When you’re craving a sandwich that balances sweetness, spice, and creamy richness, the Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich is the perfect solution. It’s a mouthwatering combination that brings together tender grilled chicken, homemade pimento cheese, and a honey-pepper glaze, all sandwiched between fresh buns. This recipe is ideal for casual lunches, backyard barbecues, or even as a standout dish for a weeknight dinner. In this article, we’ll walk you through each step of crafting this sensational sandwich, from grilling the chicken to creating your own pimento cheese spread. Get ready for a delightful burst of flavor in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sandwich has everything: the sweet heat of honey and pepper, the rich creaminess of pimento cheese, and juicy, perfectly cooked chicken. It’s a satisfying meal that combines Southern flavors with a modern twist. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or love the unique touch of pimento cheese, this recipe offers something for everyone. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on your preferences.

Let’s dive into the process of creating your own Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich!

Ingredients

For the Honey Pepper Glaze:

• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tablespoon black pepper (freshly ground for best results)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for heat preference)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Pimento Cheese:

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup cream cheese (softened)
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup diced pimentos (drained)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Assembling the Sandwich:

• 4 sandwich buns (brioche or pretzel buns work great)
• 1 cup baby spinach or arugula
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• Pickles (optional but recommended)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting the buns)

Instructions

1: Prepare the Honey Pepper Glaze

1. Mix the glaze ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, black pepper, red pepper flakes, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and olive oil. Stir until well mixed.
2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 3-5 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside. This sweet and peppery glaze will coat the chicken and infuse it with irresistible flavor.

2: Make the Pimento Cheese Spread

1. Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, diced pimentos, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth: Using a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula, blend the ingredients until smooth and well combined. If you prefer a chunkier pimento cheese, simply stir everything together by hand until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Chill the spread: Place the pimento cheese in the fridge to chill while you prepare the rest of the sandwich. The cool, creamy texture will complement the warm chicken perfectly.

3: Season and Grill the Chicken

1. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and coat them with olive oil. Sprinkle the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
2. Grill the chicken: Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Be sure to get those nice grill marks for extra flavor!
3. Brush with glaze: During the last few minutes of grilling, brush each side of the chicken generously with the honey pepper glaze, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
4. Rest the chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to ensure the juices are locked in.

4: Toast the Buns

1. Butter the buns: Spread a small amount of butter on the cut sides of each sandwich bun.
2. Toast: Place the buns, butter-side down, on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat. Toast for 2-3 minutes until golden and slightly crisp.

5: Assemble the Sandwiches

1. Spread pimento cheese: On the bottom half of each toasted bun, spread a generous layer of pimento cheese.
2. Add the chicken: Place a grilled chicken breast on top of the pimento cheese.
3. Top with greens and onion: Add a handful of baby spinach or arugula, a few slices of red onion, and pickles if using.
4. Finish the sandwich: Place the top half of the bun on the sandwich and gently press down.

Tips for the Perfect Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich

• Make it spicier: For an extra kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the honey glaze or add a dash of hot sauce to the pimento cheese.
• Alternative cooking method: If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken in a skillet or bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes.
• Bun choices: Brioche buns add a soft, slightly sweet touch, but you can use any type of bun you prefer. Pretzel buns add a nice salty contrast to the sweetness of the glaze.
• Marinating option: For an even more flavorful chicken, marinate the breasts in the honey pepper glaze for an hour before grilling.

FAQs

1. Can I make the pimento cheese ahead of time?

Yes! The pimento cheese can be made up to three days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will be ready to spread when you’re assembling the sandwiches.

2. What can I serve with this sandwich?

This sandwich pairs well with a variety of sides like sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a simple garden salad. For something more indulgent, try pairing it with mac and cheese or loaded potato wedges.

3. How can I store leftovers?

If you have leftover chicken, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet or the microwave before assembling another sandwich. The pimento cheese can also be stored separately in the fridge for about 3-4 days.

4. Can I use store-bought pimento cheese?

If you’re short on time, you can definitely use store-bought pimento cheese. However, making your own allows you to control the flavor and texture to suit your personal preference.

5. Is there a vegetarian option for this sandwich?

Yes! You can swap the chicken for a grilled portobello mushroom or a plant-based chicken alternative. The honey pepper glaze and pimento cheese will still pack the same punch of flavor.

Customization Ideas

The beauty of this Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich is how versatile it is. Here are a few customization options to try:

• Swap the protein: Use grilled turkey or even pork tenderloin instead of chicken. The glaze and pimento cheese work well with various meats.
• Add a crunch: For a crunchy element, consider adding crispy bacon, fried onions, or a few slices of fried green tomatoes.
• Spice it up: Incorporate jalapeños or a spicy coleslaw for those who love extra heat.
• Go gourmet: Add a slice of pepper jack cheese on top of the chicken before assembling the sandwich for a melty, cheesy twist.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 900mg

Conclusion

The Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to a gourmet sandwich, this recipe offers the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy. The homemade pimento cheese and honey pepper glaze elevate the juicy grilled chicken, making every bite a delightful experience. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household.