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Swap out that regular bread with a crunchy lettuce leaf in this low-carb chicken club. You get all that classic American flavor in a super light, tasty bite. It’s awesome if you’re eating low carb but still want the good stuff.
I first whipped this up when I started cutting carbs. I wasn’t sure at first—now my whole crew asks for it all the time, including the serious bread fans.
Tasty Ingredients
- Iceberg lettuce leaves: perfect swap for bread thanks to their crunch and shape
- Cooked chicken breast: leftover roast chicken brings big flavor or just use grilled breast
- Thick-cut bacon slices: grab the good, thick stuff for more taste
- Deli ham: go for one with no added sugar and not overly processed
- Sliced cheese: cheddar or swiss work like a charm
- Tomato slices: pick ripe, still-firm tomatoes
- Mayonnaise: homemade or a no-sugar-added store-bought works great
Step-by-Step Easy Instructions
- Slice and serve:
- Stick a toothpick in each corner so it holds together. Then just cut on the diagonal. You’ll get four triangles—enough for two big servings or four snack-sized ones.
- Finishing touches:
- Now add the bacon strips and tomato on top. Cover up with those last two lettuce leaves.
- Middle layer magic:
- Layer on two more lettuce leaves. Smear the rest of the mayo on top.
- Start your club:
- Lay out two lettuce leaves. Spread half the mayo over them. Stack on your ham, the warmed chicken, and the cheese slice.
- Prep the lettuce:
- Wash six big leaves gently and pat dry. Trim them into squares—makes your stack way tidier.
- Prep the meats:
- Get your bacon sizzling over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes, turning here and there till crispy. While that’s going, warm your cooked chicken breast (microwave or in a separate pan—either works).
Bacon’s the game-changer here. First time I made it without, it was nice—but once I tossed on those crispy slices, wow, it was next level. My kid who never liked lettuce even cleans her plate now.
Storing Tips
Only put things together when you’re ready to eat if you want it fresh. If prepping ahead, wrap everything up separately. Washed and trimmed lettuce keeps best between paper towels in a container in the fridge—good for two to three days. Don’t add mayo way ahead or you’ll get a soggy bite.
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Possible Swaps
Want it even lighter Swap mayo for mashed avocado. Doing strict keto Double-check your ham’s got zero added sugar. You can totally switch to turkey or even drained canned tuna if that’s what you’ve got. Like it spicy Add a few drops of hot sauce to your mayo.
How to Serve It
This club goes great with a creamy low-carb slaw or some grilled avocado. For a fancy brunch trick, cut those sandwiches even smaller and stack them on a platter with lemon wedges. If it’s chilly out, a clear chicken soup on the side makes for a feel-good meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of lettuce works best for this low-carb stack?
Iceberg lettuce with large, durable leaves is great because it’s firm and offers a nice crunch.
- → Can you swap the chicken for another protein?
Absolutely, you can use turkey or even beef if you'd like a different flavor.
- → What's the best cheese to pair with this dish?
Firm cheeses like cheddar or gouda work well. They go perfectly with the bacon and chicken.
- → How do you prevent lettuce leaves from ripping?
Pat the lettuce dry with a paper towel before using to keep it strong and intact.
- → Can this meal be made ahead of time?
You can, but it's better to assemble it just before eating to keep the lettuce crisp and fresh.