Craving that juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken sandwich from Panera Bread but don't want to leave the house? This homemade copycat recipe lets you recreate that deliciousness in your own kitchen! This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a satisfying lunch, or even a fun weekend project. Get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant price tag. This recipe provides a healthy and delicious alternative to takeout, making it a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
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For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
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For the Sandwich:
- 4 brioche buns, toasted
- Mayonnaise
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Pickle slices
Instructions:
Preparing the Chicken:
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Season the Chicken: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Season the chicken breasts generously with the mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful sandwich.
Assembling the Sandwich:
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Slice the Chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts horizontally into approximately 1/2-inch thick slices.
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Build the Sandwich: Spread mayonnaise on both halves of each toasted brioche bun. Layer lettuce, tomato, pickle slices, and the sliced chicken on the bottom bun. Top with the other bun half.
Tips for Success:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning and cooking.
- Toasting the buns enhances their flavor and texture, preventing them from becoming soggy.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar or Swiss, to add more depth of flavor.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Sandwich: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the chicken seasoning for a spicy kick.
- Avocado Chicken Sandwich: Add slices of ripe avocado to your sandwich for a creamy and healthy twist.
- Bacon Chicken Sandwich: Crisp up some bacon and add it to the sandwich for extra flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 500-600 (depending on bun and additions)
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
This delicious and easy Panera copycat recipe is a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest. It's a quick and healthy meal solution that tastes like a restaurant-quality dish. Enjoy!