A great sandwich doesn’t always need bread. Sometimes it just needs contrast, something crisp, something savory, something creamy to tie it all together. This viral pickle sandwich leans into that idea by swapping the bun entirely for thick dill pickle halves, creating a bold, tangy base that holds everything together.
But we gave the trend a steakhouse-style upgrade.
Each pickle half is topped with a slice of cheese and toasted until the edges melt and turn golden, forming a salty, slightly crisp layer that balances the brightness of the pickles. The sandwich is then stacked with seasoned chicken, fresh lettuce, and tomato, finished with a simple sauce that brings the entire flavor system full circle.
The seasoning does the heavy lifting. Sergio’s Seasoning builds the savory base on the chicken, while All Shook Up adds smoky sweetness and a touch of Memphis-style heat. That same All Shook Up seasoning carries into the sauce, where it blends with creamy mayo and a splash of pickle juice to create a tangy, smoky finish.
The result is crunchy, juicy, smoky, and unexpectedly satisfying, a viral food trend that becomes something even better with a little thoughtful seasoning.
Ingredients
For the Viral Pickle Sandwich
- 2 large dill pickles, sliced lengthwise into halves
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded
- ½ tsp Sergio’s Seasoning
- ¾ tsp All Shook Up Seasoning
- 4 slices cheddar or American cheese
- 4 slices tomato
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
For the All Shook Up Pickle Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp pickle juice
- ½ tsp All Shook Up Seasoning
Directions
- Prepare the pickle “buns”: Slice the pickles lengthwise into halves and gently pat them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the cheese toast properly.
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss the cooked chicken with Sergio’s Seasoning and All Shook Up Seasoning until evenly coated. Sergio’s creates the savory backbone while All Shook Up adds smoky sweetness and gentle heat.
- Toast the pickle buns: Place the pickle halves cut-side up on a baking sheet. Lay a slice of cheese over each half and place under a broiler or in a hot oven until the cheese melts and the edges begin to turn golden.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, pickle juice, and All Shook Up Seasoning. Stir until smooth. The sauce should be creamy, tangy, and lightly smoky.
- Assemble the sandwich: Spread a layer of the sauce over one cheese-crusted pickle half. Add the seasoned chicken, shredded lettuce, and tomato slices. Top with the second pickle half to complete the sandwich.
Serving Tips
- Dry the pickles well: Removing extra moisture helps the cheese melt evenly and develop a slight crispness.
- Use full slices of cheese: A single slice melts into a sturdy layer that helps the sandwich hold together.
- Serve immediately: This sandwich is best enjoyed while the cheese is still warm and the pickles are crisp.
Why the Seasoning Matters
All Shook Up was designed to bring Memphis-style barbecue flavor into everyday cooking. Its balance of smoky sweetness and subtle heat pairs naturally with chicken, creating a bold flavor without overwhelming the meat.
Sergio’s Seasoning acts as the foundation. Instead of relying on plain salt and pepper, it introduces a balanced savory base that enhances the natural flavor of the chicken and allows the All Shook Up seasoning to shine.
Together, they create a layered flavor that carries through the entire sandwich, from the seasoned chicken to the smoky, tangy sauce.
A Viral Sandwich with Steakhouse Energy
At its core, this sandwich sticks to the viral concept. Pickles as the bun. Simple ingredients. Big contrast in every bite.
But the melted cheese, layered seasoning, and smoky special sauce push it further, turning a quick internet trend into something that feels a little more thought-out.
Crunchy, tangy, smoky, and surprisingly satisfying, it’s proof that a few smart ingredients can take even the simplest idea to the next level.
