Thai Spicy Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe

If you’re craving a bold, flavorful twist on your usual sandwich, you’ve got to try this Thai Spicy Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that instantly became a favorite in my house because it’s packed with the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and smoky flavors. You’ll find that it’s not only easy to make but also super satisfying, especially when you need something fresh and exciting for lunch or dinner. Trust me, once you try this, regular grilled chicken sandwiches will feel a bit boring in comparison!

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bold, Balanced Flavors: The spicy chili flakes combined with sweet brown sugar and savory oyster sauce create a mouthwatering marinade that keeps you coming back for more.
  • Perfect for Any Skill Level: Whether you’re a grilled chicken pro or a home cook trying this for the first time, the easy marinade and grilling steps make success practically guaranteed.
  • Customizable and Fresh: You can easily swap in your favorite veggies or buns, making this sandwich your very own flavor masterpiece.
  • Great for Meal Prep: Make extra chicken and enjoy tasty sandwiches all week without the heat fading away.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here plays a role in building the sandwich’s layers of flavor. The marinade is straightforward, but it packs a punch, and the toppings bring a great crunch and creaminess that elevate the grilled chicken perfectly.

Flat lay of six slices of fresh white bread, a small heap of crisp green cabbage leaves, several ripe red tomato slices neatly arranged, a few thinly sliced pale purple shallots, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy mayonnaise, a small white ceramic bowl of vibrant red sriracha sauce, raw chicken breasts with a natural pink hue, a small white ceramic bowl containing dark brown sugar crystals, a small white ceramic bowl with reddish dried chili flakes, a small white ceramic bowl of glossy oyster sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt, all ingredients fresh and natural, simple and balanced symmetrical layout, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Thai Spicy Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Thai grilled chicken sandwich, spicy chicken sandwich recipe, Thai-inspired sandwich, flavorful grilled chicken sandwich
  • Bread or buns: Go for a sturdy option like a crusty bun or rustic bread that can hold up to all the juicy chicken and toppings without getting soggy.
  • Cabbage: Thinly sliced for crunch and a bit of freshness—you can substitute with lettuce if you like.
  • Tomatoes: Pick ripe and juicy ones for that refreshing bite in every mouthful.
  • Shallots: Their mild sweetness adds subtle complexity; thin slices work best here.
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the spicy sriracha sauce that brings balance to the heat.
  • Sriracha sauce: Adds the kick—you can adjust the amount for your preferred spice level.
  • Salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing the marinade.
  • Dried chili flakes: This is where the Thai-inspired spice comes from; feel free to increase for more heat.
  • Dark brown sugar: Gives a deep sweetness that contrasts the spice beautifully.
  • Oyster sauce: Brings umami and that signature Thai flavor punch.
  • Chicken breast: I like using boneless breasts for lean protein, but thighs work just as well if you want juicier meat.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Thai Spicy Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe to match the season or whatever’s in my fridge. Don’t be afraid to switch things up to suit your tastes or dietary needs!

  • Using chicken thighs instead of breasts: I sometimes switch to thighs for extra juiciness and richness, especially if I want a slightly more indulgent sandwich.
  • Veggie-loaded: Adding sliced cucumbers or pickled carrots gives a crunchy, tangy twist that’s fabulous on warm days.
  • Going dairy-free: Swap mayo for avocado or a coconut yogurt-based spread to keep things creamy without dairy.
  • Heat level adjustments: I often double the chili flakes or add fresh bird’s eye chilies when I want to turn up the spice.

How to Make Thai Spicy Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Start by mixing salt, dried chili flakes, dark brown sugar, and oyster sauce in a bowl. Then toss your chicken breasts in this marinade and coat them well. I’ve found letting the chicken rest for at least an hour (or overnight if you can plan ahead) really amps up the flavor. It’s a simple step that makes a huge difference — the spices and sweetness get to work tenderizing the meat just right.

Step 2: Grill to Juicy Perfection

Whether you’re using a charcoal grill or a grill pan on your stove, make sure to lightly oil the surface so your chicken doesn’t get stuck. Preheat it well first, then grill the chicken for about 4 to 7 minutes on each side, depending on thickness. Use a meat thermometer and aim for an internal temp of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s perfectly cooked through without drying out. One trick I learned: let the chicken rest a few minutes off the heat before slicing—that keeps it juicy and tender.

Step 3: Prepare Your Toppings and Spicy Mayo

While the chicken rests, prepare your sandwich essentials. Mix mayonnaise and sriracha sauce to your desired spice level; I usually do about a 3:1 ratio of mayo to sriracha for a creamy but spicy spread. Slice your tomatoes, shallots, and shred the cabbage. These fresh elements add a nice contrast to the smoky, spicy chicken.

Step 4: Assemble and Devour

This is where it all comes together! Spread the spicy mayo on your bread or buns, layer on the grilled chicken slices, then pile on cabbage, tomatoes, and shallots. I honestly love biting into the crunchy freshness with juicy chicken—it’s such a great combo. Serve right away to enjoy the perfect mix of textures and temperatures.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Thai Spicy Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe

  • Marinate Longer for Depth: I noticed the flavor dramatically improves when marinating overnight, so if you have time, plan ahead!
  • Grill with Care: Don’t rush flipping the chicken; wait until you see grill marks and it lifts easily. This helps prevent sticking and tearing.
  • Customize Your Heat: Mix in extra sriracha or garnish with fresh chilies if you want to spice things up even more.
  • Resting Is Key: Letting the chicken rest post-grill keeps the juices inside—skip this and you’ll get drier bites.

How to Serve Thai Spicy Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe

The image shows two triangular sandwiches on a white plate with a white marbled background. Each sandwich has three layers of soft white bread. The bottom layer has fresh bright green lettuce, followed by red tomato slices, then a crispy-looking breaded chicken layer, and the top slice of white bread with a wooden toothpick holding each sandwich together. Around the sandwiches, there are fresh green leafy lettuce leaves, slices of red tomato, and thin slices of purple onion for garnish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Thai Spicy Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Thai grilled chicken sandwich, spicy chicken sandwich recipe, Thai-inspired sandwich, flavorful grilled chicken sandwich

Garnishes

I always add a few extra slices of fresh cucumber or some fresh cilantro when serving—it brightens the sandwich and adds a cooling effect against the heat. A squeeze of lime juice on top can also add a nice tangy punch that complements the Thai flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides include a simple Asian slaw or crispy sweet potato fries—they both offer a crunchy, fresh contrast to the spicy chicken. Sometimes, I also like a side of sticky rice salad for a more filling meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings or casual parties, I like making smaller slider versions and arranging them on a big platter with dipping sauces like extra sriracha mayo or sweet chili sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser and looks super inviting on the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors hold up well, making it easy to throw together another sandwich quickly without losing any punch.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the grilled chicken, slice it first and store in freezer-safe bags. It defrosts quickly and works perfectly for meal prep sandwiches later on. Just avoid freezing the assembled sandwich as the bread can get soggy.

Reheating

To keep the chicken from drying out when reheating, I usually warm it gently in a skillet with a splash of water or cover it in the microwave with a damp paper towel. This helps keep it moist and tasty.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast in this Thai Spicy Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe?

    Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to remain juicier and more flavorful, especially if you enjoy a richer taste. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs can sometimes take a bit longer to cook through.

  2. How spicy is this Thai Spicy Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe?

    The spice level mainly comes from the dried chili flakes in the marinade and the sriracha in the mayo. It’s moderately spicy but easily adjustable—use less chili or sriracha if you prefer milder flavors, or add extra for a fiery kick.

  3. What kind of bread works best for this sandwich?

    I recommend a sturdy bun or crusty bread that can hold up to the juicy chicken and toppings without becoming soggy. Brioche buns, ciabatta rolls, or even a rustic sourdough loaf work wonderfully.

  4. Can I prepare this sandwich entirely ahead of time?

    While you can marinate and grill the chicken ahead of time, I suggest assembling the sandwich just before eating to prevent the bread from getting soggy. Store components separately and combine them when you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

This Thai Spicy Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe is truly one of those meals that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make. I love how every bite delivers a delicious combination of spicy, sweet, smoky, and fresh flavors that feel vibrant and satisfying. If you’re looking to step up your sandwich game and amaze your taste buds, I really encourage you to give this a go. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend cookouts, or anytime you want to impress your family and friends with something different but fuss-free. Happy grilling!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Thai Spicy Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Thai Spicy Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 105 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Thai

Description

This Thai-Style Spicy Grilled Chicken Sandwich combines bold flavors and tender, juicy grilled chicken marinated in a spicy, slightly sweet sauce. Paired with fresh vegetables and a creamy sriracha mayo spread, this sandwich delivers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and savory goodness. Ideal for a quick yet flavorful meal, it’s easy to prepare and satisfying for lunch or dinner.


Ingredients

Sandwich Assembly

  • 6 slices of bread or buns
  • Cabbage, to taste
  • Tomatoes, sliced, to taste
  • Shallots, sliced, to taste
  • Mayonnaise, to taste
  • Sriracha sauce, to taste

Chicken Marinade

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried chili flakes
  • 1/2 tablespoon dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 10 oz chicken breast


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine salt, dried chili flakes, dark brown sugar, and oyster sauce. Mix until the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are well incorporated.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breast to the marinade and coat it thoroughly. Cover and let the chicken rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor penetration.
  3. Preheat and Oil the Grill: Preheat your charcoal grill or grilling pan. Lightly brush the grill surface with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook each side for 4–7 minutes, depending on thickness. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C) for safe consumption.
  5. Rest and Slice: Remove the grilled chicken and let it rest for a few minutes to retain juices. Then slice into thin strips for sandwich assembly.
  6. Prepare the Sauce and Vegetables: Mix mayonnaise and sriracha sauce to taste. Prepare your choice of vegetables such as sliced tomatoes, shredded cabbage, and thinly sliced shallots. Optionally, cook a fried egg to add to the sandwich.
  7. Assemble the Sandwich: Spread the sriracha mayo on bread or buns. Layer the sliced grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and optional fried egg. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your spicy Thai-style chicken sandwich.

Notes

  • Use the nutrition card in this recipe as a guideline.
  • This recipe is made with chicken breast, but boneless chicken thighs can be used as an alternative.
  • The sandwich dressing is a mix of mayonnaise and sriracha sauce; adjust the spiciness to your preference.
  • Customize with your favorite veggies for added texture and flavor.
  • Do not overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe!

If you love this recipe, please consider giving it a star rating when you leave a comment. Star ratings help people discover my recipes online. Your support means a lot to me, I appreciate you.

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *