25+ Mouthwatering Chicken Sandwich Toppings You Need to Try Today

Have you ever stared at a plain chicken breast on bread and thought, “This needs something more”? Well, you’re not alone! The perfect chicken sandwich is all about what you stack between those buns As someone who’s made hundreds of chicken sandwiches (and eaten even more), I’m gonna share the absolute best toppings that’ll transform your basic chicken sammie into something special

The Classic Foundation Toppings

Let’s start with the basics – these are the tried-and-true toppings that never disappoint:

1. Lettuce

Simple but essential! Lettuce adds that necessary crunch and freshness I prefer crisp iceberg or romaine, but any lettuce works Just wash it, dry it, and tear it into sandwich-sized pieces. Nothing complicated, but it makes a big difference.

2. Tomato

Is any sandwich complete without a juicy tomato slice? I think not! For best results, use ripe tomatoes sliced thin. If you’re feeling fancy, try roasting your tomatoes – just slice them in half, drizzle with olive oil, add salt and pepper, and roast at 400°F for about 20 minutes. The sweet, concentrated flavor is amazing!

3. Onions

Onions are super versatile on chicken sandwiches. You can go with:

• Raw sliced onion for a sharp bite
• Caramelized onions for sweetness
• Fried onions for crunch
• Green onions for a milder flavor

4. Pickles

You either love ’em or hate ’em, but pickles add that tangy crunch that balances the savory chicken perfectly. Dill pickles are the classic choice, but sweet pickles work too if that’s your thing.

5. Mayo

The creamy binding that holds it all together! Mayo adds moisture and richness. Spread it on both sides of the bun for maximum effect. You can also jazz it up with garlic, herbs, or spices for a custom aioli.

Cheesy Goodness

Almost every great chicken sandwich needs some cheese. Here are your best options:

6. Cheddar

Sharp, melty, and perfect with chicken. Need I say more?

7. Pepper Jack

Adds a nice kick along with the meltiness.

8. Swiss

Nutty flavor that complements chicken beautifully.

9. Blue Cheese

Not for everyone, but if you love bold flavors, crumble some blue cheese on your chicken sandwich. It pairs especially well with buffalo sauce!

Saucy Additions

The right sauce can take your chicken sandwich from good to OMG-level delicious:

10. BBQ Sauce

Sweet, tangy, smoky – BBQ sauce and chicken are besties forever.

11. Buffalo Sauce

For those who like it hot! Buffalo sauce is a classic chicken companion. Pair it with blue cheese or ranch for cooling balance.

12. Mustard

Yellow, Dijon, or honey mustard – each brings its own unique tang. I personally love honey mustard on a grilled chicken sandwich.

13. Ranch Dressing

Creamy, herby ranch works on pretty much any chicken sandwich. It’s especially good with spicy chicken.

14. Pesto

Fresh basil pesto adds amazing herby flavor and richness. It’s unexpectedly perfect with chicken!

15. Cranberry Sauce

Sounds weird, right? But the sweet-tart flavor of cranberry sauce with savory chicken is amazing. Mix it with a little mayo to make a creamy cranberry spread.

Premium Add-Ons

Want to make your sandwich extra special? These upgrades will do the trick:

16. Bacon

Crispy, salty bacon makes EVERYTHING better, especially chicken sandwiches. Cook it until it’s nice and crisp, then layer it on!

17. Avocado

Creamy, buttery avocado slices add luxurious texture and healthy fats. For a shortcut, use guacamole instead!

18. Fried Egg

A runny fried egg on a chicken sandwich is next-level indulgence. The yolk creates an instant sauce that’s to die for.

19. Jalapeños

Fresh or pickled jalapeños add a spicy kick that wakes up your tastebuds.

Crunch Factor

Every great sandwich needs textural contrast. These toppings bring the crunch:

20. Potato Chips

Yes, RIGHT IN the sandwich! Crushed potato chips (especially ruffled ones) add amazing salty crunch. Trust me on this one!

21. Coleslaw

Cool, creamy, and crunchy – coleslaw is perfect on chicken sandwiches, especially when the chicken is spicy.

22. Cucumber

Fresh cucumber slices add a refreshing crispness that’s lighter than pickles.

23. Carrot Ribbons

Shave carrots into thin ribbons for sweet crunch and color.

Unexpected But Amazing Toppings

Ready to get adventurous? These unconventional toppings might surprise you:

24. Pineapple

Grilled pineapple on a chicken sandwich is a game-changer. The sweet-tangy flavor complements savory chicken perfectly.

25. Kimchi

This Korean fermented cabbage adds spicy funk and probiotic goodness to your sandwich.

26. Hummus

Spread hummus on your bun instead of mayo for a Mediterranean twist.

27. Olive Oil

A drizzle of good olive oil can replace mayo for a lighter option.

Building The Perfect Chicken Sandwich

Now that we’ve covered the best toppings, let’s talk about how to layer them for maximum deliciousness:

1. Start with the bread – Toast it lightly for best results
2. Add spreads to BOTH sides of the bun (mayo, mustard, etc.)
3. Put lettuce on the bottom bun to prevent sogginess
4. Layer your chicken next
5. Add cheese on the warm chicken so it slightly melts
6. Add remaining toppings in order of hardiness (bacon, then tomato, etc.)
7. Finish with any additional sauces before closing the sandwich

Chicken Sandwich Recipes to Try

Here are some winning combinations to get you started:

The Classic

• Grilled chicken breast
• Mayo
• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Pickles
• American cheese

The Bacon Avocado Ranch

• Grilled chicken breast
• Ranch dressing
• Bacon strips
• Avocado slices
• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Cheddar cheese

The Buffalo Bleu

• Crispy chicken breast
• Buffalo sauce
• Blue cheese crumbles
• Ranch dressing
• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Red onion

The BBQ Bacon Crunch

• Grilled chicken breast
• BBQ sauce
• Bacon
• Crispy fried onions
• Cheddar cheese
• Pickles

The Ultimate Grilled Chicken Sandwich

• Pounded, brined chicken breast
• Avocado-jalapeño-cilantro sauce
• Bacon
• Crushed potato chips
• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Mayo

Tips for the Best Chicken Sandwich

1. Don’t skimp on the chicken prep – Pound breasts to even thickness for even cooking
2. Consider brining your chicken for 30 minutes before cooking (mix 1/3 cup kosher salt in 2 quarts water)
3. Layer strategically to prevent sogginess (put wet ingredients between dry ones)
4. Toast your buns for structural integrity
5. Don’t be afraid of mess – the best chicken sandwiches are often the messiest!

FAQ About Chicken Sandwich Toppings

What are the healthiest toppings for a chicken sandwich?
Fresh veggies like lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and avocado. Use mustard instead of mayo, and add flavor with herbs and spices.

How can I make my chicken sandwich spicy?
Add jalapeños, hot sauce, buffalo sauce, pepper jack cheese, or spicy mayo (mix mayo with sriracha or hot sauce).

What’s the best cheese for a chicken sandwich?
Cheddar, American, and pepper jack melt well. For non-melty options, try feta or blue cheese crumbles.

How do I keep my chicken sandwich from getting soggy?
Place lettuce on the bottom bun as a barrier, toast your bread, and avoid overly wet toppings. If packing for lunch, keep wet ingredients separate until serving time.

Wrapping It Up

The humble chicken sandwich can be transformed into something extraordinary with the right toppings. Whether you prefer classic combinations or want to experiment with bold new flavors, there’s no wrong way to top your chicken sandwich – except maybe not topping it at all!

What’s your favorite chicken sandwich topping? I’m always looking for new ideas to try in my kitchen experiments!

P.S. Remember that the best sandwich is the one YOU enjoy. Don’t be afraid to mix and match these toppings to create your perfect chicken sandwich masterpiece!