Ultimate Loaded Chicken Club Sandwich with Crispy Bacon and Avocado Ranch Spread

Name: Ultimate Loaded Chicken Club Sandwich with Crispy Bacon and Avocado Ranch Spread
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 12 strips applewood bacon; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Pinch of cayenne pepper; 2 ripe avocados, mashed; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons ranch dressing; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 12 slices thick sourdough bread; 3 tablespoons butter, softened; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 8 large lettuce leaves; 8 thick tomato slices; 4 slices red onion; 8 pickle spears; 8 slices Swiss cheese; 4 slices sharp cheddar; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons honey mustard; 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

by Peter Harper

Published on: December 4, 2025

Ultimate loaded chicken club sandwich with bacon and avocado ranch spread

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The Ultimate Loaded Chicken Club Sandwich with Crispy Bacon and Avocado Ranch Spread is a culinary masterpiece that marries succulent grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy avocado ranch spread into one delightful bite. Picture this towering sandwich, adorned with fresh lettuce and juicy tomatoes, giving off a mouthwatering aroma that beckons you closer. Each layer offers a crunchy texture paired with the smoothness of avocados, making it simply irresistible. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, its easy preparation and seasonal ingredients elevate this recipe to “must-try” status.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll absolutely fall for this Ultimate Loaded Chicken Club Sandwich because it’s not just a meal; it’s an experience. Ideal for weekend barbecues, casual brunches, or comforting weeknight dinners, this sandwich offers unparalleled convenience without sacrificing flavor. Its layers of grilled chicken, crunchy bacon, and creamy avocado ranch make it a true crowd-pleaser. Customize each layer or serve it with your favorite sides to tailor it to your tastes, making it versatile enough for any occasion!

Seasonal Ingredients Spotlight

This recipe shines with its fresh, seasonal ingredients. Think bright green lettuce leaves that crunch under your bite, luscious tomatoes with a vibrant red hue, and creamy, ripe avocados that add velvety richness. The fragrances of garlic and smoky bacon mingle to create an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen. By choosing locally sourced produce, you not only enjoy superior flavor but also support sustainable farming practices. The colorful combination of your fresh ingredients makes this dish a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

What You’ll Need

For the Grilled Chicken:

4 boneless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Crispy Bacon:

12 strips applewood bacon
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of cayenne pepper

For the Avocado Ranch Spread:

2 ripe avocados, mashed
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ranch dressing
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Bread Foundation:

12 slices thick sourdough bread
3 tablespoons butter, softened
1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Fresh Components:

8 large lettuce leaves
8 thick tomato slices
4 slices red onion
8 pickle spears

For the Cheese Addition:

8 slices Swiss cheese
4 slices sharp cheddar

For the Enhancement:

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey mustard
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze

For the Seasoning Blend:

1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder

For the Assembly Tools:

12 long toothpicks
Parchment paper

For Special Equipment:

Grill pan or outdoor grill
Large skillet
Meat thermometer
Sharp serrated knife

Feel free to substitute with gluten-free bread for dietary needs or add spice with jalapeños for an extra kick!

How to Make This Recipe

1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade

Begin by preparing the chicken marinade and seasoning chicken breasts thoroughly. Combining olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper creates a robust flavor base that infuses the chicken with deliciousness.

2. Pound for Uniform Cooking

Pound chicken breasts to an even 3/4-inch thickness for uniform cooking. This step ensures that every bite of your chicken is tender and juicy.

3. Rub and Rest

Rub the seasoned chicken with olive oil and let it rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

4. Cook the Bacon

Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. As the bacon cooks, sprinkle it with brown sugar and spices during the last 2 minutes to caramelize it. Transfer the cooked bacon to paper towels to drain.

5. Grill the Chicken

Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat for the chicken. Grill seasoned chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer.

6. Rest and Slice

Allow the grilled chicken to rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thick pieces. This is key to keeping the juices locked in.

7. Toast the Bread

Toast your sourdough bread slices in a toaster or skillet until golden brown and crispy, creating the perfect crunchy base for your sandwich.

8. Prepare the Avocado Ranch Spread

In a mixing bowl, prepare the avocado ranch spread by mashing the avocados until mostly smooth. Mix in the mayonnaise, ranch dressing, lime juice, minced garlic, and salt until creamy and luscious.

9. Assemble the Sandwich

Spread softened garlic butter on one side of each toasted bread slice, then spread the avocado ranch mixture generously on the buttered side of the bread. Layer the bottom slice with lettuce leaves and thick tomato slices, seasoning the tomatoes with salt and pepper.

10. Add Chicken and Cheese

Add sliced grilled chicken on top of the tomatoes, followed by Swiss cheese slices and crispy bacon strips. Place another slice of bread on top, spread-side down, then repeat with more lettuce, red onion slices, cheddar cheese, and more bacon if desired.

11. Press and Secure

Crown with the final slice of bread, spread-side down, pressing gently to adhere. Secure each sandwich quarter with long toothpicks before cutting diagonally.

12. Serve and Enjoy!

Serve immediately with pickle spears and your favorite chips for a complete meal that is sure to tantalize all your taste buds!

Essential Tools

To make your Ultimate Loaded Chicken Club Sandwich, you will need a few key tools. Essential items include a grill pan or outdoor grill for perfectly cooked chicken, a large skillet for crispy bacon, and a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly. A sharp serrated knife will help slice your sandwich with ease. Optional tools like a mixing bowl for the avocado ranch spread make your job that much easier.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

For those who love to meal prep, this sandwich can be assembled partially ahead of time. Store the cooked chicken and bacon in airtight containers in the fridge for 3-4 days. The avocado ranch spread can be made in advance, too—just add a little lime juice to keep the avocados fresh. When ready to assemble, simply toast the bread, layer the ingredients, and enjoy! If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator in a sandwich container, but for the best taste, consume within 2 days.

Perfect Pairings

Complement your Ultimate Loaded Chicken Club Sandwich with a side of crispy sweet potato fries or a light summer salad tossed with a citrus vinaigrette. For drinks, pair it with a glass of homemade iced tea or a refreshing lemonade, enhancing the overall experience. The colors and textures of the sides will visually elevate your meal, making it not only delicious but also stunning on the plate.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: ~180 kcal
Fat: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Protein: 3 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 14 g

Avoid These Common Pitfalls

When making your Ultimate Loaded Chicken Club Sandwich, watch for a few common pitfalls. Ensure your chicken is evenly pounded to avoid dryness—this helps with even cooking. For the bacon, watch it closely near the end to prevent burning. If your avocado ranch is too thick, just add a splash of lime juice or water to loosen it up. Lastly, don’t rush the resting time for your chicken; this step enhances juiciness.

Pro Tips for Best Results

To elevate your Ultimate Loaded Chicken Club Sandwich, consider these pro tips. Infuse flavors by marinating chicken overnight for deeper taste. Use high-quality, thick-cut bacon for a perfect crunch and smoky flavor. When toasting the bread, a touch of garlic powder in the butter adds extra flavor. Be sure to layer your ingredients thoughtfully—creating a balance of textures and flavors will make your sandwich truly special.

Recipe Variations to Explore

Don’t hesitate to explore variations of the Ultimate Loaded Chicken Club Sandwich! Swap the grilled chicken for crispy fried chicken for a different texture. For a vegetarian option, use grilled portobello mushrooms or chickpea patties. You can also experiment with different spreads such as chipotle mayo for a spicy twist. Seasonal fruit like sliced peaches or figs can add a refreshing sweetness, making this dish adaptable for any palate.

Dietary Adaptations & Safety Info

If you’re looking for dietary adaptations, this recipe can easily be adjusted. Use gluten-free bread or tortillas for a gluten-free option. For a dairy-free version, swap out the cheeses for your favorite dairy-free alternative and use a vegan mayo for the avocado ranch spread. Always check food labels to avoid allergens, and if using chicken, ensure it’s cooked to the safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken, bacon, and avocado ranch spread in advance. Just assemble the sandwich fresh when you’re ready to eat.

2. What can I substitute for sourdough bread?
You can use any bread of your choice, like whole wheat, ciabatta, or even wraps for a lighter option.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Store assembled sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge. However, for best results, it’s advised to keep components separate to avoid sogginess.

4. Can I freeze components of this sandwich?
Yes! Grilled chicken and bacon can be frozen. Just make sure to store them in freezer-safe containers.

5. What can I add for extra crunch?
Consider adding pickled jalapeños, crunchy cucumbers, or roasted red peppers for an added layer of texture and flavor!

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

As you dive into making this Ultimate Loaded Chicken Club Sandwich with Crispy Bacon and Avocado Ranch Spread, remember that cooking should be fun and enjoyable! Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and ingredients that you love. If you enjoyed this recipe, feel free to comment below or share your creations on social media with your friends. Looking for more mouthwatering recipes? Check out our collection of sandwich recipes here. Happy cooking!