Sep 03 2026
RestaurantsSanta Fe Seafood & GrillGrilled Chicken Sandwich With Cheese Recipe

Grilled Chicken Sandwich With Cheese Recipe

Time1h
Serves4

Served With French Fries.

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Ingredients

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For the grilled chicken sandwiches (makes 4 sandwiches)

Method

For the grilled chicken sandwiches (makes 4)

  1. 1

    Prep and pound chicken

    Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts. If breasts are thick, slice them horizontally or place between plastic wrap and lightly pound to an even thickness about 1/2 inch so they cook evenly (about 2–3 minutes per breast to pound).

  2. 2

    Make marinade/seasoning

    In a bowl combine 3 tbs olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, lemon juice, 1 tbs soy sauce (optional), and 1/2 tbs honey or brown sugar (optional). Whisk until combined.

  3. 3

    Marinate chicken

    Place the prepared chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them, turning to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes and up to 2 hours. If short on time you can grill immediately after coating.

  4. 4

    Preheat grill or pan

    Preheat an outdoor grill or a heavy grill pan/skillet over medium-high heat until very hot (about 5–8 minutes). Lightly oil the grill grates or brush a little olive oil on the pan.

  5. 5

    Grill the chicken

    Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off. Place each breast on the hot grill. Cook about 4–6 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear. Do not press down on the chicken while cooking.

  6. 6

    Add cheese and rest

    During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar or American cheese on each breast, close the grill lid or cover the pan briefly so the cheese melts. Remove chicken to a cutting board and let rest 3–5 minutes before assembling.

  7. 7

    Toast buns and assemble

    While chicken rests, melt the unsalted butter in a skillet or brush on buns and toast cut sides until golden (about 1–2 minutes). Spread 1 tsp mayonnaise on each bun bottom, place a leaf of lettuce, a slice of tomato (cut into 4 even slices from the large tomato), then the rested cheese-topped chicken breast. Top with the bun crown and serve.

For the French fries (serves 4)

  1. 8

    Prep potatoes

    Wash and peel the russet potatoes if desired. Cut into even fries about 1/3–1/2 inch thick. Place cut fries in a large bowl of cold water and soak 20–30 minutes (removes excess starch for crisper fries).

  2. 9

    Dry and season

    Drain potatoes and pat very dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels. Place in a bowl and toss briefly with 1 cup oil (if oven-baking use just enough to coat lightly; if shallow-frying, reserve oil for pan), 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper and 1/2 tsp paprika (optional).

  3. 10

    Cook fries - oven method

    Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread fries in a single layer on a parchment-lined or lightly oiled baking sheet without overcrowding. Bake 25–35 minutes, turning once halfway, until golden and crisp. Adjust time based on thickness. Taste and add more salt if needed.

  4. 11

    Cook fries - stovetop shallow-fry method (alternative)

    Heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F/177°C). Fry fries in batches, turning occasionally, about 6–8 minutes per batch until golden brown and crisp. Transfer to paper towels and season immediately with additional salt.

  5. 12

    Serve fries

    Keep fries warm in a low oven (200°F/95°C) while finishing sandwiches. Serve hot alongside the grilled chicken sandwiches.

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