Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThere’s something undeniably comforting about biting into a sandwich that feels like a warm hug. My Copycat Applebees Clubhouse Grille Sandwich brings together grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh veggies, all nestled between hearty slices of toasted bread. This dish not only satisfies those cravings for comfort food but also fits perfectly into your busy week with its quick prep time. Plus, it’s easy to customize to your liking, whether you want to swap chicken for turkey or add a slice of creamy avocado. Imagine serving this delightful sandwich at your next family dinner or casual gathering—you’ll instantly elevate any mealtime! Ready to dive into this homage to your favorite diner treat? Why is this sandwich a must-try? Comforting, Fillings: With layers of grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and vibrant veggies, this sandwich delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite. Easy to Customize: Adjust ingredients to fit your taste! Swap the chicken with turkey or add smooth avocado for a delightful twist. Quick Meal Solution: Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s ready in a flash, ensuring you get to enjoy a homemade meal without the hassle. Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Serve it at family dinners or casual gatherings, and watch it disappear! It’s sure to impress everyone at the table. Don’t forget to check out my other recipes like the Chicken Caesar Sandwich or Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken for more delicious meal ideas! Copycat Applebees Clubhouse Grille Sandwich Ingredients • Discover the key elements for this delicious sandwich! For the Chicken Boneless Chicken Breasts – The star protein; use leftover rotisserie chicken for quicker prep. For the Bacon Thick-Cut Bacon Strips – Adds a savory crunch; substitute with turkey bacon for a lighter option. For the Vegetables Fresh Romaine or Iceberg Lettuce – Provides crispness and freshness; feel free to use any leafy green you prefer. Ripe Tomato – Brings juiciness and color; you can substitute it with creamy avocado for a twist. For the Cheese Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Adds tangy richness; swap it for Swiss or provolone based on your preference. For the Bread Sourdough or Whole Grain Bread – Serves as the sturdy base; avoid overly soft varieties to prevent sogginess. For the Spreads Mayonnaise – Ensures a creamy texture; consider using aioli for an elevated flavor experience. Dijon Mustard – Offers a zesty kick; regular mustard can work in a pinch. Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s get ready to assemble your Copycat Applebees Clubhouse Grille Sandwich and create a delightful meal that your family will love! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Copycat Applebees Clubhouse Grille Sandwich Step 1: Prepare Chicken Begin by preheating your grill or skillet to medium heat, ideally around 350°F (175°C). Season each boneless chicken breast with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, ensuring an even coating. This will not only enhance the flavor of your Copycat Applebees Clubhouse Grille Sandwich but also create a delightful crust as the chicken cooks. Step 2: Cook Bacon While the grill heats, place a separate pan over medium heat and add your thick-cut bacon strips. Cook them until they’re crispy, which typically takes about 8-10 minutes, flipping occasionally for even cooking. Once done, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease, ensuring a nice crunch for your sandwich. Step 3: Grill Chicken Now it’s time to grill the seasoned chicken! Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as your doneness cue, along with beautiful grill marks on the outside. Once cooked, remove the chicken and let it rest before slicing. Step 4: Toast Bread While the chicken is resting, put your slices of sourdough or whole grain bread into the toaster or on a skillet. Toast them until they turn golden brown and crunchy, around 2-3 minutes each side. This step ensures your Copycat Applebees Clubhouse Grille Sandwich maintains its integrity and doesn’t become soggy. Step 5: Assemble Sandwich Now for the fun part—assembly! Spread a layer of mayonnaise and a dab of Dijon mustard on one side of each toasted slice. Add fresh romaine or iceberg lettuce and thick tomato slices on the bottom slice, followed by the sliced grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese. Top it off with the second slice of bread, pressing gently to meld the flavors together. Step 6: Serve To serve your delicious Copycat Applebees Clubhouse Grille Sandwich, you can cut it in half diagonally for presentation if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy bacon and juicy chicken, perhaps with a side of sweet potato fries or chips for a complete meal that’s perfect for sharing! Expert Tips for Copycat Applebees Clubhouse Grille Sandwich Perfectly Toasted Bread: Achieve a crispy texture by toasting your bread until golden brown. Avoid using soft bread to prevent sogginess. Flavor Balance: Layer flavors wisely! Ensure a good mix of vegetables, chicken, and cheese to create a balanced taste without overwhelming the sandwich. Spread Moderation: Apply spreads lightly. Too much mayonnaise or mustard can make the sandwich soggy, so a thin layer enhances flavor without compromising texture. Use Leftovers: For convenience, use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. It’s a quick way to get the same delicious flavor without extra cooking! Customize Wisely: Experiment with toppings like avocado or different cheeses, but keep the essence of the Copycat Applebees Clubhouse Grille Sandwich intact for the best results. Make Ahead Options These Copycat Applebees Clubhouse Grille Sandwiches are a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can grill the chicken and cook the bacon up to 3 days in advance, making it incredibly easy during your busy week. Simply store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. You can also prepare the sandwich components by chopping the lettuce and slicing the tomatoes up to 24 hours ahead; just keep them refrigerated in separate containers to prevent sogginess. When you’re ready to serve, toast the bread and assemble the sandwich by layering the prepped ingredients—this way, you’ll enjoy the same delicious flavors with minimal effort! How to Store and Freeze Copycat Applebees Clubhouse Grille Sandwich Room Temperature: While best enjoyed fresh, you can leave assembled sandwiches at room temperature for up to 2 hours before they begin to lose their quality. Fridge: Store any leftover Copycat Applebees Clubhouse Grille Sandwich tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This helps maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Freezer: If you want to freeze the sandwich, wrap it securely in foil or freezer-safe wrap. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months. Note that the texture may change slightly after thawing. Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm it in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, allowing the bread to regain its crispness. What to Serve with Copycat Applebees Clubhouse Grille Sandwich Complete your mealtime magic with delightful sides that elevate this comforting sandwich experience! Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy and slightly sweet, these fries complement the savory flavors of the sandwich, adding a delicious crunch. Pairing them creates a satisfying contrast that will leave everyone craving more. Crisp Garden Salad: A blend of fresh greens, crunchy cucumbers, and colorful tomatoes balances the richness of the sandwich while providing a refreshing bite. Tossed in a light vinaigrette, it’s the perfect palate cleanser. Coleslaw: Creamy and tangy, coleslaw adds a delightful crunch that harmonizes well with the sandwich’s textures. Its brightness enhances the overall flavor profile without overpowering it. Pickle Chips: The sharpness of pickle chips contrasts beautifully with the savory ingredients in the sandwich, offering a zesty pop of flavor. They are a classic pairing, adding a traditional touch to your meal. Onion Rings: Crispy onion rings bring a satisfying crunch that complements the hearty sandwich. Their sweet, caramelized flavor enhances the dining experience and makes it feel like a special treat! Iced Tea or Lemonade: Quench your thirst with a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade. Their bright flavors and cooling effect provide a great balance to the richness of your sandwich, making for a well-rounded meal. Copycat Applebees Clubhouse Grille Sandwich Variations Feel free to get creative and customize your sandwich to suit your taste buds! Every swap can turn this classic into something uniquely yours. Turkey Swap: Replace chicken with turkey for a leaner option. The turkey still packs flavor and maintains the heartiness. Avocado Delight: Add creamy avocado slices for a richer texture. This twist introduces a smooth, buttery element that enhances each bite. Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses like Swiss or provolone for a new flavor profile. You’ll discover delightful surprises with every variation! Spicy Kick: Toss in pickled jalapeños or pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of heat. These additions can elevate your sandwich’s excitement in a delicious way. Herb Infusion: Mix fresh herbs like basil or cilantro with your mayonnaise for a fragrant, herbaceous twist. It brings freshness that’s absolutely revitalizing. Veggie Boost: Add sliced cucumbers or roasted red peppers for extra crunch and color. More veggies can elevate your sandwich’s nutrition and flavor. Seasoned Chicken: Marinate your chicken in a blend of olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs before grilling for an infusion of flavor. This extra step invites an amazing aroma right to your kitchen. Don’t forget to check out my other delightful meal ideas like the Buffalo Chicken Grilled or the classic Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken to keep your meal prep exciting! Copycat Applebees Clubhouse Grille Sandwich Recipe FAQs How should I choose ripe tomatoes for my sandwich? Absolutely! When selecting a ripe tomato, look for one that feels slightly soft when gently squeezed and has a rich, deep color. Avoid any tomatoes with dark spots or bruises, as these may indicate overripeness. If you prefer a creamier texture, feel free to swap the tomato for ripe avocado. How should I store leftovers of the Copycat Applebees Clubhouse Grille Sandwich? To keep your sandwich fresh, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. This method helps to maintain moisture and flavor. Ideally, consume it within 2 days to enjoy the best taste and texture. Can I freeze the sandwich, and if so, how? Certainly! To freeze your Copycat Applebees Clubhouse Grille Sandwich, wrap it carefully in foil or freezer-safe wrap, ensuring there are no air pockets. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the sandwich in the fridge overnight, then reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, allowing the bread to regain its crispy texture. What should I do if my chicken turns out dry? Very! If your chicken ends up dry, it could be due to overcooking. To avoid this in the future, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) without exceeding it. Also, consider marinating the chicken beforehand in a simple mix of olive oil, vinegar, and seasonings. This can enhance flavor and moisture, giving you tender chicken every time. Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind? Yes! If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, be sure to check the labels of your bacon and spreads. There are many gluten-free bread options available if you’re avoiding gluten, and low-fat or plant-based mayo can cater to various dietary needs. Additionally, if you’re making this sandwich for pets, avoid ingredients like onions and garlic that can be harmful to them, focusing instead on plain cooked chicken without added seasoning. What if I want to make this sandwich even more flavorful? Absolutely! To amp up the flavor, consider marinating the chicken in your favorite spices or a light dressing several hours ahead of grilling. You could also mix in some freshly ground black pepper or herbs into your mayonnaise or try a flavored aioli for a gourmet twist. Adding extra toppings like sliced jalapeños or roasted red peppers can also elevate the flavor profile wonderfully. Delicious Copycat Applebees Clubhouse Grille Sandwich Enjoy this Copycat Applebees Clubhouse Grille Sandwich featuring grilled chicken, bacon, and fresh veggies for a comforting meal. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsResting Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 35 minutes mins Servings: 2 sandwichesCourse: LunchCuisine: AmericanCalories: 650 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken2 pieces Boneless Chicken Breasts Use leftover rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.For the Bacon4 slices Thick-Cut Bacon Strips Substitute with turkey bacon for a lighter option.For the Vegetables1 cup Fresh Romaine or Iceberg Lettuce Feel free to use any leafy green you prefer.1 medium Ripe Tomato You can substitute it with creamy avocado for a twist.For the Cheese2 slices Sharp Cheddar Cheese Swap it for Swiss or provolone based on your preference.For the Bread4 slices Sourdough or Whole Grain Bread Avoid overly soft varieties to prevent sogginess.For the Spreads2 tablespoons Mayonnaise Consider using aioli for an elevated flavor experience.1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard Regular mustard can work in a pinch. Equipment Grill or skilletpanToaster Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your grill or skillet to medium heat, around 350°F (175°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.Cook thick-cut bacon in a pan over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels.Grill the seasoned chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let it rest before slicing.Toast the bread slices until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes on each side.Assemble the sandwich by spreading mayonnaise and Dijon mustard on the toasted bread. Layer with lettuce, tomato, grilled chicken, bacon, and cheese.Cut in half diagonally if desired and serve immediately. Nutrition Serving: 1sandwichCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 1200mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2.5mg NotesCustomize your sandwich with different toppings like avocado or various cheeses to suit your taste. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
