Homemade Chipotle Chicken Sandwich: easy and delicious recipe

There’s something particularly comforting about Panera’s chipotle chicken sandwich. This perfect combination of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy chipotle sauce evokes memories of delicious and satisfying lunches for many of us. Unfortunately, like so many restaurant favorites, this sandwich was removed from the menu, leaving behind a community of disappointed fans.

That’s exactly why I developed this recipe – to recreate those iconic flavors we love so much, but with the advantage of using fresher and healthier ingredients. The best part? This homemade version will never disappear from your personal “menu.” Enjoy this classic whenever you want, exactly how you like it.

What’s in the Classic Panera Chipotle Chicken Sandwich?

The original Panera sandwich includes essential elements that create that perfect harmony of flavors: tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, crispy bacon, melty cheddar cheese, all wrapped in their signature French bread and topped with their distinctive chipotle sauce.

In my version, I’ve kept all these basic elements but added a few personal touches to elevate this sandwich even further. The addition of red onions brings a tangy freshness, while replacing the French bread with robust sourdough offers a more complex texture and flavor that wonderfully supports the generous toppings.

Easy HGHF Signature Chipotle Mayo Recipe

The secret to a true chipotle chicken sandwich lies in the sauce. My homemade chipotle mayo is not only simple to prepare, but it also surpasses commercial versions in terms of flavor and freshness.

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons quality mayonnaise
1-2 teaspoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (adjust according to your spice tolerance)
1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
A pinch of salt

Instructions: Place all ingredients in a small bowl and mix with an immersion blender until smooth and homogeneous. Taste and adjust seasoning according to your preferences.

Tip: This versatile sauce isn’t limited to sandwiches. Try it as a dip for vegetables, as a topping for burgers, or as a sauce for wraps!

The Ultimate Chipotle Chicken Sandwich: Ingredients Table

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Sourdough bread	2 slices	Can substitute with French bread or ciabatta
Chicken breast	4 oz	Grilled or rotisserie, sliced or shredded
Bacon	2 strips	Cooked until crispy
Cheddar cheese	1-2 slices	Mild cheddar recommended
Tomato	2-3 slices	Ripe, medium thickness
Red onion	2-3 thin slices	Adds pleasant bite and color
Chipotle mayo	2-3 tbsp	See recipe above
Butter	1 tsp	For toasting the sandwich

Tips for the Best Chipotle Chicken Sandwich

Time-Saving Tips

Rotisserie chicken: For ultra-quick preparation, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply shred or slice it thinly.
Prepare bacon in advance: Cook a large quantity of bacon on the weekend and store it in the refrigerator to use throughout the week.
Backup option: If you’re really pressed for time, store-bought chipotle mayo can do the trick, although the homemade version is significantly superior.

Flavor Tips

Cheese choice: Mild cheddar is my preferred choice for this sandwich as it pairs perfectly with the spicy flavors without overpowering them.
Spice control: The beauty of homemade preparation lies in the ability to adjust the spice level. Start with less chipotle and gradually increase until you find your ideal balance.

Storage Tip

The chipotle mayo keeps for up to a week in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Prepare a larger quantity to always have this versatile condiment on hand!

Layering Instructions: The Art of Building the Perfect Chipotle Chicken Sandwich

The order in which you layer the ingredients may seem trivial, but it’s crucial for a sandwich that holds together well and allows each bite to offer the optimal taste experience.

Generously spread the chipotle mayo on both slices of sourdough bread.
On the first slice, arrange in this order: finely sliced red onions (they adhere better to the sauce), then sliced tomatoes, and finally the chicken.
On the second slice, place the crispy bacon and then the cheddar cheese.

This assembly method ensures that the ingredients stay in place and that the flavors blend harmoniously with each bite.

Cooking Instructions: Transforming a Good Sandwich into a Masterpiece

After assembling your chipotle chicken sandwich, heat a pan over medium heat.
Add a knob of butter and let it melt until it starts to foam slightly.
Gently place the sandwich in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese has melted.
For a more uniform result, you can place a heavy plate on the sandwich while cooking to press it slightly.

Alternatively, you can use a grill or panini press for even more uniform cooking and those characteristic grill marks.

Additional Notes

Nutritional notice: The nutritional information provided below is approximate and does not include the amount of chipotle mayo used, as it can vary considerably according to personal preferences.

Low-carb options: For a lighter version, replace the sourdough bread with a whole wheat tortilla or, for an even lighter option, use large lettuce leaves to create a bread-free wrap.

Nutritional Information (per sandwich)

Calories: approximately 520
Carbohydrates: 35g
Proteins: 28g
Fats: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 4g

What Our Readers Say

“I tried this chipotle chicken sandwich recipe last night and it was an absolute hit with the whole family! The chipotle mayo is absolutely divine, I now use it on almost everything!” – Marie

“My mayo was a bit too runny. Any suggestions?” – Thomas Response: Try increasing the proportion of mayonnaise or reducing that of yogurt. You can also let the sauce rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to thicken.

“It’s even more delicious than Panera’s original! The sourdough bread makes all the difference.” – Sarah

Other Delicious HGHF Recipes to Try

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