Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Sandwich components
- 2 soft sandwich buns (brioche or potato recommended)
- 1 cup fresh greens (lettuce or arugula)
- Optional: slices of tomato
- Optional: slices of onion
- Optional: slices of provolone or Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Marinade: Melt butter over low heat, then stir in finely minced garlic until fragrant. Add salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, whisking to combine fully into a rich garlic butter mixture that will flavor the chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or ziplock bag. Pour the garlic butter marinade over them, coating evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Preheat the Grill: While marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat to achieve a good sear and grill marks that lock in juices.
- Grill the Chicken: Place chicken breasts on the grill and cook about 6-7 minutes per side. Occasionally baste with leftover garlic butter to keep the chicken moist and flavorful. Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Toast the Buns: Slice the sandwich buns and lightly toast them on the grill for a warm, crunchy surface that complements the juicy chicken.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Layer grilled chicken onto the toasted bun bottoms, add fresh greens, tomato slices, onions, and optional cheese. Add a little extra garlic butter if desired. Finish with the top bun and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use Room Temperature Chicken: Let chicken rest outside the fridge for 15 minutes before grilling for even cooking.
- Don’t Skip the Basting: Regularly spoon garlic butter over the chicken while grilling to maximize juiciness and flavor.
- Choose Quality Buns: Brioche or potato buns provide a soft yet sturdy bite that holds ingredients well.
- Rest the Chicken: Allow grilled chicken to rest a few minutes before assembling to redistribute juices for tenderness.
- Fresh Garlic Matters: Use freshly minced garlic rather than powder for the richest flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using lettuce wraps or gluten-free buns)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
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