Club Sandwich

Club sandwiches remind me of long summer afternoons at roadside cafés and small restaurants, where the plates were always warm and the food came with quiet comfort.

There was nothing rushed or showy about them—just a well-made, satisfying meal with all the right layers.

I’ve recreated that same familiar taste at home, using thick slices of juicy chicken, grainy mustard, crisp lettuce, and toasted bread that holds it all together just right.

What makes this version stand out is how clean and hearty each bite feels. The flavors are balanced—no overwhelming sauces, no extras you’ll push aside.

Every layer does its job. It’s a proper sandwich, made the way it should be. I’ve kept the ingredients real, the process simple, and the result just like the ones we used to wait for at our favorite spots.

Table of Contents

Classic Chicken Club Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients

6 slices sandwich bread (white or multigrain)
1 large chicken breast, cooked and sliced into strips
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for mild flavor)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
3 tablespoons whole grain mustard or Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
2–3 fresh romaine or butterhead lettuce leaves
1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
Butter, for toasting bread (optional)
Toothpicks or sandwich skewers, for serving

Instructions

Lightly season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, and cook the chicken breast for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into thin strips.
In a small bowl, mix the mustard and mayonnaise until smooth. This will be your sandwich spread.
Toast all six slices of bread until golden brown. You can use a toaster or a skillet with a little butter for extra flavor.
Lay out the first slice of toasted bread and spread a thin layer of the mustard-mayo mixture.
Add a few slices of tomato and lettuce, followed by a generous layer of sliced chicken.
Place the second slice of bread on top, spread a little more of the mustard-mayo mixture, and repeat the layers: lettuce, tomato, and chicken.
Finish with the final slice of bread on top. Gently press down on the sandwich to help it hold together.
Use a sharp knife to cut the sandwich diagonally into halves or quarters. Secure each portion with a toothpick or skewer to keep the layers intact.
Serve immediately with olives, chips, or a refreshing glass of lemon water on the side.

How Do I Store Leftover Club Sandwiches?

If you have leftover club sandwiches, proper storage is key to keeping them fresh and safe to eat.

Wrap Tightly Before Storing: Use cling film or foil to wrap each sandwich tightly. This helps prevent the bread from drying out and keeps all the layers together.
Use an Airtight Container: After wrapping, place the sandwiches in an airtight container. This adds an extra layer of protection and keeps fridge odors away from the sandwich.
Refrigerate Promptly: Always store the sandwich in the fridge if you’re not eating it within two hours. It can stay fresh for up to 24 hours, but the bread may become a little soft due to moisture from the vegetables and spread.
Avoid Freezing: Freezing a club sandwich is not recommended. The texture of fresh vegetables and sauces changes after thawing, and the bread may become soggy.
Reheat If Desired: If you want to warm it up slightly, unwrap the sandwich and place it in a toaster oven for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread chewy and rubbery.

What Can I Serve With A Club Sandwich?

To turn your sandwich into a full meal, try pairing it with sides that add crunch or freshness.

Crispy Potato Chips: A classic combo that adds texture and saltiness to balance the sandwich layers.
French Fries Or Wedges: Hot, golden fries are filling and go well with the sandwich’s flavor.
Fresh Salad: A simple cucumber or mixed greens salad can lighten the meal and give it a fresh touch.
Pickles Or Olives: These add a tangy contrast and make the bite more exciting.
Lemon Water Or Iced Tea: A chilled drink with a mild flavor cleans the palate without overpowering the sandwich.

Can I Make Club Sandwiches Ahead Of Time?

Yes, but how you prepare and store them matters.

Prepare Ingredients In Advance: Cook the chicken, wash the lettuce, and slice the tomatoes a few hours early. Keep everything in separate containers in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble.
Toast Bread Just Before Assembling: Toasted bread helps keep the sandwich firm and prevents it from getting soggy, so don’t toast it too early.
Assemble Right Before Serving: To keep the sandwich fresh and crisp, it’s best to assemble it no more than an hour before serving.
If Storing For Later: If you must make it earlier, avoid adding watery vegetables like tomato until just before eating. They release moisture and make the sandwich soggy.

What Type Of Bread Works Best For A Club Sandwich?

The bread is just as important as the filling. Choose wisely for a balanced bite.

White Sandwich Bread: Soft, slightly sweet, and toasts well. It’s the classic choice for most club sandwiches.
Multigrain Bread: Adds extra texture and fiber. It’s heartier and holds up better if the sandwich has a lot of filling.
Sourdough: Offers a slight tangy flavor and a chewy crust, which gives the sandwich character.
Avoid Very Soft Or Sweet Breads: Too soft bread may fall apart. Sweet breads can clash with the savory filling.

How Can I Keep The Club Sandwich From Getting Soggy?

A soggy sandwich ruins the texture, but a few tricks can help you avoid that.

Use Toasted Bread: Toasted slices form a barrier and stay firmer than soft bread.
Spread On Both Slices: Spreading mustard or mayo on both pieces of bread creates a moisture shield between the fillings and the bread.
Dry The Vegetables: Pat lettuce and tomatoes dry with a paper towel before adding them.
Layer Wisely: Place the lettuce between the bread and tomato to keep the juice from soaking into the bread.

Can I Use Something Other Than Chicken?

Chicken is classic, but you can switch things up depending on what you like or have available.

Turkey Slices: They’re lean and taste great with mustard and vegetables.
Fried Or Grilled Fish Fillet: Adds a different flavor and goes well with the same condiments.
Egg Omelet: A fluffy omelet slice adds protein and pairs well with lettuce and mustard.
Paneer Or Tofu: These are good options for those avoiding meat. Grill or pan-fry for added flavor.

How Can I Pack A Club Sandwich For Lunch?

Packing it the right way ensures your sandwich stays fresh and doesn’t fall apart.

Wrap In Parchment Or Foil: This holds everything in place and keeps the sandwich neat.
Cut After Wrapping: Slice the sandwich into halves or quarters after wrapping to avoid spilling or separation.
Use A Firm Lunch Box: Choose a container that won’t squish the sandwich and has room to breathe.
Keep It Cool: If you’re packing it for school or work, use a small ice pack to keep it fresh till lunch.

Can I Add Cheese Or More Sauces?

Yes, but use them in the right amount to keep things balanced.

Sliced Cheddar Or Mozzarella: Adds creaminess and blends well with chicken and vegetables.
Thin Layer Of Mayonnaise Or Mustard: Extra sauces can improve taste but too much can make the sandwich messy.
Avoid Mixing Too Many Sauces: One or two well-chosen spreads are enough. Too many flavors can become confusing.
Layer Cheese Near The Bread: This helps add structure and keeps the sandwich firm.

Is This Sandwich Suitable For Kids?

Yes, it can be a great meal for kids with a few simple adjustments.

Skip Spicy Sauces: Use plain mayonnaise instead of mustard if your child prefers mild flavors.
Cut Into Small Triangles: Smaller pieces are easier for little hands to manage.
Choose Soft Bread: If toasted bread is too hard for them, lightly toast or use soft sandwich slices.
Avoid Sharp Toothpicks: If packing for school or small kids, skip the toothpicks and wrap the sandwich tightly instead.