The Cali Club Sandwich from Denny's features layers of tender grilled chicken, crispy bacon, fresh avocado slices, ripe tomatoes, and crisp lettuce stacked between toasted bread, delivering a flavorful and satisfying combination of smoky, creamy, and crunchy textures.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Frying pan or skillet
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Toaster or toaster oven
- Spatula
- Tongs
- Plate
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 4 leaves romaine lettuce
- 6 slices toasted sandwich bread
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Mayonnaise
Tender grilled chicken breasts must be cooked thoroughly to ensure safety and optimal texture, while bacon should be crisped to provide a perfect contrast in crunchiness. When selecting an avocado, choose one that is ripe but firm to avoid mushiness in the sandwich. Fresh, ripe tomatoes and crisp romaine lettuce are essential for a refreshing balance against the smoky bacon and creamy avocado. Toast the sandwich bread to your preferred level of crunch to complement the sandwich's layered flavors. You can recreate the Cali Club Sandwich from Denny's copycat menu using these carefully selected ingredients for an authentic taste experience.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
- Grill chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Remove chicken from grill, let rest, then slice thinly.
- Cook bacon in frying pan or skillet until crispy; drain on paper towels.
- Slice avocado and tomatoes.
- Toast sandwich bread slices until golden brown.
- Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of toast.
- Layer sandwich: Place lettuce on the first bread slice.
- Add sliced grilled chicken on top of lettuce.
- Top with tomato slices.
- Add crispy bacon strips.
- Layer with avocado slices.
- Top with second slice of toast, spread side down.
- Repeat layering (lettuce, chicken, tomato, bacon, avocado) for the second stack.
- Finish with the third slice of toast on top.
- Secure sandwich layers with toothpicks if desired.
- Slice sandwich into halves or quarters.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Cali Club Sandwich from Denny's copycat menu replicates the iconic layers of grilled chicken, crispy bacon, fresh avocado, tomatoes, and romaine lettuce on toasted bread, capturing the signature blend of smoky, creamy, and crunchy flavors. If you don't have a grill or grill pan, a skillet works well for cooking the chicken breasts evenly. You can substitute turkey or ham for bacon if preferred, and use whole wheat or sourdough bread for a different texture and taste. When selecting avocado, firmness matters; it should yield slightly to gentle pressure for creaminess. To keep your sandwich from becoming soggy, spread mayonnaise sparingly and toast the bread thoroughly before assembling.
Tips
Make sure to let the grilled chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices and ensure tenderness. Use ripe but firm avocados and tomatoes for the best texture and flavor contrast in your Cali Club Sandwich. Toast your sandwich bread until golden brown to prevent sogginess and add a satisfying crunch. When layering, spreading mayonnaise evenly on the bread helps bind the ingredients and enhances flavor, making your sandwich more enjoyable.
Nutritions
The Cali Club Sandwich from Denny's offers a balanced nutritional profile with high protein content from grilled chicken and crispy bacon, aiding muscle repair and satiety. Fresh avocado slices provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber, supporting digestion and cardiovascular health. Ripe tomatoes and crunchy romaine lettuce contribute essential vitamins like vitamin C and antioxidants that help boost the immune system. By choosing this sandwich, you incorporate a mix of proteins, healthy fats, and fiber into your meal for sustained energy.
Storage
To keep your Cali Club Sandwich fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Avoid adding avocado or tomatoes until ready to serve to prevent sogginess and discoloration. Reheat the sandwich gently in a toaster oven or skillet to maintain its crispy textures without drying out the chicken or bacon.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap grilled chicken with turkey breast for a leaner protein option. Use multi-grain or sourdough bread to add a nutty flavor and extra texture to your sandwich. You can mix mayonnaise with a hint of chipotle or garlic powder for an enhanced creamy kick. Consider grilling the avocado slices briefly for a warm, smoky twist that complements the bacon and tomatoes.
Allergies
Your Cali Club Sandwich contains common allergens such as eggs in the mayonnaise and bacon processed with potential preservatives. Avocado and tomatoes can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals due to their natural proteins. If you have allergies to poultry, pork, or certain fruits, carefully consider these ingredients before consumption.
Why this recipe?
Denny's Cali Club Sandwich menu is popular for its fresh ingredients, including avocado, crispy bacon, and grilled chicken, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The sandwich's unique blend of creamy avocado and smoky bacon delivers a satisfying, healthy yet indulgent option that appeals to a wide range of tastes. Making a copycat version allows you to customize the sandwich with your preferred ingredients while enjoying the same delicious taste at home. Your homemade Cali Club Sandwich offers a cost-effective and customizable alternative to the restaurant version.