Name: Garlic Butter Lettuce, Tomato & Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-488352H44M35S
Total time: PT-488352H44M35S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 teaspoon pre-minced garlic); 4 large lettuce leaves (romaine, butter, or green leaf); 1 large ripe tomato, sliced into 4-6 rounds; 4 slices of sandwich bread or 2 sandwich buns (toasted; sourdough, ciabatta, or brioche)

This Garlic Butter Lettuce, Tomato & Grilled Chicken Sandwich is the kind of simple but satisfying meal I turn to when I want something fresh, hearty, and packed with flavor. With juicy grilled chicken, crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and a rich garlic butter spread on toasted bread, it’s a classic combination with a flavorful twist. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a casual weekend gathering. Garlic Butter Lettuce, Tomato & Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this sandwich because it brings together the best of everything: protein, crunch, freshness, and flavor. The garlic butter adds a savory richness that makes it feel indulgent, while the grilled chicken keeps it lean and satisfying. It’s also easy to customize depending on what I have in the fridge, and it always hits the spot—whether I’m feeding myself or a crowd.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced (or about 1 teaspoon pre-minced garlic)
4 large lettuce leaves (romaine, butter, or green leaf)
1 large ripe tomato, sliced into 4-6 rounds
4 slices of sandwich bread or 2 sandwich buns (toasted; sourdough, ciabatta, or brioche work well)

Directions

I start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
I heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high, drizzle the chicken with olive oil, and grill each side for about 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked and nicely charred.
While the chicken is grilling, I melt butter in a small pan and add the minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant—about 1 minute. I set this aside.
Once the chicken is done, I let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
I toast the sandwich bread or buns until golden.
I spread the garlic butter generously on both sides of the toasted bread.
Then, I layer the sandwich with lettuce, tomato slices, and grilled chicken.
I close it up, give it a gentle press, and serve it warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 large sandwiches or 4 smaller ones, depending on how I slice the chicken. It takes about 25-30 minutes total: 10 minutes for prep and 15-20 minutes to cook.

Variations

I sometimes add sliced avocado or red onion for extra texture and flavor.
For a spicy kick, I like to mix a bit of hot sauce into the garlic butter.
If I want a cheesy version, a slice of provolone or mozzarella melts beautifully over the warm chicken.
I can also swap out the bread for ciabatta rolls or pita pockets.
For a low-carb version, I serve it lettuce wrap-style and skip the bread altogether.

storage/reheating

If I have leftovers, I store the grilled chicken separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The garlic butter can also be stored for about a week. When I want to reheat, I warm the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave and assemble the sandwich fresh to keep the lettuce and tomato crisp. I don’t recommend storing assembled sandwiches, as the bread can become soggy.

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

I look for clear juices and an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). I also cut into the thickest part to make sure there’s no pink left.

Can I use store-bought garlic butter?

Yes, if I’m short on time, I sometimes use pre-made garlic butter. But I find homemade gives a fresher flavor.

What type of bread works best?

I prefer crusty sandwich rolls or thick-cut bread like sourdough or ciabatta, because they hold up well to the juicy ingredients and garlic butter.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I can prep the chicken and garlic butter ahead of time, but I always assemble the sandwich just before eating to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Is this sandwich good cold?

It’s best warm, but I’ve packed it for lunch and eaten it cold—it’s still delicious, especially if I skip the lettuce which can wilt.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Lettuce, Tomato & Grilled Chicken Sandwich is the kind of meal that never gets old. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and endlessly adaptable. Whether I’m grilling for myself or hosting friends, it’s a go-to sandwich I always enjoy.