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    Home » Grilling Recipes

    Grilled BBQ Chicken Sandwich Recipe with Lettuce Bun

    Published: Jul 27, 2023 · Modified: Jun 4, 2024 by Mariah Knight

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    Grilled BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are a quick and easy summer grilling recipe! The chicken is marinated in BBQ Sauce, grilled to perfection, and sandwiched between a crispy lettuce bun. They're easily customizable and packed with flavor!

    BBQ chicken sandwich with lettuce bun.

    Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a commission if you choose to purchase through qualifying links.

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • 🍴Ingredient Notes
    • 🍴Step by Step Instructions
    • How To Make a Lettuce Bun
    • Expert Tips
    • Recipe Variations
    • Serving Suggestions
    • How to store leftovers
    • Recipe Card
    • Want more recipes?
    • 💬 Reviews

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    What's not to love about a Grilled Chicken Sandwich?! They're packed with flavor and the topping options are endless! Plus, they only take about 15-20 minutes to make, and you only need a few basic ingredients.

    I personally love using iceberg lettuce for buns because it's light and refreshing in the summer! Lettuce buns are also a great option for anyone on a gluten-free or low carb diet. (Feel free to swap for sourdough bread or your favorite gluten-free bun.)

    Chicken Sandwiches are also great for serving a large crowd because you can easily double or triple the recipe by grilling more chicken! And best of all, your family and friends can easily customize them by using different toppings, sauces, or buns.

    🍴Ingredient Notes

    Ingredients measured out for bbq chicken sandwiches.
    • Chicken Breast - I prefer using thicker pieces of chicken breast vs. thin chicken cutlets to make a heartier sandwich. Boneless chicken thighs will work with this recipe too!
    • Iceberg Lettuce - For the lettuce bun I suggest using iceberg lettuce, but you can also use any larger leaf lettuce variety!
    • Fresh Tomatoes - Thinly sliced tomato works best. (Use a sharp knife!)
    • Red Onion - Thinly sliced red onion works best.
    • BBQ Sauce - I used Primal Kitchen Golden BBQ sauce with no added sugar. I also love their Hawaiian BBQ Sauce! (Both are Paleo & Whole30 Friendly.)
    • Pickles - I used Grillo's Dill Pickle Chips. You can find them at most grocery stores or Costco!

    Other Chicken Sandwich Toppings

    • Crispy Bacon
    • Sliced Avocado
    • Relish
    • Honey Mustard
    • Dairy-Free Cheddar Cheese (Or any kind of cheese!)
    • Mayo - I love Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Mayo.
    • Ranch Dressing
    • Extra Barbecue Sauce
    • Hot Sauce

    🍴Step by Step Instructions

    Step 1: Marinate Chicken Breast

    Start by marinating the chicken breast in your choice of BBQ sauce for about an hour or overnight for maximum flavor!

    Chicken marinating in bbq sauce.

    Step 2: Grill Marinated Chicken

    Place each piece of chicken breast onto a grill that has been preheated to about 375 degrees. Grill chicken for about 5-8 minutes on each side or until cooked thoroughly. (Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness.)

    Grilled bbq chicken on a plate.

    Step 3: Assemble Sandwiches

    Assemble the chicken sandwiches by adding the juicy chicken to a lettuce bun with tomato slices, red onion, pickles, and extra BBQ sauce! Enjoy!

    Chicken, lettuce, red onion, and pickles, on top of lettuce bun.

    How To Make a Lettuce Bun

    To make a lettuce bun, start by peeling off the outer layer of the iceberg lettuce. Then, cut about a half inch off the top and bottom. It should leave you with a large enough bun for a few sandwiches.

    You can also cut the ball of lettuce into quarters and peel away what you need for buns.

    Expert Tips

    • Marinate the chicken in barbeque sauce overnight in the refrigerator for a stronger flavor. (Make sure you cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a reusable cover.)
    • Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken has cooked through. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees.
    • Don't overcook the chicken or it will become dry! Check the internal temperature and remove from the grill when it's done.
    • If you have super thick cuts of chicken, use a meat mallet to thin them out to your desired thickness.
    • Soak the red onion in water for 10 minutes before serving to dilute the flavor.
    • If you don't have a grill, you can cook the chicken on a cast iron pan or grill pan instead.

    Love BBQ Chicken?! Try my BBQ Chicken Stuffed Peppers!

    BBQ chicken sandwich cut in half with lettuce bun.

    Recipe Variations

    • To switch up the flavor of this recipe, use a different marinade! Buffalo Sauce works great too!
    • Caramelize red onions or sweet onions to serve on top.
    • Swap the lettuce bun for a gluten-free bun or tortilla! I suggest toasting the bun or tortilla before serving.
    • Chop the romaine lettuce, red onion, tomato, chicken, and pickles, and serve as a chopped BBQ chicken salad instead!
    • Instead of marinating the chicken, just add a little olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Serve with a generous drizzle of my delicious Spicy Burger Sauce!

    Serving Suggestions

    The best part about this recipe is that you can serve it with a variety of sides! I suggest preparing all of the toppings and sides ahead of time. Place them in individual bowls on a large tray or baking sheet so you guests can serve themselves.

    • Chips
    • Homemade Fries
    • Grilled Corn
    • Pasta Salad - My Chicken Bacon Pasta Salad would be great - just don't add in the chicken!
    • Lemon Orzo Salad

    For dessert, I suggest trying one of my refreshing homemade sorbet recipes! Peach Sorbet, Lime Sorbet, or Pineapple Sorbet would be a great addition to this meal.

    How to store leftovers

    Store leftovers separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

    Do not assemble the chicken sandwiches ahead of time. Keep the chicken and toppings in individual containers.

    More grilling recipes!

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      Grilled Stuffed Peppers Recipe with Ground Beef
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      Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe with Pineapple
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      Southwest Chicken Taco Salad Recipe

    After you make this Grilled BBQ Chicken Sandwich, make sure to leave a comment & rate the recipe!

    Recipe Card

    BBQ chicken sandwich with lettuce bun.

    Grilled BBQ Chicken Sandwich Recipe with Lettuce Bun

    Grilled BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are a quick and easy dinner recipe! The chicken is marinated in BBQ Sauce, grilled to perfection, and sandwiched between a crispy lettuce bun. They're easily customizable and packed with flavor!
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share on Facebook
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 35 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 3
    Calories 97 kcal

    Equipment

    • Outdoor or Indoor Grill

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 Pieces Chicken Breast
    • 1 Iceberg Lettuce You can also swap for gluten-free sandwich bread!
    • 1 Tomato
    • ½ Red Onion
    • ⅓ Cup BBQ Sauce I used Primal Kitchen Golden BBQ sauce with no added sugar.
    • ¼ Cup Pickles I used Grillo's Dill Pickle Chips.

    Instructions
     

    • Start by marinating the chicken breast in your choice of BBQ sauce for about an hour or overnight for maximum flavor!
    • Place each piece of chicken breast onto a grill that has been preheated to about 375 degrees. Grill chicken for about 5-8 minutes on each side or until cooked thoroughly. (Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness.)
    • Assemble the chicken sandwiches by adding the juicy chicken to a lettuce bun with tomato slices, red onion, pickles, and extra BBQ sauce! Enjoy!

    Notes

    How To Make a Lettuce Bun

    To make a lettuce bun, start by peeling off the outer layer of the iceberg lettuce. Then, cut about a half inch off the top and bottom. It should leave you with a large enough bun for a few sandwiches.
    You can also cut the ball of lettuce into quarters and peel away what you need for buns.

    Expert Tips

    • Marinate the chicken in barbeque sauce overnight in the refrigerator for a stronger flavor. (Make sure you cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a reusable cover.)
    • Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken has cooked through. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees.
    • Don't overcook the chicken or it will become dry! Check the internal temperature and remove from the grill when it's done.
    • If you have super thick cuts of chicken, use a meat mallet to thin them out to your desired thickness.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1ServingCalories: 97kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 3gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 446mgPotassium: 468mgFiber: 3gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 1337IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 58mgIron: 1mg
    Keywords grilled bbq chicken sandwich, grilled chicken sandwich, grilled sandwich with lettuce bun
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @freshwaterpeaches on Instagram!

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