Delicious and Flavorful Blackened Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Discover the perfect balance of spicy and juicy with this mouthwatering blackened chicken sandwich. Say goodbye to dry, flavorless grilled chicken breasts and hello to a delicious meal that will impress your taste buds and your guests!

This recipe tackles the common problem of dry chicken breasts by using a clever technique: splitting the breasts horizontally and giving them a quick brine. The result? Perfectly cooked chicken with a spicy, blackened exterior and a tender, moist interior.

But the magic doesn’t stop there. We’re elevating this sandwich with pepper jack cheese, crisp lettuce, spicy mayo, and grilled onions and peppers. It’s a flavor explosion that proves skinless, boneless chicken breasts can shine on the grill when treated right.

Ingredients

• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, about 8 ounces each

For the Brine:

• 1 quart ice cold water
• 1/8 cup kosher salt
• 1/8 cup sugar

For the Rub:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/8 cup olive oil
• 1 large red bell pepper
• 1 medium red onion, cut into 1/2-inch disks and skewered horizontally
• 4 slices pepper Jack cheese
• Green leaf lettuce
• Sriracha mayonnaise
• 4 club rolls

Directions

1. Prepare the Brine

   In a shallow bowl, whisk together the cold water, salt, and sugar until dissolved. Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally. Submerge the chicken slices in the brine and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

2. Create the Spice Rub

   While the chicken brines, mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. This flavorful blend will give your chicken that irresistible blackened crust.

3. Season the Chicken

   Remove the chicken from the brine and pat dry. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil, then generously coat with the spice mixture on both sides. Return to the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill.

4. Fire Up the Grill

   Light a full chimney of charcoal. Once the coals are covered with gray ash, spread them evenly across the grill. Set the cooking grate in place, cover, and let it preheat for 5 minutes. Clean and oil the grate to prevent sticking.

5. Grill the Veggies

   Brush the onion slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the onions and whole bell pepper, turning occasionally, until the pepper is charred all over and the onions are nicely marked and softened (about 5-8 minutes). Remove from the grill and place the pepper in a sealed bag to steam.

6. Prepare the Peppers

   Once cool enough to handle, peel the skin off the pepper and slice it into thin strips. Remove the skewer from the onion and separate into rings.

7. Blacken the Chicken

   Place the seasoned chicken slices on the hot grill. Cook over high heat until the first side is beautifully blackened (3-5 minutes). Flip the chicken, add a slice of pepper jack cheese to each piece, and continue grilling until the second side is blackened and the chicken is cooked through (another 3-5 minutes).

8. Rest and Toast

   Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 3 minutes. Meanwhile, lightly toast the club rolls on the grill, cut side down, until golden brown.

9. Assemble and Serve

   Spread Sriracha mayonnaise on the top half of each roll. Layer the bottom half with the blackened chicken, grilled onion rings, pepper strips, and crisp lettuce. Crown your creation with the top bun and serve immediately for maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

This blackened chicken sandwich is a testament to the power of proper preparation. The brine ensures juicy meat, while the spice rub creates a bold, flavorful crust. The combination of spicy chicken, creamy cheese, sweet grilled onions, and fresh lettuce creates a harmony of flavors and textures that will have your taste buds dancing.

Don’t be afraid to adjust the spice levels to suit your preferences. You can dial up the heat by adding more cayenne to the rub or using a spicier cheese. Conversely, reduce the cayenne for a milder version that’s still packed with flavor.

This recipe is perfect for summer barbecues, game day gatherings, or a delicious weeknight dinner. Pair it with some crispy sweet potato fries or a light salad for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.