Dry Rubbed Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Easy and out of this world delicious, this Dry Rubbed Grilled Chicken Sandwich recipe creates one of the best sandwiches. This sandwich really is the perfect addition for your game day menu.
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I do believe with my entire being, that husband’s of food bloggers (and some wives too) are totally, 100% spoiled.
Not only do they get a home cooked meal almost every night, but they also get to eat some killer recipes too.
I remember the first time we sat down to dinner to eat my Best Dry Rubbed Ribs of Your Life recipe. My family (and myself included) looked like starved animals devouring these ribs.
In that moment, nothing else in the world mattered outside of savoring every bite of that tender, juicy, fall-off-the-bone meat.
It was then that I realized that not only was it the low-and-slow cooking method that made these ribs SO DARN INCREDIBLE but also the super flavorful dry rub recipe.
My husband though, was the most impacted by that rib filled evening.
Not only does he adore those ribs but he just goes absolutely GA GA for the dry rub every time we use it on anything.
Seeing his reaction is what inspired me to name the dry rub Husband Approved Dry Rub.
It was also seeing his reaction that led me to create this Dry Rubbed Grilled Chicken Sandwich and he was not disappointed.
Kid in a candy store, kid on Christmas morning or kid finding out their best friend can play are some of the best ways to describe him eating this “Best Grilled Chicken Sandwich”.
As soon as the last bite was gone he was already asking when we could make them again.
So, when I shared with him I needed to film a video of making this hot chicken sandwich recipe, the childlike joy poured out of my bearded burly husband.
Like I said…100% spoiled, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Commonly Asked Questions About Dry Rubbed Grilled Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
Where do I find the dry rub recipe for these sandwiches?
Husband Approved Dry Rub is the recipe we used for this Grilled Chicken Sandwich. Let me just share with you, it is amazing!!! It goes so good on all kinds of chicken dishes like this one.
Is this a healthy grilled chicken sandwich recipe?
Honestly, it depends on what your definition of healthy is. My approach is one of healthy decadence. In other words, meals that have a healthier edge to them but with that gooey gooey decadence element. I always try to use real food ingredients and organic whenever possible.
Does this recipe create a spicy chicken sandwich?
This chicken sandwich recipe creates a slightly spicy sandwich. However, most people will be absolutely fine with the heat level.
If you are preparing it for company that are more sensitive to spice, then my suggestion would be to lower the chipotle powder in the dry rub to 1/2 tsp (rather than 1 1/2 tsp) and increase the smoked paprika by 1 tsp. I wouldn’t recommend eliminating the chipotle as it adds an extra layer of flavor.
I want these sandwiches as part of our game day menu but I don’t want to be making them while the game is on. Can they be made in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this sandwich recipe in advance and eat them cold. The good news is, they taste amazing both hot or cold.
The secret to having them hot just in time for the game, have them in the oven about 30 mins before kick off with all the fixings ready to go. Once the meat is done cooking and is cut, pile it on the bread with the cheese and pop it back in the oven for about 3-5 minutes to melt the cheese. Add the spinach, roasted bell pepper and onions and dig in.
What goes well with these Grilled Chicken Sandwiches to help make an amazing party?
I would lean towards this chunky and flavorful Simple Healthy Guacamole with your favorite chips. Another favorite of mine is this Homemade Tzatziki with pita chips. During the holidays this Festive Cheese Ball with crackers is awesome too.
My family doesn’t like spinach and roasted red bell pepper. What else could I use in their place?
I am so glad you asked because honestly you can get really creative using some fun alternative ingredients like:
- Simple Coleslaw
- Grilled Pineapple
- Caramelized Onions
- Arugula instead of Spinach
- The dry rubbed chicken meat can also be used in a salad instead for anyone who wants to avoid the bread. I have used a lime and olive oil vinaigrette. Add your favorite salad fixings, the dry rubbed chicken and your favorite cheese for a very fun salad alternative.
How do I make the mayonnaise smooth and not lumpy?
The secret is to mix the dry rub into the mayo and then let it sit in the refrigerator for about an hour and then stir well. The brown sugar and spices need about an hour to dissolve and then the mayo will mix up beautifully.
Where can I find an indoor nontoxic grill?
I like how you think! There are a few choices that I love. If you are looking for a grilling pan to use on your burner, this one is awesome. For an electric version you can’t beat this one.
More Fun Sandwich Recipes For Your Game Day Menu:
Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwich– Saving Room for Dessert
Mexican Chicken Avocado Sandwich– The Fed Up Foodie
Smoked Salmon Reuben Sandwich– That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Grilled Veggie Sandwich– The Fed Up Foodie
Dry Rubbed Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- Husband Approved Dry Rub Recipe *reserve 2 tsp for mayo
- 2 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
For the Mayo
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 2 tsp Husband Approved Dry Rub Recipe
For the Sandwich
- 10 Ciabatta Rolls *or 2 French Baguettes
- 10 slices provolone cheese
- 5 oz baby spinach leaves
- 12 oz jar Roasted Red Bell Peppers
- 1 medium white onion *cut into sandwich slices
Instructions
- Thoroughly mix together dry rub. (Mix again just before using to prevent clumping.)Measure out mayonnaise and add 2 tsp of dry rub. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate for about 1 hour. Cover dry rub and set aside.
- To prepare chicken drain and remove from packaging. Place chicken thighs between layers of paper towels to absorb extra moisture and refrigerate for about an hour. (Refrigerating for an hour is an optional step but helps to remove extra moisture helping the dry rub adhere to the chicken better.)
- Once chilled, dip chicken thighs into dry rub, turning multiple times to ensure chicken pieces are fully covered in dry rub. Preheat oven to 350℉.Preheat grill to medium high heat (approximately 400℉). Once heated, grill seasoned chicken on each side just until caramelized, about 3-5 mins per side.Remove chicken from grill and add to baking pan. Bake for 15-20 mins or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165℉.
- Once chicken is baked through remove from oven, let rest for about 5 mins and then cut into strips. Pour desired amount of excess juice from pan over pieces. Cut bread. Stir mayo again to remove any lumps and slather on bread. Divide chicken pieces among sandwiches. Add to each sandwich cheese, bell pepper slices, spinach and desired amount of onions.
Notes
Nutrition
If you love savory chicken meals then you will adore these:
I love that you can make this sandwich in advance. It is such a great way to feed a crowd. Surely, perfect for the game day.
Thank you! You are right on the money with having it in game day.
Amazing seasoning blend, yum!
Thank you Melissa. My whole family is completely addicted to the dry rub.
so delicious!
Yay! I am so glad to hear!
Now THIS is a sandwich. So hearty!
My husband feels the same. ????
I can’t wait to give this a try!
Yay! I hope you enjoy.
Love this new take on a sandwich! I gotta try this one!
Thank you Stephanie! Is such a fun sandwich to have while watching football.
Definitely perfect for game day! Yum!
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The chicken has so much flavor, what a great sandwich!
Awe, thank you Erin! We love it too.
This sandwich looks fabulous exactly how you made it!!! Pinning!!
Thank you Liz! ????
What are the ingredients for the rub
Hi Mary,
Here is the link for the rub. Please let me know if the link within the recipe card is giving you a hard time so I can get it working properly. Thank you! https://www.thefedupfoodie.com/husband-approved-dry-rub/
Delicious! Made this as written with chicken thighs a few weeks ago, Everyone loved it. Would this work with chicken breasts? (It was what the grocery store had!) And these breasts are gigantic! Should I slice the raw breasts down into thinner pieces (either into crosswise into cutlets or width-wise into “medallions”) or pound them flat (eels that sounds so messy with chicken)? Just trying to use what I have available.
Thank you Sharon! I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed this sandwich!
Great question about using chicken breasts. Short answer is yes you can however I would recommend butterflying the chicken breasts to shorten the cook time.
Long answer is because of the brown sugar you would need the meat to be thiner so that the brown sugar doesn’t burn. The easiest way I would recommend is to butterfly the breasts. However, you can also cut them into strips and then cook (cooking time would vary with this approach).
Also, here is a dried rubbed grilled chicken breast recipe. This recipe doesn’t have brown sugar in the dry rub so I was able to leave the chicken breast whole. It may give you an additional dinner idea for the chicken breasts.https://www.thefedupfoodie.com/easy-seared-chicken-guacamole/
*eek