RestaurantsEarly Bird West Des MoinesBird's The Word Recipe

Bird's The Word Recipe

Time35m
Serves2

Grilled chicken breast, bacon, avocado, smoked gouda, tomato, lettuce and mayo on toasted sourdough bread, choice of side.

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Ingredients

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Sandwich

Optional sides

Method

Prep & Chicken

1

Pound and season chicken

If chicken breasts are uneven, place each between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound to an even thickness (~3/4 inch). Pat dry with paper towel. In a small bowl mix olive oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper and garlic powder. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.

2

Preheat grill or pan

Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high (about 400°F/200°C) or heat a grill pan or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or pan.

3

Grill chicken

Grill the chicken breasts 4–6 minutes per side until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain. Reserve any juices on the cutting board to spoon onto sandwich if desired.

Bacon & Bread

4

Cook bacon

While the chicken cooks or resting, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

5

Toast sourdough

Lightly toast sourdough slices until golden and crisp (use a toaster, oven broiler for 1–2 minutes per side, or toast on the grill). If using the broiler, watch closely to avoid burning.

Assemble sandwich

6

Prepare avocado: halve, pit and scoop avocado into a small bowl. Add lemon juice and a pinch of salt and mash lightly with a fork to a spreadable consistency.

7

Slice tomato into 1/4-inch rounds and pat dry with a paper towel to prevent sogginess.

8

Spread about 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on each slice of toasted sourdough. On two slices, spread the mashed avocado over the mayo (about 1/2 avocado per sandwich).

9

Layer the sandwich: On one avocado-topped slice place a lettuce leaf (or two folded if large), 3–4 slices of grilled chicken (arranged to cover the bread), 2 slices of smoked gouda, and 2 slices of crisp bacon. Top with 2–3 tomato slices. Finish with the remaining mayo-spread toast slice, mayo side down.

10

Optional melt: If you prefer the gouda warm, after assembling place the open sandwich (without the top slice) under a broiler or on the grill for 30–60 seconds until cheese softens, then add the top slice to finish.

11

Slice and serve: Using a serrated knife, cut the sandwich in half diagonally. Serve immediately with your choice of side (chips, salad, or fries).