Spicy Grilled Cajun Chicken Sandwich with Roasted Red Peppers
Indulge in the bold flavors of the South with this Spicy Grilled Cajun Chicken Sandwich. Juicy, tender chicken breasts are seasoned to perfection with zesty Cajun spices, grilled until beautifully charred, and topped with creamy Monterey Jack pepper cheese. A spread of Thousand Island dressing enhanced with a kick of hot pepper sauce complements the sandwich, while roasted red peppers and fresh lettuce add a refreshing crunch. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a simple weeknight dinner, this sandwich is sure to impress family and friends alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
4 medium (Rinsed and pounded thin)
olive oil
1 teaspoon (For brushing chicken)
cajun seasoning
1/2-1 teaspoon (To taste)
monterey jack pepper cheese
4 ounces (Sliced)
thousand island dressing
2-4 tablespoons (To spread on buns)
bottled hot pepper sauce
3-4 dashes (To taste)
roasted red peppers
4 slices (To top sandwich)
lettuce leaves
4 (Fresh, for topping)
kaiser rolls or whole grain buns
4 (Split and toasted)
Instructions
1
Rinse the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels.
2
Place each chicken breast, boned side up, between two pieces of plastic wrap. Gently pound them with a meat mallet from the center to the edges until they reach a thickness of just under 1/2 inch.
3
Brush the chicken breast on both sides with olive oil and generously sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, adjusting the amount based on your spice preference.
4
Preheat your grill or broiler. For grilling, prepare a medium heat by arranging the coals and allowing them to burn down until covered in ash. For broiling, preheat the broiler.
5
For grilling, arrange the chicken breasts on the grill rack, cooking uncovered for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until no pink remains in the center. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add a slice of Monterey Jack pepper cheese to each piece of chicken to melt.
6
For broiling, place the chicken in an unheated broiler pan and broil 4 to 5 inches from the heat source for about 8-10 minutes, turning once, until fully cooked. Add the cheese during the last minute of cooking to allow it to melt.
7
While the chicken finishes cooking, mix Thousand Island dressing with a few dashes of hot pepper sauce in a small bowl.
8
To assemble the sandwich, spread the spicy Thousand Island dressing on the bottom half of each toasted kaiser roll or whole grain bun.
9
Top with a generous layer of roasted red peppers, followed by the grilled chicken with melted cheese, and finish with fresh lettuce leaves.
10
Place the bun tops on each sandwich, slice in half if desired, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Spicy Grilled Cajun Chicken Sandwich?
It is a Southern-inspired sandwich featuring charred Cajun-seasoned chicken, melted pepper cheese, roasted red peppers, and spicy Thousand Island dressing.
What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for four medium boneless, skinless chicken breast halves.
How should I prepare the chicken breasts before cooking?
Rinse the chicken, pat it dry with paper towels, and pound each piece between plastic wrap to a thickness of just under 1/2 inch.
Why do I need to pound the chicken breasts?
Pounding the chicken with a meat mallet ensures an even thickness, which allows the meat to cook consistently and quickly.
What should I brush on the chicken before seasoning?
Brush both sides of the chicken breasts with one teaspoon of olive oil to help the seasoning stick.
What seasoning gives this chicken its flavor?
Cajun seasoning is used to provide the sandwich with its signature zesty and spicy flavor profile.
How much Cajun seasoning should I use?
You should use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, depending on your personal spice preference.
What are the two recommended cooking methods?
The recipe provides instructions for both grilling and broiling the chicken breasts.
How do I prepare a grill for this recipe?
Prepare a medium heat by arranging coals and allowing them to burn down until they are covered in ash.
How long does the chicken take to grill?
Grill the chicken uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through the cooking time.
How do I cook the chicken using a broiler?
Place the chicken in an unheated broiler pan and broil 4 to 5 inches from the heat source for 8 to 10 minutes, turning once.
When should I add the Monterey Jack pepper cheese?
Add the cheese during the last 2 minutes of grilling or the last minute of broiling so it can melt properly.
How do I make the spicy sandwich spread?
Mix 2 to 4 tablespoons of Thousand Island dressing with 3 to 4 dashes of bottled hot pepper sauce in a small bowl.
What type of cheese is used for these sandwiches?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of sliced Monterey Jack pepper cheese for a creamy and spicy kick.
What kind of buns are recommended for this sandwich?
Kaiser rolls or whole grain buns are the recommended choices for this recipe.
Should the buns be toasted?
Yes, the kaiser rolls or whole grain buns should be split and toasted before assembly.
What are the primary sandwich toppings?
The chicken is topped with roasted red peppers and fresh lettuce leaves.
How do I assemble the sandwich layers?
Spread the spicy dressing on the bottom bun, layer with roasted red peppers, the grilled chicken with cheese, and finally the lettuce.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when no pink remains in the center and it has reached a safe internal temperature.
Can I adjust the heat level of the dressing?
Yes, you can adjust the number of dashes of hot pepper sauce in the Thousand Island dressing to suit your taste.
How many sandwiches does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 4 individual sandwiches.
Is this sandwich suitable for a summer barbecue?
Yes, the grilled preparation and bold flavors make it an excellent choice for a summer cookout.
What kind of roasted red peppers should I use?
You can use 4 slices of bottled roasted red peppers for convenience and flavor.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for family meals and simple weeknight dinners.
Should the chicken be grilled covered or uncovered?
The instructions specify grilling the chicken breasts uncovered for the best results.
How do I turn the chicken while broiling?
The chicken should be turned once halfway through the 8 to 10 minute broiling process.
What is the purpose of the olive oil in this recipe?
The olive oil helps prevent the chicken from sticking and ensures the Cajun seasoning is well-distributed.
Can I use different types of buns?
While kaiser or whole grain buns are suggested, you can use any sturdy bun that complements grilled chicken.
What type of lettuce should I use?
Any fresh lettuce leaves that provide a refreshing crunch will work well as a topping.
How soon should the sandwich be served?
The sandwiches should be assembled and served immediately while the chicken and cheese are still hot.