Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›The Grill At Quail Corners›California Chicken Recipe

California Chicken Recipe

Inspired by The Grill At Quail Corners
Time40m
Serves4

Make California Chicken Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Chicken & Marinade

Sandwich/Assembly

Method

Chicken & Marinade

  1. 1

    Pound & Trim

    If chicken breasts are very thick, place each between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness for even cooking. Trim any excess fat.

  2. 2

    Make Marinade

    In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbs olive oil, 2 tbs lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper until emulsified.

  3. 3

    Marinate

    Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour marinade over chicken, turning to coat. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes and up to 2 hours. Bring to room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking if marinated longer.

  4. 4

    Cook Chicken

    Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a thin film of oil or spray. Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off. Cook 4–5 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the exterior is nicely browned. Transfer to a cutting board and rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly for assembling sandwiches.

Sandwich/Assembly

  1. 5

    Make Chipotle Mayo

    In a small bowl combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tsp minced chipotle in adobo (or to taste), 1 tsp lime juice and 1/4 tsp salt. Stir until smooth and adjust seasoning.

  2. 6

    Prepare Rolls and Veggies

    Slice ciabatta rolls open. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 2 tbs butter or 1 tbs olive oil. Toast cut sides of the rolls until golden, about 1–2 minutes. Thinly slice avocado and tomato; have arugula and thinly sliced red onion ready.

  3. 7

    Assemble Sandwiches

    Spread a generous tablespoon (or to taste) of chipotle mayo on both cut sides of each toasted roll. Layer bottom of each roll with a handful (about 1/2 cup) of arugula, then place a slice of cheese, 3–4 slices of cooked chicken (or enough to fill), tomato slices, avocado slices, and a few rings of red onion. Top with remaining roll half and press gently.

  4. 8

    Optional Melt

    If you prefer the cheese melted, after assembling place sandwiches in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 4–6 minutes or return to skillet with a lid for 2–3 minutes until cheese softens.

  5. 9

    Serve

    Cut sandwiches in half and serve immediately with chips, a side salad, or pickles.

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