Southwestern Chicken Sandwich with Chipotle Aioli

If you love a perfectly crunchy sandwich with a creamy chipotle sauce, then this grilled Southwestern Chicken Sandwich recipe is for you! It was actually inspired by Andrew’s (my husband) go-to order from his favorite deli during his college days in Santa Barbara. I’m proud to report that I got pretty close to the original. It’s so saucy, spicy, and packed with flavor! Hope you love this Southwestern Chicken Sandwich with Chipotle Aioli as much as we do – cheers!

How To Make A Southwestern Chicken Sandwich with Chipotle Aioli

Here’s a video of how to make this Southwestern Chicken Sandwich with Chipotle Aioli! If you’re looking for another delicious sandwich, try my Italian Prosciutto Sandwich recipe.

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Grilled Chicken Ingredients

• 1 ½ boneless skinless chicken breasts
• ⅓ cup avocado oil
• 4 cloves garlic, grated or finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Chipotle Aioli Ingredients

• ½ cup mayonnaise 
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest 
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice 
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 
• ¾ teaspoon chipotle powder 
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder 
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Kosher salt, to taste

Sandwich Ingredients (Serves 2)

• Sourdough Baguette, cut into 2 6-inch pieces, halved and toasted 
• 4 slices American cheese
• Crispy bacon
• Iceberg Lettuce
• Tomato
• Flaky sea salt 
• Freshly ground black pepper 
• Pickled onions

Grilled Chicken Step-By-Step Recipe Method

1. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of parchment paper or inside a large plastic bag and use a meat mallet to flatten each until they’re about ½” thick.
2. Place the chicken breasts into a large plastic bag and add the avocado oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, oregano, and pepper. Seal and massage the marinade into the chicken so that it’s evenly coated. Place into the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to 14 hours.
3. Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill grates (or an indoor grill pan over medium-high). Once heated, use tongs to place the chicken onto the grill and cook until grill marks have formed and it releases easily from the grates, about 5 to 6 minutes.
4. Flip the chicken and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 5 to 6 more minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing on a bias. 
   

Chipotle Aioli Step-By-Step Recipe Method

1. In a medium mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, lemon zest, lemon juice, chili powder, chipotle powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper and salt.
2. Stir to combine until well incorporated and set aside.

Sandwich Step-By-Step Recipe Method

1. Evenly slather all sides of the bread with the chipotle aioli.
2. To the bottom slices of bread, layer with chicken, and American cheese.
3. Place onto a sheet pan and broil for about 1 minute until the cheese is melted.
4. Remove from the oven and add the bacon.
5. Layer the lettuce, tomato, flaky salt, pepper, and pickled onion.
6. Close with the top slices of bread and gently press down. Slice into halves, serve, and enjoy!