Easy Spicy Chicken & Bacon Mayo Ciabatta Sandwich

Say hello to the ULTIMATE easy chicken ciabatta sandwich recipe that makes a quick, satisfying lunch with big flavour. Juicy shredded chicken breasts are mixed with smoky bacon, creamy mayo, and a touch of spice.

And it's all piled high on soft, crusty ciabatta bread and a new way to use up chicken leftovers.

This creamy chicken and bacon ciabatta sandwich is the perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and sweet. I'd been dreaming about the combination of mango chutney, smoked paprika, and lemon juice.

It's the ultimate chicken mayo sandwich, that laughs in the face of any boring store bought version. Yet it's simple enough to make at home in under 30 minutes.

But the best part is that you can shorten the time using leftover roasted chicken. And it's one of those super easy recipes where you can also use the filling as part of a simple green salad without the bread.

✔️ Why You'll Love This Chicken Ciabatta Recipe

Here's why this has quickly become one of my favourite ciabatta roll sandwiches:

• Quick, easy and made with simple ingredients
• Juicy chicken and crispy smoky bacon in every bite
• Much less effort than a crispy chicken ciabatta sandwich
• The creamy filling keeps the sandwich moist without feeling heavy
• Great for picnics, lunchboxes, or an easy weekend meal
• Delicious warm or cold the next day - perfect for meal prep

🛒 Chicken Ciabatta Ingredients

Please see the printable recipe card with exact ingredient quantities and preparation instructions at the bottom of this post.

Roasted chicken breasts - Boneless and skinless, roasted for juicy, tender meat, which I shred with 2 forks. You can also use rotisserie chicken.

Smoky bacon - Adds a smoky, salty taste for extra flavour and crisp texture

Red onion - Finely diced for crunch, colour and freshness in the creamy filling. Note, you can caramelise them in olive oil if preferred, or add them while layering instead of mixing them into the filling.

Mayonnaise - for a rich, creamy taste.

Greek yogurt - Adds a fresh, lighter, and looser mix to coat the shredded chicken well.

Mango chutney - Adds sweetness and a little colour for an irresistible filling.

Smoked paprika - Adds warmth and smoky depth without overpowering the flavour.

Chilli flakes - I use only a pinch of crushed dried chilli flakes as while serving, not everyone likes too much heat, but you can of course add more.

Lemon juice - Adds zest and enhances all of the flavours.

Garlic powder - Add depth to the filling, or you can use minced garlic for a fresh zingy taste.

Ciabatta bread - Use with homemade ciabatta loaf and slice or rolls for easy serving - but any of your favourite bread will do!

Tomatoes - Don't skip the toms! They add a fresh, sweet and juicy taste to each bite!

Cayenne pepper: For warmth and heat, or you can use black pepper.

Salad filling: shredded ice gem lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and why not try sliced gherkins

📋 Instructions

Here's how to make this creamy juicy chicken sandwich with easy to follow step by step photos:

1. Cook the chicken and bacon:
If you haven't roasted your chicken yet, place on lined baking tray lined for 25 minutes, or until cooked through at 200°C, fan 180°C, gas mark 6, 400°F, then shred with 2 forks.

For the bacon, place on a foil-lined tray and grill under medium-high heat until crispy for 10 minutes, turning halfway. Place on a paper towel to soak up excess fat, then chop up all but 4 bacon rashers.

2. Mix the creamy filling:
In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, mango chutney, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, garlic powder and chilli flakes.

3. Mix in the meat and onions:
Add the finely diced red onion, shredded chicken, and chopped bacon. Stir well to coat evenly.

4. Assemble your sandwich:
Slice the ciabatta loaf in half horizontally and lightly toast both sides under a grill.

Now layer the sandwich with shredded lettuce, followed by the creamy chicken filling evenly over the bottom half of the bread.

Then layer with the reserved crispy bacon and sliced tomato, add the top, then slice and serve.

Tip: if you prefer a much creamier filling, you can use half the amount of chicken, or loosen the mix with a little warm water.

👩‍🍳 Substitutions

Depending on your dietary needs, here are a few simple swaps you can make this club sandwich:

• Greek yogurt - Swap for all mayo if you prefer a richer flavour.
• Mango chutney - Try honey, maple syrup, BBQ sauce or tomato ketchup.
• Smoky bacon - Swap for parmesan for the salty taste if you wish, but increase the smoked paprika quantity. Or try turkey bacon, pancetta or deli meats like this easy grinder salad.
• Ciabatta bread - Substitute with a French baguette, sourdough, ciabatta rolls for single servings, or any bread you have.
• Smoked paprika - make it as Cajun chicken ciabatta with Cajun spices

⚖️ Variations

Here are some different ways you can enhance and truly personalise this chicken ciabatta sauce:

• Tangy - Adding pickled gherkins tastes amazing either mixed into the creamy mayo, or layered in the sandwich.
• Cheesy - Stir in a little grated cheese, such as cheddar, Mexican chilli cheese, pepper jack or cheddar for an indulgent twist.
• Extra spice - Add a few drops of hot sauce, or jalapenos.
• Buffalo style - Swap mango chutney for buffalo sauce to make buffalo ranch chicken melts.
• Mediterranean version - Add sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, or roasted peppers.
• Grilled chicken ciabatta toasts - skip the salad and grill chicken mayo spread of toasted ciabatta with cheese serve in open slices.

You might also like my creamy Coronation Chicken Sandwich, featuring curry powder, diced apricots, and celery for added crunch.

🔪 Equipment

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• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper (baking paper)
• Tin foil for grilling bacon
• Large mixing bowl
• Sharp knife
• Chopping board
• Measuring spoons

❄️ Storage

Storing - We prefer to eat this recipe fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Freezing - The filling can be frozen separately for up to 3 months.

Heating - If you want to eat the next day, defrost in the fridge if required, and you can also enjoy it warm by microwaving for 1-2 minutes.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Depending on the season, here's ideas of what to eat with this ultimate chicken mayo sandwich:

• Enjoy dipping into a comforting bowl of homemade chicken soup in the colder months
• A classic pairing for the whole family is healthy homemade chips or this dirty fries recipe
• A creamy goat's cheese salad in the Summer, topped with the chicken bacon mayo sandwich filling and the ciabatta for dipping
• For a gastro pub vibe, enjoy sides such as smoky charred sweetcorn, fresh healthy coleslaw and pickled beetroot, gherkins, etc

❓ FAQ

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