The flicker of the flame under the grill grates, the sizzle of the chicken as it cooks to tender perfection, the warmth of the spices matching the warmth of the summer sun… it’s amazing how a single sandwich can leave you spellbound! The Grilled Santa Fe Sandwich brings spice from its namesake hometown through a creamy chili herb mayo and an intriguing electric pepper jack cheese melted over sweet caramelized onions. But it wouldn’t be a Grilled Santa Fe Sandwich without the grill to ensure the juicy chicken and bell peppers are grilled wonderfully; they taste like an enchantment. This is the best way to leave your tastebuds mesmerized.
Ingredients
For the herb mayo:
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, minced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
For the grilled chicken sandwich:
- 1 pound chicken breast, boneless and skinless, thinly cut
- 1 bell pepper, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 1/3 cup olive oil, plus more, to taste
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese
Directions
Step 1 –In a small bowl, mix the basil, the cilantro, the chives, the mayonnaise, and the chili powder.
Step 2 –Season the herb-mayo with the salt and the pepper. Set the herb-mayo aside.
Step 3 –Preheat the grill to medium heat.
Step 4 –Brush the chicken and the bell pepper slices with the extra olive oil.
Step 5 –Season the chicken and the bell peppers with the salt and the pepper.
Step 6 –Add the chicken and the bell peppers to the grill and cook until the peppers begin to char and the chicken is cooked through at 165 degrees F, about 4 minutes per side.
Step 7 –In a small skillet, add the remaining 1/3 cup of the olive oil and heat over medium-low heat.
Step 8 –Add the onions and stir until they begin to brown and are soft, for about 10 minutes.
Step 9 –Preheat a skillet on low heat.
Step 10 –Spread a layer of the herb-mayo on 1 slice of the sourdough.
Step 11 –Add 1/2 of the caramelized onions, 1/2 of the bell peppers, 1/2 of the avocado, 1/2 of the grilled chicken, and 1/2 of the pepper jack.
Step 12 –Cover the sandwich with the 1 slice of the sourdough.
Step 13 –Brush the sandwich with the extra olive oil.
Step 14 –Repeat the sandwich-making process with the remaining ingredients.
Step 15 –Cook the sandwiches in the preheated skillet, flipping once halfway through, until the cheese begins to melt, for about 5-7 minutes.
Step 16 –Slice each sandwich in half and serve.
