How to Make a Cookout Grilled Chicken Sandwich: Secret Restaurant Recipe Revealed

Cookout’s grilled chicken sandwich has earned legendary status at their 319 locations throughout the United States. Customers keep returning for this exceptional menu item.

This standout chicken sandwich delivers an impressive 27 grams of protein while containing only 262 calories per serving. Its balanced nutrition profile includes 21g carbs and 5g fat, making it a healthier alternative to standard fast-food fare.

The good news is you don’t need to visit their locations or wait for their popular late-night hours to enjoy this sandwich. We’ve discovered the secrets of this menu favorite and can show you how to create it in your kitchen.

Would you like to become skilled at making the perfect Cookout grilled chicken sandwich? Let’s get cooking!

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Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Cookout Sandwich

Creating the perfect cookout grilled chicken sandwich starts with the right ingredients and tools. You need to focus on three main parts to become skilled at making this recipe.

The signature chicken marinade

This sandwich’s heart comes from its flavorful marinade. We mixed olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and soy sauce as the base. Brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice create the perfect balance. Let the marinade coat the chicken for 12-18 hours to get the best flavor.

Best bread and toppings to use

A brioche bun works best for this sandwich. Its rich, buttery texture stands up well to the juicy chicken. The basic toppings should include fresh lettuce, tomato slices, and crisp bacon. Melted Colby Jack cheese and a spread of mayonnaise add an extra layer of flavor.

Required kitchen tools

You’ll need several tools to make this restaurant-quality sandwich. A quality meat thermometer will give a perfectly cooked chicken. Sturdy tongs help handle the meat, and a reliable cutting board makes prep work easy. An in-oven thermometer helps keep cooking temperatures steady and gives professional results every time.

A good set of kitchen shears and a sharp knife are great for precise cutting. A silicone brush helps spread marinades evenly, while a wire grill brush keeps your cooking surface clean.

Preparing the Chicken Like Cookout Does

A perfect grilled chicken sandwich starts with knowing how to prepare the chicken right. You need to get the thickness just right so it cooks evenly.

Proper chicken breast preparation

Pound your chicken breasts until they reach a uniform 3/4 inch thickness. Mix 1/3 cup kosher salt and 1/4 cup sugar in 2 quarts of water to create a wet brine. You can add smashed garlic cloves and whole black peppercorns to boost the brine’s flavor. The chicken needs to stay in this mixture for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

Use a fork to pierce the chicken surface before you add any marinade. This simple trick lets flavors seep deeper into the meat and gives you juicy results every time. We used this step because it helps the marinade work better throughout the meat.

Secret marinade timing tips

The time you spend marinating makes a big difference in how your chicken tastes. Let the chicken marinate for 4-6 hours to get the best results. This timing will give a perfect balance of flavor without messing up the meat’s texture.

Here are the vital timing guidelines you need:

1. Minimum marination: 30 minutes with fork-pierced chicken
2. Optimal duration: 4-6 hours for best flavor
3. Maximum limit: Never exceed 24 hours
4. Room temperature rest: Allow 30 minutes before cooking

Your marinating chicken belongs in the refrigerator. Take it out 30 minutes before grilling – this helps it cook evenly and stay juicy. Remember to flip the chicken now and then while it marinates so the flavors spread evenly.

Mastering the Grilling Technique

Temperature control is the life-blood of creating that signature cookout grilled chicken sandwich taste.

Getting the grill temperature right

Your grill needs 10-15 minutes of preheating to reach the ideal cooking temperature. The best results come from setting your grill to medium-high heat and maintaining a temperature between 425-450°F. A closed grill lid helps maintain consistent heat levels throughout the cooking process.

How long to grill each side

The marinated chicken should be placed on the preheated grill in a single layer. Each side needs 5 minutes of grilling time with the lid closed. Safe consumption requires the chicken’s thickest part to reach an internal temperature of 165°F. These significant steps will help you achieve perfect timing:

1. First side: Grill for 3-5 minutes until grill marks form
2. Flip carefully using tongs
3. Second side: Cook for 4 minutes until properly browned
4. Check internal temperature with meat thermometer
5. Remove when temperature reaches 165°F

Adding the toppings

The right timing of topping additions improves the overall flavor profile. Add a slice of Colby Jack cheese about 30 seconds before the chicken finishes cooking. This timing creates perfectly melted cheese without overcooking the chicken. The chicken needs a 5-minute rest before adding fresh toppings. This rest period will give a more flavorful sandwich as the juices redistribute properly.

Building Your Sandwich the Restaurant Way

A perfect cookout grilled chicken sandwich depends on how you put it together. The right way to layer ingredients and add sauces transforms a basic sandwich into something you’d expect from a high-end restaurant.

Correct layering order

Start by toasting your brioche bun to a golden brown – this creates a solid base. Take the bottom bun and spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise across its surface. A fresh green leaf lettuce goes right on top of the mayo. This clever trick keeps your bun from getting soggy. Place a slice of ripe tomato next and add your grilled chicken breast. The sandwich gets even better with two strips of crispy bacon on top of the chicken.

Sauce application method

The signature Cookout sauce brings together tangy and sweet flavors that make the grilled chicken shine. We spread the sauce on both bun halves to get the taste in every bite. Thin, even layers work better than one thick coating of sauce.

You can make the authentic Cookout sauce by mixing:

1. 1/2 cup mayonnaise
2. 2 tablespoons ketchup
3. 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
4. 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
5. 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Add the sauce right before serving to keep the perfect texture. This special blend adds moisture and brings out the chicken’s natural flavors. A final drizzle of sauce on top of everything just before adding the top bun takes it to the next level.

Conclusion

Creating a restaurant-quality Cookout grilled chicken sandwich at home demands attention to detail and proper techniques. These steps will help you make sandwiches that rival or maybe even exceed the original fast-food favorite.

Your success depends on several significant steps – proper chicken marination, ideal grill temperatures, and correct layer assembly. The preparation process yields perfectly juicy, flavorful results when you remain patient.

The signature Cookout taste emerges from precise timing and temperature control. Your chicken needs adequate rest between steps. The grill temperature requires careful monitoring, and the toppings and sauce need methodical layering.

The secrets behind this beloved sandwich are yours to explore. These simple techniques serve as your foundation. You can experiment with many more toppings or sauce variations to craft your perfect version of this classic sandwich.

FAQs

Q1. What are the key ingredients for a Cookout-style grilled chicken sandwich? 

The key ingredients include marinated chicken breast, brioche bun, lettuce, tomato, bacon, Colby Jack cheese, and a special sauce made with mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper.

Q2. How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor? 

For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for 4-6 hours. The minimum marination time is 30 minutes, but never exceed 24 hours as it can affect the texture of the meat.

Q3. What’s the ideal grilling temperature for the chicken? 

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, maintaining a temperature between 425-450°F. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and achieves the perfect texture.

Q4. How do I assemble the sandwich for the best taste experience? 

Start with a toasted brioche bun, spread mayonnaise on the bottom, then layer lettuce, tomato, grilled chicken breast, and crispy bacon. Apply the special sauce to both buns before closing the sandwich.

Q5. What’s the secret to keeping the grilled chicken juicy? 

The secret lies in proper marination, correct grilling temperature, and allowing the chicken to rest. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling, and rest for 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute the juices.