When I first decided to cut back on carbs, I thought sandwiches were gone forever. No toast, no crunch, no comfort stacked between slices. But one afternoon, with leftover grilled chicken and a craving that wouldn’t quit, I threw together what is now a low carb chicken club sandwich that made my whole family forget about bread.
The best part? My son Caleb — the pickiest eater in the house — asked for seconds. And he’s the one who once declared “lettuce isn’t food.”
This isn’t just a “diet” sandwich. It’s a hearty, flavor-packed tower of crispy beef bacon, juicy chicken, sharp cheddar, and creamy avocado — all wrapped in a lettuce crunch that doesn’t fall apart in your hands.
What Is a Low Carb Chicken Club Sandwich?
A low carb chicken club sandwich takes all the classic layers of a traditional club — grilled chicken, bacon, cheese, tomato, and lettuce — and replaces the bread with crisp lettuce or low-carb wraps. It’s high in protein, loaded with flavor, and keeps your blood sugar steady. Mine is layered with avocado, mustard-mayo spread, and stacked double-decker style with beef bacon, not pork.
It’s the club sandwich your keto goals can live with — and your tastebuds will cheer for.
Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Chicken Club Sandwich
- 100% gluten-free, grain-free, and keto-friendly
- Juicy grilled chicken and smoky beef bacon = flavor for days
- Bread-free but handheld — no knife and fork needed
- Totally customizable for meal prep or fast lunches
- Protein-packed and super satisfying
Tips for Making the Best Low Carb Chicken Club Sandwich
- Use large romaine or iceberg leaves. They’re sturdy and crunchy — perfect for wrapping.
- Dry your lettuce. Moisture is the enemy of a handheld sandwich.
- Grill or pan-sear your chicken. Don’t just use deli meat — real chicken = real flavor.
- Toothpicks help. Use them to hold layers while cutting or stacking.
- Warm bacon, cold lettuce. That contrast? Heaven.
Ingredients
- 2 grilled chicken breasts (sliced thin)
- 6 slices beef bacon (cooked crisp)
- 4 large romaine or iceberg lettuce leaves
- 4 slices cheddar cheese (or Swiss)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 small tomato, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp mayo
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: red onion slices, pickles
How to Make a Low Carb Chicken Club Sandwich
1. Cook the Chicken
Grill or pan-sear chicken breasts with salt and pepper until golden and cooked through. Let rest, then slice.
2. Crisp the Bacon
Cook beef bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
3. Mix the Spread
Stir together mayo and Dijon. Add a pinch of garlic powder if you like.
4. Prep the Lettuce
Wash and pat dry 4 large leaves of romaine or iceberg. Trim thick ribs if needed.
5. Layer It Up
Lay one lettuce leaf flat. Add half a chicken breast, one slice of cheese, tomato, avocado, and bacon. Top with spread. Layer another lettuce leaf on top — and repeat if you want a double-decker!
6. Secure and Slice
Use toothpicks to hold it together. Slice down the center and serve fresh.
Tools You’ll Need
- Grill pan or skillet
- Sharp knife
- Toothpicks
- Paper towels
- Cutting board
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Low Carb Sandwich
- Pre-cook chicken and bacon to make weekday lunches fast.
- Pack ingredients separately if making ahead — assemble just before eating.
- Add crunch with cucumber or shredded cabbage for extra fiber.
- Swap spreads. Try mashed avocado, spicy mayo, or sugar-free ranch.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Store assembled sandwiches for up to 1 day (wrapped in parchment).
- Keep wet ingredients (tomato, spread) separate if prepping in advance.
- Reheat chicken and bacon separately and then assemble fresh.
FAQs
How many carbs are in a chicken club sandwich?
A traditional chicken club with bread has 35–50g of carbs. This low carb chicken club sandwich has just 3–6g net carbs, depending on the lettuce and cheese used.
What can I use instead of bread for sandwiches low carb?
Great low-carb bread swaps include:
- Romaine or iceberg lettuce
- Low-carb tortillas or egg wraps
- Sliced bell peppers or cucumber “buns”
- Nori sheets or cheese crisps
What sandwich has the lowest carbs?
Typically, lettuce-wrapped sandwiches with grilled meats and cheese have the fewest carbs. A turkey or chicken club like this one keeps it under 6g net carbs.
How many carbs are in Chick-fil-A grilled chicken club no bun?
According to their nutrition info, Chick-fil-A’s grilled chicken club without the bun has around 3–5g net carbs, depending on cheese and sauce.
Conclusion
This low carb chicken club sandwich proves that you don’t need bread to build something craveable. Whether you’re counting carbs or just craving something clean and fresh, this sandwich is proof that healthy doesn’t mean boring.
It’s now a go-to in my house — even my carb-loving teenagers ask for it. And me? I never miss the bread.
Print
Low Carb Chicken Club Sandwich
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This low carb chicken club sandwich skips the bread but not the flavor. Layered with grilled chicken, beef bacon, cheese, avocado, and tomato — all wrapped in crisp lettuce for a handheld, keto-friendly meal.
Ingredients
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
- 6 slices beef bacon, cooked crisp
- 4 large romaine or iceberg lettuce leaves
- 4 slices cheddar cheese (or Swiss)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 small tomato, sliced
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red onion slices or pickles
Instructions
- Grill or pan-sear chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Let rest and slice thin.
- Cook beef bacon until crispy, then drain on paper towels.
- Mix mayonnaise and Dijon mustard in a small bowl for the spread.
- Wash and pat dry lettuce leaves. Trim thick ribs if needed.
- Lay one lettuce leaf flat and layer with chicken, cheese, tomato, avocado, bacon, and spread.
- Top with another lettuce leaf. Use toothpicks to secure if needed.
- Slice and serve immediately, or wrap tightly for on-the-go meals.
Notes
For best texture, keep wet ingredients like tomato and spread separate until serving. Great for meal prep with pre-cooked chicken and bacon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Sandwich, Low Carb
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: low carb chicken club sandwich, lettuce wrap sandwich, keto chicken sandwich, gluten free lunch, chicken bacon sandwich
