Spicy Grilled Chicken Sandwich

If you're a fan of grilled chicken sandwiches, you know that there are endless ways to prepare this classic dish. But if you want to take your sandwich game to the next level, why not try incorporating some unique and flavorful ingredients?

In this blog post, we'll show you how to make the best grilled chicken sandwich ever using African suya spice, Mexican salsa macha mayonnaise, and Haitian pikliz slaw.

This grilled chicken breast sandwich delivers big flavor and will make your taste buds pop. it's packed with sizzling spices and topped off with crunchy bread, it's sure to be the hit of any cookout or summer night gathering.

This grilled chicken sandwich recipe brings West African suya spice to the cookout and finishes with a Latin crunch thanks to salsa macha—smoky, nutty, and unapologetically bold.

We’re talking juicy grilled chicken fired up, layered with smoky heat and pickled snap, ready in under 45 minutes. It solves the “boring chicken sandwich” problem with rhythm, restraint, and real flavor.

For other bold tasty sandwiches, try one from this collection of sandwiches.

Beats and Eats (music to pair with this chicken sandwich)

This recipe was inspired by the movie "Wakanda" the Black Panther sequel. It contained many themes including highlighting the inter-connectedness among black and brown people across Haiti, Mexico, Africa, and America. It's also about processing grief. In this light, Tems Afro-beats song "No Woman No Cry" is the perfect pairing.

What is Suya Spice

First, let's talk about suya spice. Beef Suya is a popular West African street food that typically consists of skewered meat (usually beef or chicken) that has been marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and then grilled over an open flame. The peanut-based spice blend used in suya is what gives the dish its unique and delicious flavor.

What is Salsa Macha

Next, let's talk about the salsa macha mayonnaise. Salsa macha is a spicy and smoky Mexican condiment made from toasted chiles, garlic, and oil. When mixed with mayonnaise, it adds a delicious kick to your sandwich.

What is Haitian Pikliz

Finally, let's talk about my favorite condiment - pikliz slaw. Pikliz is a traditional Haitian condiment made from pickled vegetables (usually cabbage, carrots, and onions) that are seasoned with vinegar, hot peppers, and spices. It adds a bright and tangy flavor to your sandwich.

Why This Recipe Works

• Suya spice does the job of seasoning and crust-building, which creates smoky depth and a subtle crunch.
• Direct grilling over medium-high heat does the job of quick searing, which creates juicy meat with charred edges.
• Salsa macha does the job of finishing with fat and heat, which creates a glossy bite and layered spice.
• Haitian pikliz does the job of cutting richness, which creates balance and snap.

How to make the BEST grilled chicken sandwich

Make the Suya Spice

Grind the peanuts in a spice or coffee grinder. Alternatively you can place the peanuts in a plastic ziplock bag and pound them with a skillet. Add the ground peanuts to a small mixing bowl or ramekin with the dry spices. Mix them well.

Marinate the Chicken Breasts

Add the olive oil to the Suya spice rub and combine to make a paste.

Place chicken breasts on a cutting board. Cover with plastic wrap, parchment paper, or place in plastic zip lock bags. Gently pound the breasts with a meat mallet to flatten them. Alternatively, you can use a rolling pin to flatten.

Place chicken in a medium bowl and then top with the suya paste. Make sure the chicken pieces are all well covered.

Let sit overnight or at least an hour.

Make the Spicy Mayonnaise

Mix together the mayo and the salsa macha in a small bowl. Set aside.

Grill the Chicken

Fire up your outdoor grill for direct high heat grilling otherwise heat indoor grill pan on medium heat. Fold a paper towel or napkin and douse with olive oil. Use paper towel to wipe down the hot grill grates.

Place the suya paste covered chicken breasts on the grill. Grill chicken ro 4-5 minutes per side.

Assemble The Sandwiches

Toast the buns. Layer a big dollop of the spicy mayo onto the bottom bun. Add the grilled chicken breasts then top with Pikliz and dill pickles. Add the top bun. Serve immediately and enjoy!

In conclusion, by using African suya spice, salsa macha mayonnaise, and Haitian pikliz slaw, you can create a grilled chicken sandwich that is bursting with flavor and sure to impress your taste buds. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and make this sandwich your own. Happy grilling!

What To Serve With Absolutely The Best Chicken Sandwich

Spicy grilled chicken sandwiches can be a delicious and satisfying meal, but sometimes you may want to add some side dishes to make the meal more complete. Here are some ideas for what to serve with spicy grilled chicken sandwiches:

1. Slaw: A crunchy and refreshing coleslaw can be the perfect side dish to complement the heat of the chicken.
2. Potato salad: A creamy and flavorful potato salad can be a great side dish to add some substance to your meal.
3. Baked beans: Tangy and sweet baked beans can be a classic side dish that goes well with grilled chicken.
4. Avocado salad: A simple salad of avocado, tomato, and onion dressed with lime juice and olive oil can be a fresh addition to your meal.

These are just a few ideas for what to serve with spicy grilled chicken sandwiches. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preferences and what you have on hand. I like creamy cucumber and dill or pickled okra for this myself. Get creative and have fun experimenting with different sides to find the perfect combination that works for you!

Tips and Considerations For Making Grilled Chicken Sandwiches

Grilled chicken breast sandwiches are a classic and delicious meal that can be customized to your liking. Here are some tips and considerations to keep in mind when making grilled chicken breast sandwiches:

1. Pound the chicken to an even thickness: To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken breast to a uniform thickness before grilling. This will also help to tenderize the meat.
2. Season the chicken: Whether you use a dry rub, marinade, or simple salt and pepper, season the chicken before grilling to enhance the flavor. Be sure to let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
3. Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat before adding the chicken. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and gets a nice char on the outside.
4. Oil the grill grates: To prevent sticking, oil the grill grates with a neutral oil like vegetable oil or grapeseed oil before adding the chicken.

Recipe Substitutions

If you don't want to wait for the pikliz to come together you can make this simple collard greens slaw and use in its place.

Salsa macha is growing in popularity but depending on where you live it can still be hard to find. Asian chili crisp pastes can be used instead. They are readily available in most grocery store formats.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Grilling Chicken

How should I season my chicken for a grilled sandwich chicken?

There are many ways to season your chicken, but some popular options include using a dry rub or a marinade. Dry rubs can be made with a combination of spices, herbs, and salt, while marinades typically involve a mixture of oil, vinegar or citrus juice, and herbs or spices. You can also use pre-made spice blends or marinades to make the process easier.

Where Can I Find/Buy Salsa Macha?

Salsa Macha is a popular Mexican condiment made from dried chili peppers, oil, garlic, and other seasonings. You may be able to find it at specialty Mexican grocery stores, online marketplaces like Amazon, or even at some larger supermarkets with a well-stocked ethnic foods section.

If you're unable to find Salsa Macha locally, you could try making it yourself using a recipe. There are many recipes available online that use different types of dried chilies and other ingredients, so you can customize it to your taste preferences. Additionally, some Mexican food brands may sell their own versions of Salsa Macha that you can purchase online or in-store.

If you make this delicious grilled chicken sandwich recipe or any other recipe please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

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