Best Southwest Spicy Chicken Sandwich
This Southwest Spicy Chicken Sandwich is a flavor-packed meal with the perfect balance of heat, smokiness, and creamy goodness. The juicy, seasoned chicken breast is marinated in a spicy Southwest seasoning blend, grilled to perfection, and served with a zesty chipotle mayo and tangy pickled jalapeños. Topped with crispy lettuce and fresh tomatoes, this sandwich delivers a satisfying crunch and the perfect level of spice in every bite.
Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowls for marinating and sauce
- Tongs (for flipping chicken)
- Knife for slicing vegetables
- Small bowl for the mayo sauce
Ingredients
- For the Spicy Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for extra heat
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo sauce or chipotle powder
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Salt to taste
- For the Sandwich:
- 4 sandwich buns brioche or your choice
- Lettuce shredded
- 1 tomato sliced
- Pickled jalapeños optional
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts with this spice mixture and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to absorb the flavors.
- Make the Chipotle Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chipotle in adobo sauce, lime juice, and salt. Stir until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side or until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from the grill and set aside to rest.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Toast the sandwich buns lightly on the grill or in a skillet. Spread a generous amount of chipotle mayo on the bottom half of each bun. Place a grilled chicken breast on each bun, then top with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and pickled jalapeños (if using).
- Serve: Close the sandwich with the top bun and serve immediately. Enjoy the bold, spicy, and creamy flavors of this Southwest Spicy Chicken Sandwich!