White BBQ Chicken Sandwich

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Creamy, zesty, and slightly spicy chicken sandwich that’s sure to elevate your lunch game!

Introduction

When it comes to sandwiches, simplicity often reigns supreme. Yet, there are moments when a sandwich needs a little extra flair. Enter the White BBQ Chicken Sandwich, a combination of creamy and zesty flavors with a slight spicy kick, perfect for those days when you’re craving something both comforting and unique. This sandwich delivers a punch of flavor from the homemade white BBQ sauce, succulent chicken, and the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella cheese. It’s a sandwich that’s quick, easy to make, and utterly satisfying.

Whether you’re hosting a casual lunch, packing something to take on-the-go, or just craving a satisfying meal, this White BBQ Chicken Sandwich is a crowd-pleaser. With its simple ingredients, minimal prep time, and bold flavors, it’s the kind of meal you can turn to time and time again. Let’s take a closer look at how to create this deliciously indulgent sandwich.

 Ingredients (Serves 4)

To make this delightful sandwich, you’ll need a combination of fresh ingredients for both the White BBQ Sauce and the sandwich filling. These ingredients come together to provide a balance of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

For the White BBQ Sauce:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise – Use a good-quality mayonnaise for the base of the sauce, as it adds the creaminess that is a hallmark of this recipe.

  • ¼ cup white vinegar – The vinegar adds a bright, tangy element to the sauce that balances out the richness of the mayonnaise.

  • 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish – This ingredient gives the sauce a zesty, spicy kick that makes it distinct and adds complexity to the flavor profile.

  • 1 tablespoon Creole mustard (or Dijon mustard) – Mustard adds a bit of sharpness and tang, complementing the horseradish.

  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked white pepper (or black pepper) – The white pepper adds a mild, fragrant heat without overwhelming the sauce.

  • ½ teaspoon salt – Salt helps to enhance all the flavors and tie the sauce together.

For the Sandwich:

  • 1½ pounds chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips) – The chicken is the centerpiece of the sandwich, providing the protein and texture that pairs wonderfully with the white BBQ sauce.

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil – For cooking the chicken and shallots. Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point.

  • Salt and pepper, to taste – Essential for seasoning the chicken to perfection.

  • 2 shallots, thinly sliced – Shallots add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor when cooked, creating a lovely contrast with the chicken.

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Mozzarella is perfect for melting and gives the sandwich a creamy, stretchy texture that complements the chicken and sauce.

  • 4 French bread rolls or sub rolls – Choose sturdy rolls that can hold up to the filling without becoming soggy. Ciabatta or hoagie rolls are excellent alternatives.

 Directions

Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to create a mouthwatering White BBQ Chicken Sandwich that everyone will love. Each step is easy to follow, so even beginner cooks can tackle this delicious meal!

Step 1: Prepare the White BBQ Sauce

  1. Mix the Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, white vinegar, horseradish, Creole mustard, white pepper, and salt.

  2. Whisk Until Smooth: Use a whisk to blend the ingredients until you have a creamy, smooth sauce. The horseradish and mustard should be well incorporated.

  3. Let It Rest: Allow the sauce to sit for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together. For enhanced flavor, consider making the sauce the day before and refrigerating it overnight.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Shallots

  1. Heat the Oil: In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.

  2. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning brings out the natural flavors of the chicken.

  3. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken tenders to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should be tender and juicy.

  4. Add Shallots: When the chicken is halfway cooked, add the thinly sliced shallots to the skillet. Stir occasionally and cook until the shallots are soft and slightly sweet, about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Filling

  1. Cool the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it cool slightly. Cutting the chicken into small chunks will make it easier to incorporate into the sandwich.

  2. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, cooked shallots, shredded mozzarella cheese, and prepared white BBQ sauce.

  3. Mix Well: Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and coated with the white BBQ sauce.

Step 4: Prepare the Sandwiches

  1. Preheat the Broiler: Turn on the broiler to high, and place an oven rack in the top position, close to the broiler.

  2. Prepare the Rolls: Slice the French bread rolls lengthwise, keeping one side attached to create a hinge. This will allow you to easily load the filling without the bread falling apart.

  3. Stuff the Rolls: Spoon the chicken mixture into each roll, ensuring an even distribution of the chicken, shallots, cheese, and sauce.

  4. Broil the Sandwiches: Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning the bread.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Remove and Cool Slightly: Take the sandwiches out of the oven and allow them to cool for a minute or two. This helps prevent burning your mouth with hot cheese.

  2. Serve Warm: Serve the sandwiches warm, and optionally offer extra white BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

 Prep Time: 15 minutes

 Cook Time: 15 minutes

 Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving

(Calories are approximate and may vary based on ingredient choices and serving sizes.)

 Tips

  • Make-Ahead Tip: The white BBQ sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. This gives the flavors more time to develop, and it’s a great way to save time on the day you plan to serve the sandwiches.

  • Cheese Variations: While mozzarella is the ideal cheese for this sandwich, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone, Monterey Jack, or even cheddar for a different flavor profile.

  • Bread Choices: You can substitute the French bread rolls with ciabatta, hoagie rolls, or even whole wheat rolls for a healthier alternative. Make sure to use a sturdy bread that won’t get soggy once filled with the chicken mixture.

  • Side Dish Pairings: For a complete meal, pair these sandwiches with a side of crispy potato chips, a simple green salad, or coleslaw to balance out the richness of the sandwich.

  • Leftovers: If you have leftover chicken mixture, it can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. You can enjoy it as a salad topping or use it in wraps for a quick meal.

Conclusion

The White BBQ Chicken Sandwich is the perfect meal when you want something hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare. With its creamy white BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and melty mozzarella, it’s a sandwich that’s sure to be a favorite. Whether you’re hosting a lunch gathering or just making dinner for your family, this sandwich checks all the boxes: simple, delicious, and filling.

Try it out next time you’re craving a twist on the classic chicken sandwich, and enjoy the smoky, tangy flavors that make this dish a standout!

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