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Cilantro Lime Chicken Sandwiches

Crispy pan-fried chicken breasts coated in a zesty marinade, topped with fresh crunchy vegetables, and drenched in a creamy cilantro lime sauce on a toasted artisan bun.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Fusion
Calories: 680

Ingredients
  

Chicken & Marinade
  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts halved horizontally
  • 0.25 cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
Breading & Frying
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.25 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 cup vegetable oil for shallow frying
Cilantro Lime Sauce
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.25 cup sour cream or greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro
  • 1 jalapeño seeds removed
  • 1 clove garlic
Sandwich Assembly
  • 4 artisan buns ciabatta or brioche
  • 1 cup white cabbage shredded
  • 0.5 English cucumber thinly sliced
  • 1 jalapeño thinly sliced into rings

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Food Processor or Blender
  • Wire cooling rack

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, 3 tbsp lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and pepper. Add chicken cutlets, coat well, and marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes.
  2. In a blender or food processor, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, 2 tbsp lime juice, cilantro, 1 jalapeño, and garlic. Blend until smooth. Refrigerate.
  3. In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
  4. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge completely in the flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
  5. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (165°F).
  6. Transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack to drain.
  7. Lightly butter and toast the buns in a skillet until golden.
  8. Assemble sandwiches: Spread sauce on the bottom bun, add the crispy chicken, top with shredded cabbage, cucumber slices, jalapeño rings, and an extra heavy drizzle of sauce. Top with the bun and serve immediately.

Notes

Include the resting time for the marinade (30 mins) in your total time planning to ensure the best flavor.