If you’re a fan of bold flavors and hearty sandwiches, this Jerk Chicken Club Sandwich is going to be a new favorite. Imagine layers of juicy, jerk-seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mayo—all piled high between slices of toasted bread. This sandwich combines the classic elements of a club with the intense, spicy-sweet flavor of jerk seasoning, making it a true showstopper. Perfect for a casual lunch or a laid-back dinner, this sandwich brings the taste of the Caribbean to your table in a way that’s easy to assemble and full of satisfying textures and flavors.
Jerk seasoning, a staple in Jamaican cuisine, brings the heat and a complex mix of flavors to this sandwich. Traditionally made with allspice, Scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, and other aromatic spices, jerk seasoning transforms the chicken into a flavor-packed filling that pairs beautifully with the other sandwich elements. The spiciness of the jerk is balanced by the freshness of the lettuce and tomato, the creaminess of the mayo, and the saltiness of the bacon. Every bite offers a bit of spice, crunch, and creamy goodness—a combination that’s hard to resist.
What’s great about this sandwich is its versatility. You can easily prepare the jerk chicken ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep. You can also customize the sandwich with your favorite bread or add toppings like avocado or cheese to make it your own. Serve this Jerk Chicken Club Sandwich with a side of fries, plantain chips, or a simple salad for a delicious meal that brings a taste of the islands to any day of the week.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 slices of bacon
• 6 slices of bread (white, whole wheat, or your favorite variety)
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 4-6 leaves of romaine lettuce
• 1 large tomato, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: sliced avocado or cheese
Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with jerk seasoning, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors (you can also marinate for a few hours in the fridge for a deeper flavor).
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the jerk-seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove from the skillet and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
3. Cook the Bacon: In the same skillet or a separate pan, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
4. Toast the Bread: Lightly toast the bread slices until golden. You can do this in a toaster, under the broiler, or in a pan.
5. Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. On the bottom slice, layer lettuce, sliced jerk chicken, a few tomato slices, and bacon. Add an optional layer of avocado or cheese if desired. Top with another slice of bread with mayo on each side, then repeat the layering. Finish with a final slice of bread with mayo on the inner side.
6. Serve: Slice each sandwich diagonally to create classic club-style triangles. Serve with your choice of side and enjoy immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this sandwich with grilled chicken?
Yes! Grilling the jerk chicken adds a smoky flavor that enhances the jerk seasoning. Just make sure to cook the chicken to the correct internal temperature for safety.
Is this sandwich very spicy?
Jerk seasoning does add a kick, but the spiciness can be adjusted by choosing a mild jerk seasoning or reducing the amount. Adding avocado or cheese can also help balance the heat.
What type of bread works best?
White or whole wheat bread are classic choices, but you can use sourdough, ciabatta, or any sturdy bread that can hold up to the sandwich fillings.
Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
The chicken can be cooked ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it’s best to assemble the sandwich just before serving to keep the bread from getting soggy.
Can I make a vegetarian version?
For a vegetarian twist, you can substitute jerk-seasoned tofu or portobello mushrooms for the chicken and skip the bacon.
This Jerk Chicken Club Sandwich is a delicious fusion of classic club sandwich elements with the bold, spicy flavor of jerk seasoning. Each layer brings something special to the sandwich, from the juicy chicken and crispy bacon to the fresh lettuce and creamy mayo. It’s a hearty, flavorful meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the taste of the Caribbean in every bite!
