Delicious Caribbean Chicken Sandwich Recipe to Try Today
The Caribbean is known for its deep and bold flavors, and there’s nothing quite like a classic Caribbean jerk chicken sandwich to transport your taste buds straight to the islands. My Caribbean-style chicken sandwich recipe takes all the flavors that make this cuisine so popular and combines them into one scrumptious sandwich.
If you’re looking for a way to mix up your lunch or dinner routine, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of spices, sauces, grilled chicken, and fresh veggies all come together to make one of the best sandwiches you will ever try.
As someone who has traveled throughout the Caribbean and fallen in love with their cuisine, I can assure you that this sandwich hits all the right notes. So why not shake things up and give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you later.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
As a lover of Caribbean cuisine, I can say that nothing quite hits the spot like a perfectly seasoned and juicy chicken sandwich. And that’s exactly what this Caribbean-Style Chicken Sandwich recipe delivers.
What makes this recipe stand out is its unique blend of spices and fresh ingredients. The jerk seasoning, cayenne pepper, garlic cloves, and sodium soy sauce all combine to create an explosion of flavor in your mouth. And the addition of mango chutney adds a pleasant sweetness that balances out the heat perfectly.
But this sandwich isn’t just about the chicken alone. The yellow and red bell peppers add some extra crunch and a pop of color, while Swiss cheese brings a creamy element to each bite. Plus, you can never go wrong with fresh lettuce and thinly sliced tomato on any sandwich.
Beyond its delicious flavors and textures, this sandwich is also incredibly versatile. It can be served as a grilled or fried chicken sandwich, or even made into sliders for a snacking option. The pineapple slaw is also a tasty choice for side dish pairing.
Ultimately, this Caribbean-Style Chicken Sandwich recipe is perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors and a satisfying meal. It’s easy to make and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to take a bite.
Ingredient List
Let’s talk ingredients, shall we? To make this Caribbean-Style Chicken Sandwich Recipe we’ll need to gather the following ingredients:
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24 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast halves: I like to use chicken breast for this recipe because it is lean and easy to work with.
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2 tbsp olive oil: The olive oil helps to add a nice richness and flavor to the chicken.
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2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning: This is the star of the show! The Jamaican jerk seasoning gives this sandwich recipe its spicy and bold flavor.
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1 tablespoon minced garlic cloves: Minced garlic adds an earthy flavor to the chicken that pairs well with the jerk seasoning.
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1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your spice tolerance.
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Onion powder brings out the sweetness in the peppers and complements the other flavors nicely.
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1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 ripe tomato, thinly sliced
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4 lettuce leaves
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4 slices Swiss cheese
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion
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2 teaspoons sodium soy sauce
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be ready to make one of the best jerk chicken sandwiches you’ve ever tasted!
The Recipe How-To
Before we begin, please note that it is highly recommended to prepare the jerk chicken marinade in advance to give the chicken enough time to marinate and soak up all the flavors.
To make the jerk chicken marinade, mix 2 tbsp of jerk seasoning, 1 tbsp of minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp of onion powder, 2 tbsp of olive oil, 1 tbsp of soy sauce, 1 tsp of ground cayenne pepper together in a bowl.
Then, take a ziplock bag and add 24 ounces of boneless, skinless chicken breast halves with the marinade mixture inside. Seal the bag and shake it gently until the chicken is evenly coated with marinade.
Grilling or Frying the Jerk Chicken
Heat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from ziplock bag and grill for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly charred.
Alternatively, heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and fry the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Remove chicken from the grill/skillet and let it rest for five minutes.
Assembling the Caribbean-Style Chicken Sandwich
While waiting for the chicken to rest, prepare some yellow and red bell pepper slices, thinly sliced red onion ringlets, a few lettuce leaves and tomato slices.
For optimal taste experience, place a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each hot chicken breast so that it can be slightly melted by the residual heat before assembling the sandwich together.
Next up – Time to build our Caribbean-style jerk chicken sandwich! Spread mayonnaise generously on each slice of toasted bread before adding some mango chutney on one slice. Then add your hot mayonnaise-coated jerk chicken breast over the chutney layer. Top it off with some thinly sliced tomato and a few lettuce leaves. Don’t forget to add those colorful bell pepper slices with some juicy red onion ringlets on top!
Serve while hot along with some grilled pineapple slaw or fresh mango salsa for that extra touch of tropical flair!
Substitutions and Variations
For a sandwich that’s truly your own, play around with some substitutions and variations. Want to make it a bit spicier? Add a pinch more cayenne pepper to the jerk sauce or swap out the yellow bell pepper for a hotter pepper like habanero. In need of a creamy addition? Try adding slices of avocado on top or swap out the mayonnaise for a garlic aioli.
If you’re looking to change things up, try grilling the chicken instead of pan-frying it. The smoky flavor will come through beautifully and give your sandwich an even more Caribbean flavor. Alternatively, try pulled chicken instead for an easier-to-eat option.
For those who prefer something other than chicken, substitute with shredded pork that has been cooked in jerk seasoning, or switch to shrimp for a tasty twist on the classic recipe.
Mix up the cheese selection too – swiss cheese is a good choice but cheddar and monterey jack also work great in this recipe. And if you’re looking to go vegetarian, simply substitute the chicken for grilled Portobello mushrooms, sliced tofu, or seitan for an equally satisfying meal.
There are endless ways to make this sandwich your own while still keeping within the Caribbean flavor profile. So go ahead and experiment until you find the perfect combination that suits your taste buds!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing this Caribbean-Style Chicken Sandwich, the possibilities are quite endless. This jerk chicken sandwich is hearty enough to be served on its own, yet versatile enough to accompany a range of side dishes, snacks, and beverages.
One great idea is to pair this delicious sandwich with a refreshing tropical fruit salad or citrus coleslaw for a complete and well-balanced meal. The sweet and tangy flavors in the fruits will complement the spicy jerk chicken perfectly, while adding a refreshing crunch.
Alternatively, you could choose to serve this jerk chicken sandwich with some crispy sweet potato fries or plantain chips for an even more authentic Caribbean-inspired experience. These sides perfectly match the bold flavors of the jerk seasoning and offer a nice balance of textures between crispy and tender.
If you’re looking to cool down the heat from the bold flavors of the Caribbean jerk chicken a bit, why not try pairing it with an icy cold beer or some iced tea? A refreshing tropical smoothie would also be a great complementing drink to balance all those spicy flavors.
To summarize, the Caribbean-Style Chicken Sandwich is so versatile that no matter what you decide to pair it with, this sandwich will always shine with its bold and diverse flavors. So go ahead, get creative with your pairings, and enjoy the full experience of this exotic sandwich!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As someone who enjoys the convenience of preparing meals ahead of time, I can attest to the value of make-ahead options for this Caribbean-style chicken sandwich recipe. If you’re short on time, prepping the chicken earlier in the day or the night before will save ample time and make dinner all that more effortless.
When it comes to storing, cooked chicken can be refrigerated for up to three days in airtight containers or freezer bags. I recommend separating the meat from any sauce or vegetables so that it stays fresh for longer. Additionally, storing the toppings like sliced tomatoes, lettuce or cheese separately until it’s time to assemble your sandwiches ensures they stay crisp.
Reheating your pre-made chicken sandwich is simple as well. You can reheat both the grilled or fried chicken in a skillet set over medium heat until warmed through or by using a microwave. However, if you wish to maintain the crispy texture of fried chicken, it’s best reheated in a hot oven for about 8-10 minutes.
With these storing and reheating tips in mind, meal prep has never been so straightforward!
Tips for Perfect Results
Preparing Caribbean-Style Chicken Sandwiches is a mouthwatering experience that can transport you straight to an island in the sun. But, as with any recipe, there are always tips and tricks that can help you achieve perfection. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Caribbean-Style Chicken Sandwich turns out perfectly every time.
Firstly, make sure to marinate the chicken overnight in the jerk seasoning marinade. This will help infuse the chicken with plenty of flavor and make it truly delicious. Also, be sure to cook the boneless, skinless chicken breast halves on a preheated grill or frying pan over medium-high heat until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
To give your sandwich a unique twist and add some extra flavor and crunch, try making pineapple slaw to top it off. Simply mix shredded cabbage, carrots, red onion, with diced pineapple and some mayo in a large bowl. For an extra kick of spice, consider adding cayenne pepper or jerk seasoning to the slaw.
Another tip is to toast the bread before assembling the sandwich. This will ensure that the bread doesn’t get soggy from the moist filling and will provide a nice texture contrast against the juicy chicken and crunchy slaw.
For those who prefer a low-carb diet or just want to mix things up a bit, you can serve the jerk chicken over a bed of lettuce instead of using traditional bread buns for your sandwich. This eliminates excess carbs while still providing all of the flavors and textures of a delicious sandwich.
Finally, be adventurous in your choice of toppings! From swiss cheese to yellow and red bell peppers to mango chutney or even just extra garlic cloves or jalapenos in your mayonnaise spread, there are countless ways to customize your Caribbean-Style Chicken Sandwich recipe experimentally.
By following these tips, you’ll create an ultimate Caribbean-inspired sandwich experience which is perfect for any occasion: from family dinners to BBQs and summer picnics with friends.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you are looking for a flavorful and easy-to-make sandwich recipe, this Caribbean-Style Chicken Sandwich recipe is the one for you. The combination of jerk seasoning, red and yellow bell peppers, Swiss cheese, and garlic mayonnaise will create a deliciously complex flavor profile that is sure to please your taste buds. Moreover, with easy substitutions and variations, such as pineapple slaw or mango salsa, you can easily make this recipe your own.
Whether you are hosting a barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight meal, the Caribbean-Style Chicken Sandwich is a great option that can be enjoyed by everyone. So why not give it a try and see how it stacks up against other sandwich recipes out there? Trust me; you won’t regret making the switch to this irresistibly spicy and juicy chicken sandwich that will leave everyone wanting more!
Caribbean-Style Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
- 1 tablespoon jerk rub
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- cayenne pepper, to taste
- 6 slices roasted red peppers, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, roasted
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, roasted
- 2 whole wheat hamburger buns
- 2 slices swiss cheese
Instructions
- Apply the jerk rub to the chicken, leaving enough time to marinate as stated by the recipe or bottle you are using.
- When ready to prepare dish, combine the garlic, mayonnaise, and cayenne pepper, and mix well.
- Add the diced roasted red pepper and pulse through a blender or food processor.
- Prepare a pan with nonstick cook spray and cook the chicken over medium heat, flipping it occasionally until it is cooked through.
- Split and toast the wheat buns.
- Spread red pepper mixture over one half and place the cheese slice on the other.
- Top the cheese with the hot chicken, add the roasted peppers, placing a mixture of both kinds on each sandwich, and top with the remaining bun half.
- Enjoy as is, or you can give it a quick 20-30 seconds in the microwave to heat up the roasted peppers, as well.
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Tony is an experienced chef, crafting delicious comfort food. He’s also an influential blogger, providing helpful recipes and tips on his website, taosburgersandbeer.com. As an expert in his field, he offers valuable advice to readers. His knowledge and creative recipes make it easy to cook exciting, flavorful dishes.