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This Grilled Spicy Chicken Sandwich recipe makes for one perfect meal. The chicken is savory, flavorful and spicy and the cheese adds a layer of creaminess to the recipe. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a weekend cookout or just looking to spice up your weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers that perfect mix of heat, char, and flavor in every bite.
Got the inspiration from my friend Meat Church and had to try it for myself. Simple and easy, it’s a great summer sandwich.
If you like spicy sandwiches, you must try my shredded buffalo chicken sandwich. Grilled chicken, homemade buffalo sauce and pickled onion. Simple, easy and delicious!
Table of Contents
Ingredients needed to make a Grilled Spicy Chicken Sandwich
- Chicken thighs: I used chicken thighs in this recipe because they are fattier and more flavorful vs. chicken breast.
- Pickled jalapenos: the pickle brine is used to marinate the chicken making the meat more tender and flavorful.
- Cheese: I used classic American cheese which is creamy and has the perfect melting properties. Cheddar or provolone are also great options.
- Seasoning: a sweet bbq rub is the perfect compliment to the savory and spicy chicken.
- Bread: a brioche or potato bun that is larger than a slicer bun but slightly small than a basic burger bun.
Step 1: Marinade the chicken thighs
The key to an amazing spicy grilled chicken sandwich starts long before it hits the grill—it’s all about the marinade. This simple pickled jalapeno brine is all that’s needed to add some flavor, heat and tenderness to the grilled chicken.
Start by placing boneless chicken thighs into a slider bag or container. Add the juice from the pickled jalapenos along with some of the sliced jalapenos themselves.
Recipe Tip
For a leaner option, go with chicken breast. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating. This helps them cook evenly and keeps every bite perfectly moist.
Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even better, overnight. This allows the bold, spicy flavors to soak into the meat and keeps the chicken tender and juicy when it hits the grill.
Step 2: Time to grill up some spicy chicken sandwiches
Once the chicken thighs are done marinating in the spicy jalapeno brine, remove them from the slider bag and pat them dry. Don’t worry, you will not remove any of the flavor. That has soaked into the meat already.
Season with more Dad’s Sweet BBQ rub. This rub has granulated honey adding sweetness to balance the savoriness and spiciness of the dish.
Preheat the grill to high direct heat and place the seasoned thighs directly on the grates.
Grill each piece flipping every 2 minutes. Once the internal temperature of the meat reaches 160 degree, place a slice of cheese over each chicken piece and let it melt. Remove the chicken from the grill at 175 degrees.
That sizzle and smoky aroma mean you’re in for something special. The natural fat in the chicken combined with the spices creates a mouthwatering crust that’s full of flavor and texture.
Toast up the slider buns for an extra crunch.
Keep the assembly of the grilled spicy chicken sandwich simple. Toasted bun, a layer of mayo, the spicy chicken with cheese and a crunchy pickled jalapeno on top. Enjoy!
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Spicy Chicken Sandwich recipe is all about bold, crave-worthy flavor without the fuss. It’s easy to make, packed with heat, and perfect for anyone who loves a little kick in their grilled meals. Every bite has that ideal balance of smoky spice, juicy meat, and cool toppings. It’s comfort food with an edge.
So the next time you’re planning a backyard BBQ or weeknight dinner, skip the drive-thru and make your own Grilled Spicy Chicken Sandwich right at home. Trust me, it’s going to be your new favorite grilling go-to
Frequently Asked Questions:
All my recipes can be replicated in the oven, stove top or gas grill. You do not need a big green egg or weber grill to replicate any of my recipes.
Yes. Pickle brine makes meat more tender and juicy by acting as a brine, tenderizing it with its salt and acidity. A jalapeno brine will add heat from the peppers adding flavor to the meat.
Easy and Delicious Grilled Sandwich Ideas:
Chicken & Turkey
Chicken Bacon Ranch Chopped Sandwich
Chicken & Turkey
BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Vegetables
Polish Zapiekanka
If you tried this Grilled Spicy Chicken Sandwich or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the📝 comments. I love hearing from you!
Grilled Spicy Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 lb Boneless chicken thighs
- 28 oz Can of pickled jalapenos
- 4 Potato buns
- 4 Cheese slices
- 3 tbsp Dad's Sweet BBQ rub
- 1 tbsp Mayo
Instructions
- Place boneless chicken thighs into a slider bag. Add the juice from pickled jalapenos along with some of the sliced jalapenos. Seal shut.
- Marinate in the fridge for 24 hours.
- Remove the marinated chicken thighs from the slider bag and season with more Dad's Sweet BBQ rub.
- Preheat the grill to high direct heat and place the seasoned thighs directly on the grates.
- Grill the marinated chicken thighs about 2-3minutes per side until the internal temp reaches 160 degrees.
- Place a slice of cheese over each chicken piece and let it melt. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 175 degrees.
- Toast up the slider buns.
- To assemble, add a layer of mayo on the toasted bun, next the spicy chicken with cheese and a crunchy pickled jalapeno on top.
