Cowboy Style Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Get ready for a sandwich experience like no other with this Cowboy Style Grilled Chicken Sandwich. It combines juicy chicken, crispy bacon, crunchy onion rings, tangy BBQ sauce, and more, all nestled in a toasted bun.
The key to its irresistible flavor lies in the layers of smoky, sweet, and savory elements. From the grilled chicken and maple peppered bacon to the perfectly fried buttermilk onion rings, every bite is a burst of mouthwatering goodness.
Top it off with pickled jalapeños, a drizzle of BBQ sauce, and fresh lettuce for a sandwich that’s sure to satisfy your hunger and your taste buds. This is comfort food at its finest.
Cowboy Style Grilled Chicken Sandwich Ingredients
This Cowboy Style Grilled Chicken Sandwich brings together a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The juicy chicken, seasoned with a smoky BBQ rub, forms the heart of this dish, while melted cheddar adds creamy richness. Crispy bacon glazed with maple syrup introduces a sweet, savory crunch, and tangy pickled jalapeños provide a zesty kick.
The buttermilk-battered onion rings add an irresistible crunch, making every bite more satisfying. Fresh butter lettuce offers a crisp contrast, while a toasted bun holds it all together with a golden, slightly smoky finish. The tangy BBQ sauce ties everything together, elevating the flavors in every mouthful.
Cowboy Style Grilled Chicken Sandwich
This Cowboy Style Grilled Chicken Sandwich is a flavorful, hearty meal packed with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, crunchy onion rings, and tangy BBQ sauce. It’s all topped with fresh lettuce on a perfectly toasted bun, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite. Whether you’re grilling for a family dinner or hosting a backyard BBQ, this sandwich brings bold, smoky flavors to the table. Here’s how you can make it even better.
Recipe Tips
- Grill with Precision
To achieve perfectly cooked chicken, use a two-zone grilling method: one side with direct heat for searing and another with indirect heat for cooking through. This helps to prevent the chicken from drying out while still developing a smoky flavor. - Maple Bacon Perfection
For the maple-peppered bacon, basting with maple syrup during grilling creates a crispy, sweet coating that complements the smoky flavor of the bacon. Keep an eye on the bacon to prevent burning, as the syrup can caramelize quickly. - Crispy Onion Rings
For the best onion rings, make sure your oil is preheated to 350°F before frying. If the oil is too cool, the onion rings will absorb excess oil and become soggy. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, ensuring they crisp up perfectly on all sides.
What to Serve with This Recipe
- Sweet Potato Fries
Serve with crispy sweet potato fries for a balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors. Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the smoky BBQ and tangy pickled jalapeños in the sandwich, making them a perfect sidekick. - Coleslaw
A tangy, creamy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that complements the richness of the sandwich. Its cool, tangy flavor offers a contrast to the warm, smoky chicken and crispy bacon, rounding out the meal with a satisfying crunch. - Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables like corn on the cob or a medley of bell peppers and zucchini make a colorful, flavorful addition to this sandwich. The smoky grilled flavor pairs well with the BBQ sauce and enhances the overall grilled theme of the meal.
FAQ
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! While cheddar works great for its sharp flavor and meltability, you can use other cheeses like Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles. Pepper jack, in particular, adds a spicy kick that complements the BBQ sauce.
2. Can I make the onion rings ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the onion rings in advance. Prepare and fry them, then store them in an airtight container. When ready to serve, reheat them in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes to bring back their crispness.
3. How can I adjust the spice level?
If you prefer a milder sandwich, reduce the amount of pickled jalapeños or use a milder BBQ sauce. For those who enjoy more heat, add extra jalapeños or use a spicier BBQ sauce to amp up the flavor.
4. Can I make this sandwich without a grill?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken in a skillet or oven. For the bacon, use a frying pan, and for the onion rings, deep-fry them as directed. The sandwich will still be delicious with these alternative methods.
Cowboy Style Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients
- Chicken and BBQ Sauce
- 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons Hey Grill Hey Sweet BBQ Rub
- 2 cups Hey Grill Hey Everything BBQ Sauce
- 6 slices medium cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup pickled jalapeños
- 4 leaves butter lettuce
- Maple Peppered Bacon
- 12 slices peppered bacon
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- Buttermilk Breaded Onion Rings
- 6 cups vegetable oil
- 2 whole sweet onions cut into ½-inch rings
- 2 cups flour
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- Sandwich Buns
- 6 sandwich buns
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill
- Begin by preheating your grill to 450°F. Set up a two-zone cooking area by arranging one side with direct flame heat and the other side without flames.
- Grill the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts evenly with the Hey Grill Hey Sweet BBQ Rub. Place them on the indirect side of the grill, cover, and cook for 5-10 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Baste and Finish Grilling the Chicken
- Once the chicken is cooked on the indirect heat, brush it with 1 cup of BBQ sauce (or your preferred BBQ sauce) on all sides. Move the chicken to the direct heat side of the grill, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until the internal temperature hits 160°F.
- Grill the Bacon
- As the chicken grills, arrange the peppered bacon slices on the indirect heat side of the grill. Brush with maple syrup and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, then set aside on a plate.
- Add the Cheese and Finalize the Chicken
- Top each chicken breast with a slice of medium cheddar cheese and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Toast the Buns
- Lightly toast the sandwich buns on direct heat for 1-2 minutes until golden and crisp, then remove them and set aside for assembly.
- Prepare the Onion Rings
- Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat to about 350°F. While the oil heats, prepare the onion rings. In a zip-top bag, combine flour, seasoned salt, and smoked paprika. Pour buttermilk into a separate zip-top bag. Working in batches, place the onion rings into the flour mixture to coat, then dip them in buttermilk, and return them to the flour mixture for another coat.
- Fry the Onion Rings
- Fry the prepared onion rings in the hot oil for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the fried onion rings and let them drain on a paper towel, lightly sprinkling with salt. Set them aside for sandwich assembly.
- Assemble the Sandwiches
- To assemble, place a leaf of butter lettuce on the bottom of each toasted bun. Add a grilled chicken breast, then layer with two slices of maple-peppered bacon, 2-3 onion rings, a few pickled jalapeños, and a generous drizzle of BBQ sauce. Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.
