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This low-carb chicken club swaps out regular bread for crisp lettuce leaves so it's light but still packed with flavor. It's great if you're watching carbs and still wanna dig into this American classic.
I made up this version back when I started cutting carbs. Wasn't sure at first, but now my whole crew's hooked on it—even the big-time bread lovers keep asking for more.
Tasty Ingredients
- Mayonnaise: Go for homemade or a no-sugar-added one for the best taste
- Tomato slices: Pick firm, super ripe ones for the juiciest bite
- Cheese slices: Cheddar and Swiss are both winning options here
- Deli ham: Find a variety with no extra sugar or too many additives
- Bacon strips: Thick-cut bacon gives you extra crunch and flavor
- Cooked chicken breast: Grilled or leftover roast chicken both work great
- Iceberg lettuce leaves: These sturdy, crunchy leaves are perfect as your bread swap
Step-by-Step Directions
- Cut and serve:
- Pop a toothpick in each corner of the stacked club to hold it steady, then slice across into quarters. This’ll give you 4 triangle sandwiches, enough for 2 people or smaller bites for a few.
- Put together the bottom layer:
- Lay out two lettuce leaves on a plate and smear half the mayo over them. Layer on warm chicken, your favorite cheese, and then the ham slices.
- Work on the middle:
- Stack two more lettuce leaves on top and spread out the rest of the mayonnaise.
- Bacon and tomato time:
- Arrange crispy bacon and tomato slices right over that second set of lettuce leaves. Top things off with two more big lettuce pieces.
- Lettuce prep:
- Give six big iceberg lettuce leaves a good wash. Dry them gently with a clean towel and trim any odd edges so they'll stack nice and snug.
- Get the meat ready:
- Fry bacon in a pan at medium heat till it's crispy—should take about 5-7 minutes with a few flips. Reheat your already-cooked chicken breast while that cooks, either in another pan or the microwave.
Bacon honestly makes this sandwich shine. I’ll never forget my first try without bacon—still good, but tossing some crispy strips in took it up a notch. My daughter used to hate lettuce but now she always polishes off her plate.
Storing Tips
Keep everything separate till you're ready to eat for the freshest sandwich. Packing ahead? Wrap each part on its own. Lettuce leaves can chill in a sealed container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days if you layer them with paper towels. Try not to add the mayo too far ahead—it’ll just make the lettuce soggy.
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Easy Switch-Ups
Want it even lighter? Use avocado mash instead of mayo. If you're strict keto, double-check your ham and skip anything with hidden sugars. Swap in turkey or canned, drained tuna if you're out of chicken. Spice lovers can mix a few hot sauce drops into the mayo for a nice kick.
Serving Ideas
This club goes great with a creamy coleslaw that's low in carbs or some grilled avocados. Want to fancy it up for brunch? Cut the clubs into small triangles and put them on a big platter with lemon wedges. A light soup—like clear chicken broth—pairs really well, especially when it’s chilly outside.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What kind of lettuce works best for a low-carb club?
Iceberg lettuce is a great choice because it's crisp, sturdy, and perfect as a bread substitute.
- → Can I swap the chicken for another protein?
Absolutely, you can use turkey or even beef, depending on what you like best.
- → Which cheese pairs nicely with this dish?
Firm cheeses like cheddar or gouda work wonderfully and taste great with chicken and bacon.
- → How do I stop the lettuce leaves from tearing?
Dab the lettuce dry with paper towels before using, so it stays firm.
- → Is it okay to prepare this meal ahead of time?
Yes, but to keep things crisp and fresh, assemble it just before serving.