Introduction
Embark on a flavor journey with this delicious chicken sandwich, perfectly marinated and topped with a vibrant cilantro sauce. Ideal for lunch or dinner, these sandwiches combine juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh toppings, all nestled between toasted brioche buns.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Chicken:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally to create 4 thin pieces
– 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
– 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
– 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cilantro Sauce:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembling the Sandwiches:
– 4 brioche buns, toasted
– 4 slices bacon, cooked until crispy
– 1 avocado, sliced
– 4 leaves of lettuce
– 4 slices tomato
Prep Time
30 minutes to 2 hours (including marination)
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes to 2 hours and 10 minutes
Yield
4 sandwiches
Directions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine lime juice, orange juice, sliced jalapeño, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Place the chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
2. Prepare the Cilantro Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, chopped cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Spread a generous amount of the cilantro sauce on the bottom half of each toasted brioche bun. Place a cooked chicken piece on top. Add a slice of crispy bacon, followed by avocado slices, a lettuce leaf, and a tomato slice. Top with the other half of the bun.
5. Serve:
Serve the sandwiches immediately, accompanied by your favorite side dishes.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine lime juice, orange juice, sliced jalapeño, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Place the chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
Prepare the Cilantro Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, chopped cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Cook the Chicken:
Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Assemble the Sandwiches:
Spread a generous amount of the cilantro sauce on the bottom half of each toasted brioche bun. Place a cooked chicken piece on top. Add a slice of crispy bacon, followed by avocado slices, a lettuce leaf, and a tomato slice. Top with the other half of the bun.
Serve:
Serve the sandwiches immediately, accompanied by your favorite side dishes.
Notes
Marination Time:
For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for 2 hours if possible, but a minimum of 30 minutes will still yield delicious results.
Cooked Chicken:
Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Serving Suggestions:
These sandwiches pair well with fries, potato chips, or a fresh side salad.
Customization:
Feel free to add additional toppings such as cheese or different types of sauces according to your preference.
Cook techniques
Marinating
Marinating the chicken in a mixture of lime juice, orange juice, spices, and olive oil enhances its flavor and tenderness. This process allows the chicken to absorb the flavors for a more delicious result.
Grilling
Grilling is an effective cooking technique that imparts a smoky flavor to the chicken. Ensure the grill is preheated to medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Preparing Sauce
Combining mayonnaise, cilantro, lime juice, and spices creates a flavorful cilantro sauce that complements the sandwich. Whisk together until smooth and refrigerate it until ready to serve for better flavor melding.
Assembling Sandwiches
Layering the sandwich with the cilantro sauce first, followed by grilled chicken, crispy bacon, avocado, lettuce, and tomato on a toasted brioche bun creates a textural and flavorful experience for each bite.
FAQ
How long should I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for optimal flavor and tenderness.
What is the ideal internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise in the cilantro sauce?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or a vegan mayonnaise alternative if you prefer a healthier or vegan option.
What can I serve with these sandwiches?
These sandwiches pair well with various side dishes, such as potato chips, French fries, or a fresh salad.
Can I use other types of bread for the sandwiches?
Absolutely! While brioche buns are suggested for their richness, you can use any type of bread you prefer, such as whole wheat, ciabatta, or a gluten-free option.
Conclusion
This delicious chicken sandwich, marinated with a vibrant blend of citrus and spices, pairs perfectly with a creamy cilantro sauce. The addition of crispy bacon, fresh avocado, lettuce, and tomato on a toasted brioche bun elevates the flavors, making it a satisfying meal that’s sure to please any palate.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Chicken Tacos
Use the same marinated chicken, grill it, then serve in soft corn tortillas topped with cilantro sauce, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime.
Chicken Salad with Cilantro Dressing
Dice cooked chicken and mix with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers, drizzled with the cilantro sauce for a refreshing salad.
Grilled Chicken Bowls
Serve the grilled chicken over a bed of rice or quinoa, topped with avocado, black beans, corn, and a dollop of cilantro sauce.
Oven-Baked Chicken Quesadillas
Fill whole-wheat tortillas with marinated chicken, cheese, and jalapeños, bake until golden, and serve with cilantro sauce for dipping.
Chicken and Avocado Toast
Top toasted whole grain bread with smashed avocado, grilled chicken slices, and a drizzle of cilantro sauce for a healthy breakfast option.
Stuffed Peppers
Combine diced marinated chicken with rice, beans, and spices, stuff into bell peppers, and bake until tender for a hearty meal.
