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    Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Sandwich

    June 27, 2024

    Homemade chili-herb mayo oozing between crisp, warm bread and pepper Jack cheese melting its way into slices of juicy chicken breast—this warm chicken sandwich is just the best.

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    sante fe grilled chicken sandwich shown cut in half with avocados and grilled red peppers.

    A Recipe for a....Chicken Sandwich??

    Yes, this is a recipe for a sandwich. But before you walk away, know that this is NOT just any sandwich. It’s a grilled sandwich. It’s a pepper Jack cheesy, herb mayo-slathered, toasty-hot, grilled chicken sandwich and it’s positively otherworldly. And by otherworldly, we mean that you’ll want to escape alone with this peppery, oniony, hearty, melty sandwich to another place—a place where you can be together, where you can enjoy each and every bite of the perfection that is this warm, toasted sandwich in peace and bliss. Lots of homemade chili-herb mayo oozing between crisp, warm bread and pepper Jack cheese melting its way into slices of juicy chicken breast—this warm grilled chicken sandwich is so good that the word “sandwich” can’t even contain it. It should be called a saaaaandwichlisdkxdkttee. Or a soooundwichickledszle. Uh, well. We’ll keep working on that new word for sandwich. But in the meantime, just make it, OK?

    Ingredients shown for a grilled chicken sandwich including onions, peppers, pepper jack cheese, sourdough bread and avocado.

    Alright, Alright! We’ll Make the Sandwich. So, What’s In It?

    Our grilled chicken sandwich recipe proves that a humble chicken sandwich can be just as worthy of some grill time as even the juiciest burger. Just what makes it so very wonderful? Well, it’s a little bit about the grilling itself—grilling makes everything better, and that includes sandwiches. And it’s a little about the homemade chili-herb mayo—condiments are always key. But it’s mostly about loading up grilled bread with the very best sandwich toppings you can get your hands on. Here’s what makes this the best grilled chicken sandwich recipe ever:

    • Boneless skinless chicken breast.
    • Bell pepper.
    • Onion.
    • Avocado
    • Pepper Jack cheese
    White enamel bowl filled with herbed may mixture for grilled chicken sandwich.

    Tell Me More About This Chili-Herb Mayo?

    Slightly spicy, this fresh herb mayo is summer in a condiment. And you don’t need to feel boxed in—use it on this Santa Fe grilled chicken sandwich, but also use it on everything else. Try it on cold sandwiches, burgers, or even as a veggie dip. It couldn’t be easier, especially if you have a little herb box or garden. But even if you don’t, these are basic herbs and they’re easy to find fresh almost year-round. All you’ll need to make it is:

    • Basil
    • Cilantro
    • Chives
    • Mayonnaise
    • Chili powder
    two slices of sourdough bread with herbed mayo spread on one side.
    two slices of sourdough bread with herbed mayo, onions, bell peppers and avocados on one side.
    two slices of sourdough bread with grilled chicken, peppers, onions and her mayo on one half.
    two slices sour dough bread with peppers, onions, mayo, avocado, grilled chicken and pepper jack cheese on one half.

    Tools You’ll Need:

    Two grilled chicken sandwiches shown in a black skillet.

    More Sandwich Recipes to Try

    Because there’s really nothing more satisfying than biting into a truly perfect sandwich. Here are four sandwiches worth following a recipe for:

    Grill, Baby, Grill!

    We hope you’re as crazy about this Santa Fe grilled chicken sandwich as we are! If you make it, let us know! Snap a photo of melty, toasty, hearty sandwich and tag us on Instagram using @themodernproper and #themodernproper. Happy eating!

    two grilled chicken sandwiches shown cut in half with avocado, grilled peppers and grilled chicken showing.
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    Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Sandwich

    Updated on June 27, 2024

    • Serves: 4
    • Prep Time:  20 min
    • Cook Time:  35 min
    • Calories: 765
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    Ingredients

    Chilli Herb Mayo

    • 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
    • 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
    • 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
    • 1 cup mayonnaise
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder
    • sea salt
    • freshly cracked black pepper

    Sandwich

    • 1 large red, yellow, or orange bell pepper, cut into 1-inch-thick strips
    • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
    • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
    • 1¼ teaspoons sea salt
    • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
    • 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
    • 8 slices sourdough bread
    • 1 avocado, sliced
    • 1 large red, yellow, or orange bell pepper, cut into 1-inch-thick strips

    Method

    1. In a small bowl, combine the basil, cilantro, chives, mayonnaise, and chili powder. Season to taste with salt and pepper (see Note).

    2. Preheat the grill to medium-high. Brush the bell peppers and chicken with the olive oil and season with the salt and pepper. Transfer the chicken and peppers to the preheated grill and cook until peppers begin to soften and char and chicken is cooked through, about 4 to 6 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before thinly slicing.

    3. Meanwhile, heat the remaining ¼ cup olive oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Once the oil is glistening, add the onions and cook, stirring often, until onions begin to brown and are soft, about 10 minutes.

    4. Making one sandwich at a time, spread the herb mayo on the inside of each slice of bread. On four of the slices, layer the onions, bell peppers, avocado, grilled chicken, and pepper Jack cheese, dividing evenly. Top with the remaining slices of bread, mayo-side down. Brush the tops and bottoms of the sandwiches with olive oil.

    5. Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Working in batches, if needed, add the sandwiches and cook, until golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side. Slice each sandwich in half and serve warm.


    Note: Store any unused herb mayo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

    Nutrition Info

    • Per Serving
    • Amount
    • Calories765
    • Protein44 g
    • Carbohydrates27 g
    • Total Fat58 g
    • Dietary Fiber4 g
    • Cholesterol145 mg
    • sodium624 mg
    • Total Sugars4 g

    Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Sandwich

    Questions & Reviews

    Join the discussion below.

    or
    • Chloe

      What do I do if I don’t have access to a grill?

      You can just cook the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop or broil it in the oven! Hope you enjoy Chloe.

    • Nita

      Probably the best sandwich I ever made! My family raved! The herbs in the chili mayo took it to the next level. I will be making this often and thank you!!

      YES! Love to hear it's going on repeat, glad you enjoyed it Nita!

    • Phil

      A wonderful world of sandwich!!

      Thanks for letting us know you liked it Phil!