Grilled Chicken Sandwiches with Spicy Aioli and Pickled Onions

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-23 · Updated 2026-05-23

Juicy grilled chicken breasts layered in toasted buns with spicy garlic aioli and tangy pickled red onions for a flavorful sandwich. This American-inspired sandwich and wrap recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 2 (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup white vinegar
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/3 cup water
• 2 burger buns
• 4 lettuce leaves

The instant-read thermometer we’d check this chicken with → Best Instant-Read Thermometers for 2026: Fast, Accurate Picks Under $100

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup white vinegar, 1/3 cup water, and 1 tbsp sugar until sugar dissolves. Add 1/2 thinly sliced red onion and let sit for at least 20 minutes to pickle.
2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Rub 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
3. Step 3: Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Remove and rest for 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Meanwhile, mix 1/4 cup mayonnaise with 1 tbsp sriracha sauce and 1 minced garlic clove in a small bowl to make spicy aioli.
5. Step 5: Toast 2 burger buns lightly on the grill. Slice chicken breasts thinly and assemble sandwiches with 2 lettuce leaves per bun bottom, sliced chicken, pickled onions (drained), and a generous spread of spicy aioli. Top with bun halves and serve.