why make this recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious and crispy chicken sandwich that combines the fresh flavors of cilantro and lime, this Crispy Cilantro Lime Chicken Sandwich is the perfect choice! Packed with crunchy textures and zesty flavors, it makes for a satisfying meal any day of the week. Whether you decide to air-fry or bake your chicken, you’ll enjoy a juicy, flavorful sandwich that is sure to impress.

how to make Crispy Cilantro Lime Chicken Sandwich

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts (cut into halves (long ways) and slightly pounded out)
½ cup all-purpose flour (can use gluten-free flour)
1 cup cornflakes (lightly crushed)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder
2 eggs (beaten)
4 bread rolls of your choice (toasted if desired)
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 avocado (cut in half, remove seed, and scoop out flesh)
½ cup cilantro
1 Tbsp adobo sauce
3 Tbsp lime juice
1 Tbsp honey
½ cup sour cream
¼ tsp black pepper
Salt (to taste)
½ large English cucumber (thinly sliced)
1 jalapeno (thinly sliced)
1 cup cabbage (thinly sliced and chopped)
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 Tbsp honey
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
4 Tbsp avocado oil
6 Tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro
1 cup lime juice
¼ cup honey
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
½ tsp chipotle powder
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
2 garlic cloves (grated)

Directions

Make the sandwich sauce. Combine all of the sauce ingredients (olive oil, avocado, cilantro, adobo sauce, lime juice, honey, sour cream, and pepper) into a blender and blend until smooth. Add salt to taste. Place the sauce in a bottle or jar and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches.
Make the cucumber salad. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir the sauce together. Add the cucumbers, jalapeno slices, and cabbage to the bowl and toss to coat well. Set aside.
Set up three shallow bowls. In one bowl, combine the flour, salt, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. In another bowl, place the 2 beaten eggs, and in the final bowl, have the crushed cornflakes ready. Dredge your chicken in the flour, then the eggs, and finally coat with the crushed cornflakes.
Cook the chicken. Air fry the chicken at 360ºF for 14-16 minutes. Alternatively, you can line a baking sheet with foil, coat it with cooking spray, and bake the chicken at 425ºF for 15-20 minutes. Make sure to flip halfway through. The internal temperature should reach 165º.
Make the sauce for coating the chicken breasts. While the chicken cooks, work on the sauce. In a large skillet, add avocado oil, cilantro, lime juice, honey, salt, pepper, chipotle powder, red pepper flakes, and grated garlic. Reduce over medium heat for around 5 minutes until it thickens to a syrup.
Assemble the sandwiches. Put the cooked chicken in the pan with the chicken sauce and coat both sides of the chicken with the sauce. Place your chicken on the rolls and top with the cucumber salad and sandwich sauce.

how to serve Crispy Cilantro Lime Chicken Sandwich

This sandwich is best served fresh. You can add extra toppings like sliced tomatoes or extra cilantro if you like. Pair it with your favorite side, such as fries or a simple salad, for a complete meal.

how to store Crispy Cilantro Lime Chicken Sandwich

If you have leftover chicken or sauce, store them separately in airtight containers. The chicken can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days, while the sauce should last for about a week. Reheat the chicken in the air fryer or oven until warmed through.

tips to make Crispy Cilantro Lime Chicken Sandwich

Ensure the chicken is pounded evenly for consistent cooking.
For extra crunch, consider double-dipping the chicken in the cornflake coating.
Adjust the spice levels by adding more jalapenos or hot sauce to the sandwich sauce.

variation

You can mix up this recipe by adding different toppings or using different proteins, such as turkey or tofu. You can also try using different types of bread, such as whole wheat rolls or brioche buns.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
- Yes, but it’s best to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.
Is there a gluten-free option for the bread?
- Absolutely! You can use gluten-free bread rolls to keep this recipe gluten-free.
Can I prep this sandwich ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prep most elements like the sauce and cucumber salad a day ahead. However, it’s best to cook the chicken just before serving for maximum freshness.