chicken Sandwiches

pulled chicken bbq sandwich

In this recipe, we're making succulent pulled chicken in a Dutch oven. We recommend topping each sandwich with our Shredded Carrot and Cabbage Coleslaw, which adds color, crunch, and tanginess.

08 of 20

Fried Chicken Sandwich

fried chicken sandwich
Bryan Gardner

Meet your all-time favorite crispy chicken sandwich recipe. Boneless chicken thighs are battered in a combination of buttermilk and Old Bay seasoning, then dredged in a light flour mixture. Serve on a roll with tartar sauce, lettuce, and pickles.

09 of 20

Grilled Chicken Parmesan

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Bryan Gardner

Flame-kissed Parmesan chicken, charred garlicky tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella are sandwiched between hero rolls in this summery take on the Italian classic.

10 of 20

Chicken, Avocado, and Bacon Sandwich

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Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut to an easy and satisfying lunch. Spread slices of toast with garlic mayonnaise and stack with sliced avocado and bacon to complete the sandwich.

11 of 20

Chicken Club Sandwich

chicken cutlets sandwich

Pro tip: Always have a stash of quick-cooking, panko-crusted chicken cutlets in the freezer. They make a great base for all kinds of meals. Here, they're sandwiched between mayo-schmeared kaiser rolls, along with American cheese, bacon, lettuce, and tomato.

12 of 20

Chicken and Marinated-Zucchini Sandwich

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For a creative sandwich topping, marinate thin ribbons of zucchini and red onion in lemon juice and zest and olive oil. Here, they're paired with cooked, shredded chicken (broil chicken cutlets or use leftovers), toasted almonds, and fresh parsley on Italian bread.

13 of 20

Chicken Sandwiches with White Onions and Peppers

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Sautéed mushrooms, onion, and green bell pepper bump up the flavors of this hot chicken sandwich. Feel free to scoop out the inside of the baguette if you prefer a lighter meal.

14 of 20

Pulled Chicken with Apple-Cucumber Slaw

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Dress up store-bought rotisserie chicken with Dijon mustard, cider vinegar, and honey, then team it with a refreshing apple-cucumber slaw and soft hamburger buns.

15 of 20

Poached-Chicken-Salad Sandwiches

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Romulo Yanes

We've swapped out most of the mayo for Greek yogurt in this better-for-you chicken salad. Toasted walnuts, golden raisins, celery, red onion, and tarragon make a lovely chorus of textures and flavors.

16 of 20

Slow-Cooker Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

spicy buffalo chicken sandwich
Stephen Kent Johnson

Savor the flavor of spicy buffalo wings in sandwich form when you simmer chicken thighs in a slow cooker with crushed tomatoes and hot-pepper sauce. Serve the shredded chicken on hamburger buns with blue cheese dressing on the side.

17 of 20

Cobb Salad Sandwich

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Con Poulos

Enjoy your Cobb salad in portable sandwich form when you stack crusty bread with shredded chicken, bacon, tomato, avocado, and hard-cooked eggs. Drizzle with homemade blue cheese dressing just before serving.

18 of 20

Chicken Reuben

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Sliced chicken breast replaces the usual corned beef in this tasty twist on the classic Reuben sandwich. Whip up a quick homemade version of Russian dressing using ketchup and light mayonnaise.

19 of 20

Barbecued Chicken on Garlic Toast

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Ready in just 15 minutes, these irresistible sandwiches rely on store-bought rotisserie chicken and bottled barbecue sauce. Choose thick Texas toast or regular white sandwich bread to make the garlic toast.

20 of 20

Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Mango, Bell Pepper, and Avocado

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Use avocado as a spread instead of mayonnaise in this upgraded version of the classic grilled chicken sandwich. It's colorful and crunchy with the addition of sliced bell peppers, while the mango slices bring a sweet and juicy touch.

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