Southwestern Spicy Chicken Ciabatta Delight
Discover a tantalizing blend of flavors with the Southwestern Spicy Chicken Ciabatta Delight, inspired by creative twists from Food Network's cuisine. Perfect for a game day or a relaxed afternoon, this sandwich combines the smokiness of chipotle, juicy grilled chicken, and creamy Monterey Jack cheese, all sandwiched between a crusty ciabatta loaf. Adjust the spice to suit your taste and experience a mouthwatering moment of joy.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ciabatta loaf
1 (sliced lengthwise)
Mayonnaise
1 cup (blended)
Chipotle chiles in adobo
2 (blended)
Grilled chicken breasts
2 large (sliced)
Hass avocado
1 (sliced)
Tomatoes
1-2 (sliced)
Monterey Jack pepper cheese
1-2 cups (grated)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) to get a nice warm center and melted cheese in the sandwich.
2
2. Slice the ciabatta loaf lengthwise into two even halves.
3
3. In a food processor, blend the mayonnaise with the chipotle chiles until you achieve a smooth, creamy spread.
4
4. Evenly spread the chipotle-mayo mixture on both halves of the ciabatta loaf.
5
5. Arrange the sliced grilled chicken evenly over the bottom half of the loaf.
6
6. Layer the avocado slices, followed by the tomato slices, on top of the chicken.
7
7. Generously cover the layered ingredients with grated Monterey Jack cheese, ensuring full coverage for a cheesy finish.
8
8. Place the top half of the ciabatta loaf over the filling.
9
9. Wrap the assembled sandwich securely in aluminum foil to retain moisture.
10
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted and the sandwich is heated through.
11
11. Carefully remove from the oven, unwrap the foil, and slice the sandwich into four equal pieces. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful creation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Southwestern Spicy Chicken Ciabatta Delight?
It is a flavorful sandwich featuring grilled chicken, melted Monterey Jack cheese, avocado, and a spicy chipotle mayonnaise on a crusty ciabatta loaf.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of bread is used for this sandwich?
A single ciabatta loaf, sliced lengthwise, is used as the base for this recipe.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
How do I make the chipotle-mayo mixture?
Blend one cup of mayonnaise with two chipotle chiles in adobo in a food processor until smooth and creamy.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for two large grilled chicken breasts, sliced into even pieces.
What type of cheese is recommended?
Grated Monterey Jack pepper cheese is used to provide a creamy and slightly spicy finish.
How long does the sandwich need to bake?
The assembled sandwich should be baked for 10 to 15 minutes.
Why is the sandwich wrapped in aluminum foil?
Wrapping the sandwich in foil helps to retain moisture and ensures the center gets warm while the cheese melts.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, it has a kick due to the chipotle chiles in adobo and the Monterey Jack pepper cheese.
How should I prepare the avocado?
The Hass avocado should be sliced and layered directly on top of the grilled chicken.
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
While Monterey Jack is recommended, you can substitute it with Pepper Jack or a mild white cheddar if preferred.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe makes one large loaf which is then sliced into four equal pieces for serving.
Can I prepare the chipotle mayo in advance?
Yes, you can blend the mayonnaise and chipotle chiles ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
Is this sandwich suitable for game days?
Absolutely, it is listed as an ideal choice for game day or football food due to its hearty and bold flavors.
How do I ensure the cheese is thoroughly melted?
Bake the foil-wrapped sandwich until the 10-15 minute mark or until you see the cheese has fully melted over the layers.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe suggests using 1-2 sliced tomatoes; any ripe variety like Beefsteak or Roma will work well.
Can I add more chipotle chiles for extra heat?
Yes, you can adjust the number of chipotle chiles in the mayo mixture to suit your personal spice preference.
What is the best way to slice the ciabatta?
The loaf should be sliced lengthwise into two even halves to create a top and bottom for the sandwich.
Should the chicken be warm before putting it in the sandwich?
The chicken is grilled and then sliced; the oven baking process will ensure it is heated through in the final sandwich.
What categories does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a chicken sandwich, comfort food, lunch, and a snack.
How do I serve the sandwich once it is baked?
Remove it from the oven, unwrap the foil, and slice it into four equal pieces to serve immediately.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of grilled breasts?
Yes, sliced rotisserie chicken is a convenient and delicious alternative to grilled chicken breasts.
Does the recipe include fiber or protein data?
The provided nutritional information currently lists those values as null, though the chicken and avocado provide protein and fiber respectively.
What makes this a 'Southwestern' style sandwich?
The combination of chipotle, avocado, and Monterey Jack cheese gives it a classic Southwestern flavor profile.
Can I use light mayonnaise?
Yes, you can substitute regular mayonnaise with a light version without significantly affecting the blending process.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 7 main ingredients required for this recipe.
Can I toast the bread before assembling?
The recipe relies on the oven baking time to warm the bread, but you can lightly toast the inner halves if you prefer extra crunch.
Is a food processor necessary?
A food processor is recommended to achieve a perfectly smooth and creamy chipotle-mayo spread.
How much cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 1 to 2 cups of grated Monterey Jack pepper cheese to ensure full coverage.