Deliciously Spicy Southwest Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Are you looking for a sandwich recipe that packs a punch of flavor? Look no further, because this Spicy Southwest Chicken Sandwich Recipe is just what you need. With juicy grilled chicken, smoky bacon, creamy avocado, and zesty lime juice all stuffed between two slices of fresh focaccia bread, this sandwich will become a new favorite. Plus, with the added kick of chipotle chile and adobo sauce, it’s sure to satisfy anyone who loves a bit of heat in their meal.
But why settle for just any old sandwich when you can have one that’s bursting with southwest flavors? This recipe combines classic southwest ingredients like black beans, red onion, and sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil with an unexpected twist of roasted corn poblano and pepper jack cheese. Even if you’re not usually a fan of spicy food, give this sandwich a try – the heat is balanced perfectly with the other ingredients to make for the ultimate taste experience.
Not only is this Spicy Southwest Chicken Sandwich Recipe delicious, but it’s also highly customizable. Don’t like cilantro? Leave it out. Prefer a creamier texture? Add more sour cream to the sauce. The options are endless, making this recipe perfect for anyone looking to add some spice to their life – or at least their lunch. So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and get cooking – your taste buds will thank you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for a recipe that’ll spice up your taste buds while satisfying your hunger? Look no further! Introducing the Spicy Southwest Chicken Sandwich Recipe – the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors wrapped in one.
What makes this recipe a must-try? First off, it’s incredibly easy to make, and you won’t need any fancy ingredients to whip it up. All you need is some grilled chicken breasts, focaccia bread, red onions, tomatoes, avocadoes, bacon, and a handful of other basic ingredients that’ll surely be available in your pantry.
But it’s not just about the ease of preparation; the Spicy Southwest Chicken Sandwich Recipe promises to deliver an explosion of flavors with every bite. The adobo sauce combined with chipotle chile and sun-dried tomatoes create a spicy and smoky sauce that’ll send your taste buds into overdrive. Meanwhile, the hint of sweetness from light brown sugar and tanginess from lime juice complements the savory flavors perfectly.
And let’s not forget about the refreshing crunch that comes from fresh cilantro and creamy avocado slices. These flavors are layered between soft yet crispy focaccia bread and complemented by crispy bacon strips for an unforgettable sandwich experience that you won’t find elsewhere.
So whether you’re craving for a quick lunch fix or planning a barbecue party with friends and family, the Spicy Southwest Chicken Sandwich Recipe will undoubtedly win everyone’s hearts (and stomachs!) with its unique blend of flavors. Trust us; this recipe will become an instant favorite – it’s simply too good to resist!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this southwest chicken sandwich recipe:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup of olive oil, divided
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons of adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon of light brown sugar
- Salt and black pepper
- 8 slices of bacon
- 4 cups of shredded Focaccia bread
- 1 medium red onion, chopped
- 1 cup of diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 avocado, pitted and sliced
- 1 teaspoon of chipotle chile powder
- Teaspoon of adobo sauce (½)
- Cup(s) sour cream (1/4)
- Lime juice
- Roasted corn poblano
- Pepper Jack cheese (shredded on top)
- Southwest Chicken Salad (1 kat)
Note: Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil could be used instead of roasted corn poblano.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gone through the ingredient list, it’s time to get into how to make this Spicy Southwest Chicken Sandwich. Assemble all of your ingredients and let’s get started.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 10-15 minutes | Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
The first step is to marinate the chicken while you prepare the other ingredients. In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of adobo sauce, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and juice of 1 lime until well combined. Rub the mixture generously on both sides of 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and let it sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes.
Step 2: Grill or Bake the Chicken
We recommend grilling the chicken breasts for a smokier taste, but you can also bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked. If grilling, cook the chicken breasts over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 3: Assemble the Southwest Chicken Salad
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the southwest chicken salad. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of grilled chicken, chopped into small pieces, 1/2 cup black beans, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup diced red onion, and 1/4 cup diced sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, juice of 1 lime, 1 teaspoon light brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon adobo sauce until smooth. Pour over the chicken mixture and toss until evenly coated.
Step 4: Build Your Sandwich
To assemble your sandwich, start with a sliced piece of focaccia bread. On top of that, spread a layer of spicy ranch sauce. Place a grilled chicken breast on top of the sauce. Then add a generous scoop of southwest chicken salad on top of the chicken breast. Add a slice or two of pepper jack cheese, some roasted corn poblano (optional), crispy bacon slices (optional), sliced avocado or guacamole (optional) and some fresh cilantro leaves.
Finally, spread another layer of spicy ranch sauce on top slice of focaccia bread before placing it above all ingredients. You can also toast your bread if preferred.
And Voilà – your Spicy Southwest Chicken Sandwich is ready to be eaten! Enjoy this delicious meal with some chips or fries and coleslaw.
Tip: You can also make this recipe into wraps, salads, or even fried chicken sandwiches by following these same steps but using
Substitutions and Variations
The Spicy Southwest Chicken Sandwich Recipe is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try:
– Focaccia Bread: You can swap the focaccia bread with any other bread of your choice, such as ciabatta or sourdough.
– Red Onion: If you’re not a fan of red onions, you can substitute them with shallots, white onions or even scallions.
– Tomatoes: Use heirloom tomatoes for a sweeter flavour or cherry tomatoes for more tanginess.
– Bacon: You can replace the bacon with turkey bacon or leave it out entirely for a vegetarian version of this sandwich.
– Chicken: If you prefer dark meat, you can use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
– Adobo Sauce: The adobo sauce adds smokiness and heat to this sandwich. If you don’t have adobo sauce on hand, you can use taco seasoning or smoked paprika for a similar flavour profile.
– Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use diced fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers as a substitute for sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil.
– Avocado: Swap avocado with guacamole for an extra flavourful twist.
– Chipotle Pepper: Substitute canned chipotle pepper with chili powder mixed with a little smoked paprika for a milder alternative.
– Ranch Sauce: Try swapping ranch sauce with sour cream mixed with lime zest and fresh cilantro for a lighter option.
These substitutions and variations will help you customize your Spicy Southwest Chicken Sandwich Recipe to your liking, making it a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Serving and Pairing
The spicy Southwest chicken sandwich is a flavor-packed dish that demands equally bold and exciting pairings. The best way to serve this sandwich is with crispy fries or a crunchy salad on the side. I suggest pairing it with roasted corn and poblano pepper salad, which will provide it with the perfect balance of freshness and heat.
For a refreshing drink, try a cold glass of lemonade, unsweetened tea or an icy margarita. The sour and salty flavors of these drinks pair exceptionally well with the spiciness of the sandwich. Alternatively, if you’re looking for an alcoholic beverage, a refreshing lager or pilsner would be perfect.
When it comes to serving, I recommend preparing this sandwich on fresh focaccia bread toasted to perfection. Add some sliced red onion, fresh tomatoes, crispy bacon and creamy avocado to elevate the flavor profile further. Don’t forget to add some cilantro leaves as a garnish for an extra pop of color and freshness.
Whether you enjoy this sandwich as part of a casual lunch or as a game-day snack while watching your favorite team play, it’s sure to impress your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied. So gather your friends and family around the table to indulge in this mouth-watering delicacy that packs a delicious punch of Southwest flavors!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this spicy Southwest chicken sandwich recipe is that it can be made ahead of time, stored for later or reheated. This feature makes it an ideal choice for busy mornings when you want to have your sandwich ready in no time without compromising the flavours.
When preparing ahead of time, store the cooked chicken and salad separately from the focaccia bread so that the bread does not get soggy. To do this, assemble the salad ingredients in a separate airtight container and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve the sandwich, reheat the chicken and toppings before assembling them on freshly baked or toasted focaccia bread.
If you have some leftover chicken, it can be stored in an airtight container or freezer-friendly plastic bag for up to four days in a refrigerator. You can also store it in the freezer for up to three months, ensuring that it is sealed properly. This way, you can have ready-to-go southwest chicken salads or sandwiches whenever you crave them.
Reheating is easy too! If using pre-cooked leftovers, heat them up in a pan over medium heat until warm or microwave them with a damp paper towel on top at 800-watts for five minutes. The bread must be toasted fresh before serving.
The make-ahead feature really saves time in busy households and allows ample opportunity to experiment with different versions of the sandwich recipe; if you don’t like to eat bread, skip it and enjoy as a Southwest Chicken Salad.
Tips for Perfect Results
When attempting any new recipe, ensuring a perfectly executed dish can be challenging. To make this spicy southwest chicken sandwich, follow these tips for optimal results.
Firstly, when grilling your chicken breasts, heat your grill to a medium-high temperature. This will allow the chicken to cook evenly without drying out. Additionally, brush the chicken with olive oil before seasoning it with salt and black pepper. This helps to keep the chicken moist while also adding flavor.
Secondly, when making the southwest chicken salad filling for your sandwich, make sure to drain any excess liquid from the black beans and sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil. Excess moisture can lead to a soggy sandwich which can ruin the texture and flavor.
Thirdly, when assembling your sandwich, use toasted focaccia bread which adds texture and flavor to the dish. Toasting the bread also helps prevent it from getting saturated by the ingredients in your sandwich.
Fourthly, don’t skimp on fresh cilantro or lime juice as they add complexity and flavor depth to your sandwich. A little bit of extra lime juice can add a pop of acidity that is needed to cut through the richness of this delicious sandwich.
Lastly, feel free to substitute or add toppings according to your personal preference. For instance, diced red onion or chunks of avocado can add layers of texture and flavors to complement the southwest spices in this sandwich.
With these tips you should be able to make a spicy southwest chicken sandwich that is sure to satisfy your taste buds!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Spicy Southwest Chicken Sandwich Recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a tasty and satisfying meal. With its blend of tangy and spicy flavors, this sandwich will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. The combination of juicy grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and crispy bacon on top of focaccia bread is simply irresistible.
Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick lunch idea or simply in the mood for comfort food, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. It’s versatile and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients or substitutions. Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers and can be stored in the fridge or freezer for later consumption.
So what are you waiting for? Try out this Spicy Southwest Chicken Sandwich Recipe today and see why it has become such a popular dish among food enthusiasts. It’s not just another sandwich, it’s a flavor explosion that will satisfy your cravings while leaving you feeling satisfied and happy!
Spicy Southwest Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, chopped
- 1 chipotle chile, canned
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
- salt
- black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 avocado, ripe and pitted
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juice of
- 2 1/2 cups chicken, thinly sliced
- 4 slices bacon, thick, cooked until crisp (optional)
- 1 large tomatoes, ripe, cored and thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 8 slices focaccia bread or 8 slices sourdough bread, lightly toasted
Instructions
- 1. In a blender, mini-chop, or food processor, pulse the sun-dried tomatoes, chipotle, adobo sauce, water, oil, vinegar, mustard, and brown sugar together until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste and pulse again. Transfer to a small bowl.
- 2. In another small bowl, mash the avocado with half the cilantro and all of the lime juice. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- 3. Spread 4 of the slices of bread with the avocado mixture. Spread the remaining 4 pieces of bread with the sun-dried tomato-and-chipotle mixture, then layer on the chicken, bacon, tomato, onion, the remaining cilantro, and the bread. Cut in half and serve immediately.
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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.