Thai-Style Spicy Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This Thai-style spicy grilled chicken sandwich recipe is quick and easy to make and is perfect for a spicy lunch or light dinner. The marinated chicken is complemented by fresh vegetables, a Thai fried egg, and optionally some sauce of your choice!

Spicy grilled chicken sandwich served with fresh vegetables.

Living in Isan, the northeastern region of Thailand, I find grilled chicken at every street corner! This has inspired me to fill my Thai food blog with many healthy grilled chicken recipes – some readers-favorites include Thai chicken satay with peanut sauce and Thai chicken wings.

This recipe for spicy chicken sandwich is one of my personal creations, ideal for those times when you’re craving something delicious but are low on ideas.

Read on to dive deeper into this recipe to discover some helpful tips for grilling chicken that might just change your game, or if you’re eager to get started, go right ahead and jump straight to the instructions!

Thai woman eating spicy chicken sandwich.

About spicy grilled chicken sandwich recipe

As we wave goodbye to summer in Thailand, it’s just heating up in Europe and America.

For me, summer is all about grilling. I love making authentic Thai BBQ dishes like the delicious crying tiger steak and mookata, not to mention this homemade chicken sandwich.

Here in Isan, a rural part of Thailand, finding sandwich buns can be tricky, which is why most Thai chicken sandwiches here are usually made with regular bread. Feel free to use buns if you prefer a burger-style meal.

Cheese is another item that’s hard to come by in Northeast Thailand, but I assure you, this grilled spicy chicken sandwich is as delicious without it!

Top-view of two spicy grilled chicken sandwiches.

This recipe is wonderfully versatile and doesn’t require an extensive list of ingredients. I used chicken breast, but feel free to switch things up using boneless chicken thighs, and why not toss in some bacon if you like!

What gives this sandwich its Thai twist is the marinade sauce – a perfectly balanced blend of salt, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and fiery Thai chili flakes that mix spicy, sweet, and savory flavors.

For the vegetables, you’ll just need the sandwich classics: lettuce and tomatoes.

Close-up of two halves of spicy grilled chicken sandwich with fresh vegetables, served on a clay dish.

To top it off, a simple mixture of mayonnaise and chili sauce creates a deliciously spicy dressing. If you’ve got some extra time, I highly recommend making my Thai hot sauce (homemade sriracha) to add that authentic flair!

Why try this spicy chicken grilled sandwich recipe

Versatile marinade: The spicy chicken marinade makes a delicious grilled dish that can be enjoyed on its own. Simply enjoy the meat as a snack or pair it with side dishes like jasmine rice, Thai sticky rice, or spicy som tum Thai (green papaya salad).
Healthy sandwich: Add the dressing in moderation to enjoy a flavorful meal that’s high in protein and packed with nutrient-rich vegetables.
Quick and easy: This spicy chicken sandwich recipe is incredibly easy to whip up and follow, perfect for a hassle-free meal.
Customizable: You can customize this recipe with your favorite crispy vegetables, your choice of dressing, and you can even try it with grilled pork.

Ingredients

Ingredients can be sourced at Asian grocery stores and Asian markets.
The exact measurements are in the recipe card at the end of this post.

Sandwich assembly

Spicy grilled chicken sandwich ingredients: the dressing, fried egg, sliced tomatoes and shallots, slices of grilled chicken, and white bread.

Vegetables – Fresh vegetables like shallots, lettuce (romaine, iceberg, or butter lettuce) and tomatoes provide a crunch and refreshing taste. Feel free to add in your favorites, such as cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, etc.
Mayonnaise & Thai hot sauce – For the dressing – spicy and creamy. Add to taste.
Egg – Adding a Thai fried egg to the sandwich gives it a rich flavor. This is totally optional.

For the marinade

Ingredients for the chicken marinade, being oyster sauce, dark brown sugar, salt, dried chili flakes, and a raw chicken fillet, presented on a banana leaf.

Chicken breast – Chicken breast is a healthy and lean source of protein. Feel free to use other cuts of chicken.
Salt – Salt gives flavor to the marinade and helps tenderize the meat.
Thai chili flakes – These bring a spicy kick to the marinade, with an extra smoky BBQ flavor. Adjust the quantity to your heat preference.
Brown sugar – Brown sugar balances out the saltiness and spiciness of the marinade, while also adding a glaze-like exterior to the meat. If you don’t have brown sugar, white sugar makes an easy substitute at a 1:1 ratio.
Oyster sauce – Oyster sauce, a staple in Thai cuisine, is a rich, savory sauce with a slightly sweet flavor.

How to make grilled chicken sandwich

Step 1: Combine salt, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, and oyster sauce in a large mixing bowl. Add the chicken and coat it thoroughly with the marinade. Let the marinated chicken rest for at least 1 hour to overnight for the best results flavor-wise.
Step 2: Grill chicken over charcoal or in a grilling pan. Apply a layer of oil to the grill to prevent the meat from sticking to it. Preheat the grill and grill each side for about 4–7 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of your cut. The internal temperature of the grilled chicken should reach 165 °F (74 °C).
Step 3: Let the grilled chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin slices. Meanwhile, you can mix the mayonnaise with sriracha sauce, cook your fried egg, and prep the vegetables.
Step 4: Assemble your spicy chicken sandwich and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Kitchenware

Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board and a sharp knife
Marinating bowl
Brush or paper towel (to oil the grill and prevent sticking)
Outdoor grill or grill pan
Tongs

Tips for grilling chicken

Use open flame: Grill over a charcoal flame for a smoky flavor. If using a stove top grill, preheat it and cook each side equally. Check doneness with a meat thermometer to reach 165° F (74° C).
Marinate first: Marinate the chicken for at least an hour to add flavor and soften it.
Oil the grill: To prevent sticking, lightly oil the grill or use an oil-soaked paper towel.
Let it rest: Allow the chicken to rest a few minutes before cutting to keep it juicy and flavorful.
Flip less: Avoid flipping the chicken too often. For thicker cuts, grill each side for about 6 minutes, adjusting based on size.

Serving suggestions for grilled sandwich with chicken

Spread spicy dressing on bread, add crisp veggies, grilled chicken, and a fried egg, then top with another bread slice. Serve alone or with sides like Thai pork salad or spicy fried chicken for a tasty meal.

How to store

Store your sandwich in an airtight container or wrap it in aluminum foil and refrigerate to enjoy later the same day. The grilled chicken can be kept in the fridge for up to four days.

Frequently asked questions

How many calories are in a spicy chicken sandwich?

The number of calories in a spicy chicken sandwich depends on the recipe used, the ingredients, the cooking method, and the size of a sandwich. This recipe can be enjoyed guilt-free, as it contains only approx 381 kcal per serving.

Is spicy chicken sandwich healthy?

A spicy chicken sandwich can be a healthy option, especially when made with lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and moderate amounts of dressing. It provides high-quality protein, essential nutrients, and can be part of a balanced diet when consumed with whole-grain bread and healthy sides.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes, you can prepare this sandwich in advance. Grill the chicken earlier in the day and store it in the refrigerator. For the best taste and texture, add the dressing and vegetables closer to serving time to keep the bread from getting soggy.

What vegetables go on a sandwich?

Popular vegetables for sandwiches include lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, pickles, bell peppers, spinach, and avocado. These add crunch, flavor, and nutrients, enhancing both the taste and healthiness of your sandwich.

More Thai grilling recipes

Shrimp satay recipe
Thai beef jerky
Moo yang (Thai grilled pork)
Yum neua (Thai beef salad)

Loved reading this Thai-style spicy grilled chicken sandwich recipe? Please make my day by dropping a star rating and/or a comment below! Follow me on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.