Getting busy kids to eat merienda can be tricky, especially when schoolwork takes top priority. The situation becomes even more complicated when they ask for unhealthy snacks or fast food. For an easy solution, make a wholesome version of their usual burger-joint orders! Instead of cooking cheesy beef sliders, why not go for a juicy grilled chicken sandwich?
Let this recipe show you how to make flavorful chicken breast sandwiches that rival food delivery favorites. The best part? This quick-cooking snack is ready in half the time it might take to order the same dish online. To complete the experience, pair this with crispy (air-fried or baked!) potato fries and a BBQ mayo dip. Are you ready to start? Read on for the list of ingredients!
Homemade Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Snacking is a fantastic way to refuel and recharge the mind. It is essential, however, to snack smartly to encourage healthy eating habits. This Asian chicken sandwich fits the bill! Try it for your kid’s next merienda.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup sweet soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 pcs chicken breast fillets
- salt and pepper
- ¼ cup Lady’s Choice Chicken Spread
- 1/8 pc baguette, sliced in half lengthwise and toasted
- 3 pcs romaine lettuce leaves
- ½ pc plum tomato, sliced
Method:
- Combine soy sauce and sesame oil; mix well.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Grill until fully cooked, basting with the soy sauce mixture.
- Generously spread Lady’s Choice Chicken Spread on both sides of the baguette.
- Top one bread slice with lettuce, tomatoes, and chicken. Cover with the other bread half. Serve immediately.
How to Grill Chicken Fillets
Avid grillers consider the cooking method an art form. But you don’t need to feel intimidated by this. Follow these simple tips to achieve perfectly cooked chicken breast fillets all the time.
1. Flatten the meat.
Using various-sized chicken fillets often results in uneven cooking. The simple solution is to flatten or pound the meat with a mallet. Aim for pieces with consistent thickness for a quicker grilling time.
2. Flavor the protein generously.
Great-tasting meat does not happen by accident. Taking the time to inject flavor into the chicken before grilling eliminates the need to baste. You can use rubs, marinades, or a simple brine.
3. Try stovetop grilling.
Few people have enough time to set up an outdoor grill. The good news is you can barbecue chicken indoors with an electric griller or a heavy-bottomed pan. When using a cast-iron skillet, a good rule of thumb is to preheat it for at least 5 minutes. This trick ensures faster and even cooking.
4. Keep your grill properly maintained.
Cleaning, prepping, and maintaining the grill helps it function correctly and efficiently. It’s good practice to scrape and oil the grates after every use to keep meat from sticking.
5. Manage the heat properly.
You might feel tempted to crank up the heat to give the meat a nice sear. However, you might end up with charred fillets when you do this without caution. For the best results, experts advise keeping the meat away from direct heat when grilling. And since you need to cook poultry thoroughly, it’s wise to place it over medium flame.
BONUS: Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Every fast-food sandwich meal comes with an order of fries. Keep the chikitings happy with this sweet potato version.
Ingredients:
- 500 g sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ¼-inch-thick sticks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- salt, to taste
Method:
- Soak sweet potato sticks in cold water for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 428°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease with oil or cooking spray. Set aside.
- Drain fries, rinse, and pat dry with paper towels. Transfer to a bowl and coat with oil.
- In another bowl, whisk together cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper. Sprinkle mixture over the fries; toss to coat each piece evenly.
- Spread fries in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure not to overlap them or overcrowd the pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Flip the fries, then bake for another 10-15 minutes or until crisp. Transfer baking pan to a cooling rack. Season fries with salt. Let rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot.
Prep the fries ahead and pop them in the air-fryer just before making your sandwich. If you time it correctly, you’ll have both done simultaneously.
Surprise your kids with an afternoon snack that’s better than fast food. This no-fuss grilled chicken sandwich is filling, flavorful, and easy on the budget, too. Ready to wow your kids with this happy meal?
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