Experience the taste of the Southwest with our incredible Carl’s Jr. copycat Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Sandwich recipe. This homemade version features juicy, teriyaki-marinated chicken breast, served on a toasted whole wheat bun, generously topped with melted American cheese, a vibrant whole green chile, crisp lettuce, and our signature easy-to-make Santa Fe sauce. Get ready to recreate a fast-food favorite with fresh, quality ingredients in your own kitchen!

Are you a fan of delicious, satisfying chicken sandwiches? If so, you’re in for a treat! Beyond this amazing Santa Fe creation, you might also love our Ranch Chicken Sandwich with creamy Ranch Slaw or these bold Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches for another burst of flavor.

Carl’s Jr. Copycat Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Sandwich: A Homemade Delight

It’s rare for a fast-food item to truly capture my heart, but the Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Sandwich from Carl’s Jr. did just that. Its unique blend of flavors, from the zesty sauce to the kick of the green chile, was undeniably addictive. I found myself returning to Carl’s Jr. specifically for this sandwich, time and time again. However, like many fast-food experiences, consistency was often an issue. Sometimes the chicken would be perfectly grilled and tender, other times disappointingly dry or overcooked. The bun, too, could range from soft and fresh to sadly stale.

Frustrated by these inconsistencies and eager to enjoy this beloved sandwich at its best, I realized it was time to take matters into my own hands. The quest began to develop the ultimate homemade Carl’s Jr. Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Sandwich. And I must say, the results exceeded all expectations! Not only is the homemade version consistently superior in taste and texture, but it also allows for customization and the satisfaction of cooking with fresh ingredients. While it does require some marinating time for the chicken – a crucial step for maximum flavor – the actual preparation and cooking process is surprisingly quick, often rivaling the time it takes to navigate a drive-thru line. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of a delicious meal cooking in your own kitchen, filling your home with tempting scents.

Why Make Your Own Carl’s Jr. Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Sandwich?

There are countless reasons why recreating your favorite fast-food meals at home is a fantastic idea, and the Carl’s Jr. Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Sandwich is no exception. Beyond the sheer joy of a delicious homemade meal, consider these significant benefits:

• Unmatched Quality Control: When you cook at home, you are the master of your ingredients. You can consciously opt for high-quality, organic chicken, vibrant, fresh vegetables, and your preferred brand of mayonnaise, ensuring a wholesome and superior meal. This eliminates any concerns about preservatives or artificial additives often found in fast food.
• Perfect Consistency, Every Time: Bid farewell to those disappointing, inconsistent fast-food experiences! By meticulously following a reliable recipe and your own cooking methods, you can guarantee that your chicken is always perfectly cooked and succulent, your bun is ideally toasted to a golden crisp, and your Santa Fe sauce is balanced to your precise liking. Every single bite will be as perfect and satisfying as the last.
• Customization for Your Palate: One of the greatest advantages of home cooking is the freedom to personalize. Do you crave extra spice? Want to swap the classic American cheese for a sharper cheddar or a melty Monterey Jack? Prefer a different type of bun, perhaps a brioche or a gluten-free option? Making this Santa Fe grilled chicken sandwich at home means you’re the executive chef. Adjust the heat from the cayenne, experiment with different varieties of green chiles, or even add extra healthy toppings like sliced avocado or fresh cilantro for a gourmet twist.
• Healthier Alternatives: Fast food often comes with hidden traps of excessive fats, sodium, and sugars. By preparing this Santa Fe grilled chicken sandwich at home, you gain complete control over its nutritional profile. You can consciously choose lean chicken breasts, opt for reduced-fat mayonnaise, and carefully manage the amount of salt used. This allows you to create a grilled chicken sandwich that not only tastes incredible but also aligns perfectly with your dietary goals without compromising on flavor or satisfaction.
• Cost-Effective Dining: While purchasing a single fast-food sandwich might appear inexpensive, the costs accumulate rapidly, especially when feeding a family. Preparing several servings of this delicious sandwich at home is almost always significantly more economical. You can leverage grocery sales, buy ingredients in larger quantities, and reduce your overall food budget while still enjoying a restaurant-quality meal.
• The Joy and Reward of Cooking: There’s an immense sense of accomplishment and pure joy that comes from creating something truly delicious from scratch. The process of marinating, grilling, and assembling engages all your senses – the enticing aromas, the vibrant colors, the satisfying sizzle. It’s a therapeutic and rewarding experience that culminates in a meal you can proudly share with family and friends, leaving you with a feeling of deep satisfaction.

The Anatomy of Flavor: What Makes This Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Sandwich Special?

The true magic of the Carl’s Jr. Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Sandwich lies in the harmonious and intentional combination of its distinct components. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, contributing to a complex and utterly irresistible taste experience. Let’s delve into the key elements that make this sandwich truly stand out:

• Teriyaki-Marinated Chicken Breast: The very heart of this sandwich is its succulent chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are deeply infused with flavor through a generous marinade of rich, savory teriyaki sauce. This not only imparts an incredible umami depth with a delightful hint of sweetness but also acts as a natural tenderizer, ensuring each bite of grilled chicken is wonderfully juicy and moist. The teriyaki introduces a subtle, aromatic Asian-inspired note that unexpectedly yet perfectly complements the subsequent Southwestern influences.
• Zesty Homemade Santa Fe Sauce: This isn’t just any ordinary spread; our easy Santa Fe sauce is a creamy, spiced concoction that delivers a unique warmth, tang, and profound depth to the entire sandwich. It’s a thoughtfully crafted blend of smooth mayonnaise, earthy paprika, fragrant curry powder, and a vibrant kick from cayenne pepper. This combination creates a complex flavor profile that is subtly smoky, gently spicy, and profoundly addictive. This signature sauce is truly the unifying force of the sandwich, offering a cool, creamy counterpoint to the hot grilled chicken and a luxurious texture that expertly coats every ingredient.
• Perfectly Melted American Cheese: While culinary purists might argue for more artisanal cheeses, the classic American cheese slices, just like those used in the original Carl’s Jr. sandwich, are absolutely essential here. Their unparalleled melting properties result in that signature, wonderfully gooey texture and a mild, creamy flavor that gracefully enhances, rather than overpowers, the other bold elements. The way the cheese softens and drapes over the hot, freshly grilled chicken is pure sandwich artistry.
• The Iconic Whole Green Chile: This ingredient is arguably the defining feature and an absolute non-negotiable for an authentic Santa Fe experience. The inclusion of a whole roasted (or conveniently canned) green chile bestows a distinct, earthy flavor and a delightful, approachable heat level, ranging from mild to medium depending on the chile. It introduces a fantastic textural contrast – soft yet firm – and a fresh, vibrant, almost tangy element that skillfully cuts through the richness of the cheese and the creaminess of the sauce. For devotees of green chile, this is undoubtedly the undisputed star of the show.
• Crisp, Fresh Lettuce: A seemingly simple addition, but vitally important, fresh and crunchy lettuce (such as romaine) provides a much-needed textural counterpoint and a refreshing coolness to the sandwich. It offers a clean, crisp bite that perfectly balances the warmth, savory notes, and richness of the other components, elevating the overall mouthfeel.
• Sturdy, Toasted Whole Wheat Bun: The choice and preparation of the bun are critical for both flavor integrity and structural stability. A robust, lightly toasted whole wheat bun contributes a subtly nutty flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the fillings and, crucially, provides a solid foundation that holds all the delicious layers together without succumbing to sogginess. The act of toasting adds an additional layer of warmth and a pleasing crispness to the exterior.

Each ingredient in this Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Sandwich is not merely present but actively participates in creating a symphony of flavors and textures, making every bite a truly memorable and satisfying culinary journey.

Key Ingredients for Your Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Gathering the right components is the essential first step to crafting this culinary masterpiece. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to ensure an authentic and delicious result:

• Chicken: For this robust sandwich, we highly recommend utilizing two large boneless, skinless chicken breasts. These will be expertly butterflied open, then carefully cut horizontally to yield four thinner, evenly sized portions. This preparation method is key for both achieving quicker, more uniform cooking and ensuring that the chicken fits perfectly within your bun without being overwhelmingly thick. As an alternative, you can start with four smaller chicken breasts and simply pound them lightly to an even thinness, which also guarantees consistent results.
• Teriyaki Sauce: The marinade is not merely an optional step; it is absolutely crucial for infusing the chicken with its characteristic sweet and savory notes. While a good quality store-bought teriyaki sauce can certainly be used in a pinch, we wholeheartedly recommend preparing your favorite homemade teriyaki sauce recipe. Making it from scratch truly makes a significant difference in the depth of flavor and, surprisingly, comes together incredibly quickly. A homemade version also grants you the advantage of controlling the sugar and sodium content, allowing you to tailor it precisely to your taste preferences.
• Mayonnaise: This forms the creamy, rich base for our irresistible Santa Fe sauce. You have the flexibility to use regular full-fat mayonnaise for a lusciously rich sauce, or if you’re aiming to reduce calorie intake, opt for a reduced-fat version. Both options will yield a delicious and creamy result, so choose according to your dietary considerations.
• Spices for the Santa Fe Sauce: This thoughtfully curated blend of spices is what creates the unique and vibrant Southwestern kick that defines this sandwich. You’ll need:
  • Paprika: This indispensable spice adds a beautiful reddish hue to the sauce and contributes a mild, slightly sweet, and often smoky flavor, depending on whether you choose sweet or smoked paprika.
  • Curry Powder: Surprisingly, curry powder is a secret weapon here, lending an aromatic depth and a subtle, intriguing warmth that elevates the sauce, making it more complex and utterly captivating.
  • Cayenne Pepper: This is where the essential heat comes into play. You have full control over the spice level; adjust the amount to precisely match your personal preference. Remember, a little cayenne can go a long way, so start small and add more if you dare!
  • Salt: A fundamental flavor enhancer, salt plays the vital role of bringing all the other vibrant flavors into perfect harmony and balance within the sauce.
• Cheese: To authentically replicate the Carl’s Jr. experience, American cheese is the traditional and recommended choice. Its exceptional melting properties and mild flavor ensure it complements rather than overwhelms the sandwich’s other robust ingredients. However, if you desire a different cheesy dimension, a sharp cheddar or a smooth Monterey Jack would also make a delicious and equally melty substitute.
• Buns: Sticking true to the original, whole wheat buns are specified for this recipe. They provide a slightly heartier texture and a subtle nutty flavor that robustly stands up to the substantial and flavorful fillings. Should you prefer, classic white burger buns or even light, buttery brioche buns can be swapped in, depending on your desired texture and richness. Crucially, lightly toasting them is key to preventing sogginess and adding another layer of texture.
• Green Chile: As a self-proclaimed “green chile girl,” I cannot overstate the importance of this ingredient! The original sandwich proudly features a whole green chile, and so should your homemade rendition. Convenient canned whole green chiles are an excellent and readily available option that performs wonderfully. For those with a bit more time and an adventurous spirit, roasting and meticulously peeling fresh green chiles (such as seasonal Hatch chiles) will undoubtedly elevate the flavor profile to an extraordinary level, imparting a deeper, smoky richness.
• Lettuce: A simple yet absolutely essential finishing touch. Crisp romaine lettuce is the ideal choice, adding a refreshing, vibrant crunch and a clean, cool contrast that beautifully balances the warm, savory, and creamy components of the sandwich. Iceberg lettuce is another viable option, prized for its characteristic crispness.

With these fresh, high-quality ingredients meticulously gathered, you are now perfectly poised to assemble an unforgettable Carl’s Jr. Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Sandwich right in the comfort of your own home!

How to Make This Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Sandwich: Step-by-Step Guide

Crafting this beloved copycat masterpiece is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions to create your own incredibly delicious Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Sandwich that rivals any fast-food version:

1. Prepare the Chicken for Marinating: Begin by carefully preparing your two large boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Lay each breast flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully butterfly each breast open by slicing horizontally almost all the way through, but not quite. This will create a thinner, larger piece. Then, cut each butterflied breast in half horizontally, resulting in a total of four thinner, even chicken portions. This ensures uniform cooking and a perfect, manageable size for your sandwich. Place these prepared chicken pieces into a large ziplock bag or a shallow, non-reactive dish. Pour the homemade (or good quality store-bought) teriyaki sauce over the chicken, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate. For optimal flavor infusion and tenderness, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 4 hours. If time permits, marinating overnight (for up to 12 hours) will yield even more profoundly delicious and tender results.
2. Whip Up the Signature Santa Fe Sauce: While your chicken is marinating, prepare the iconic Santa Fe sauce. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise (whether you choose regular or reduced-fat), paprika, curry powder, cayenne pepper (remember to adjust this to your desired spice level), and a pinch of salt. Whisk all the ingredients together vigorously until the sauce is perfectly smooth, creamy, and all the spices are fully incorporated. Take a moment to taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if necessary – perhaps a touch more salt or cayenne? Once satisfied, cover the bowl and set it aside at room temperature if using soon, or refrigerate it until you are ready to assemble your mouthwatering sandwiches. This sauce can be conveniently made a day in advance to streamline your cooking process.
3. Grill the Chicken to Perfection: When you’re ready to cook, preheat your outdoor grill or a stovetop grill pan to a medium heat setting. It’s crucial for achieving those beautiful grill marks and preventing sticking. Lightly spray the grill grates or pan with nonstick cooking spray. Carefully remove the marinated chicken breasts from the bag or dish, discarding any leftover marinade (never reuse marinade that has touched raw meat without boiling it first). Place the chicken onto the hot grill. Grill for approximately 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC) when measured with an instant-read meat thermometer in the thickest part. The chicken should exhibit attractive golden-brown grill marks and its juices should run clear. In the final minute or two of cooking, place one slice of American cheese on top of each chicken breast. If using an outdoor grill, close the lid briefly; if using a grill pan, place a lid or cover over the pan to allow the cheese to melt beautifully and become warm and gooey.
4. Assemble Your Masterpiece: While the cheesy chicken finishes cooking, it’s the perfect time to prepare your buns. Lightly toast your whole wheat buns if desired – this adds a delightful crispness and helps prevent them from becoming soggy from the sauce and chicken juices. Once toasted, generously spread about one-fourth of your freshly prepared Santa Fe sauce onto the underside of each top bun. Now, on the bottom half of each bun, place a perfectly cooked, cheesy chicken breast. Carefully lay a whole green chile (drained if canned) over the chicken. Finish by adding a handful of crisp lettuce leaves, then cap it all off with the sauce-coated top bun. Serve your homemade Carl’s Jr. Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Sandwich immediately and savor every single delicious bite!

Tips for the Perfect Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Sandwich

To truly elevate your homemade Carl’s Jr. Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Sandwich from simply great to absolutely extraordinary, consider these expert tips and tricks:

• Don’t Skimp on Marinating Time: This step is critical! The longer the chicken soaks in the flavorful teriyaki sauce, the more deeply it will absorb those sweet and savory notes, and the more tender and juicy the final cooked chicken will be. While 4 hours is the minimum, an overnight soak (up to 12 hours) in the refrigerator truly makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture. Plan ahead for the best results.
• Achieve Even Chicken Thickness: Butterflying and gently pounding the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness is paramount. This technique ensures that every part of the chicken cooks evenly, preventing any frustrating dry edges or undercooked centers. Consistent thickness guarantees perfectly juicy and tender chicken with every single bite.
• Preheat Your Grill Properly: A thoroughly preheated grill or grill pan is absolutely essential. Not only does it help achieve those desirable, appealing sear marks that add flavor and visual appeal, but it also significantly helps prevent the chicken from sticking to the cooking surface. Give your grill ample time to reach the right temperature.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken breasts are notoriously prone to drying out if cooked for too long. To ensure moist and tender results, always use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken and remove it from the heat as soon as it registers an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC). A few degrees over, and you risk a chewy sandwich.
• Always Toast Your Buns: This seemingly small step makes a significant impact! Lightly toasting the buns adds a crucial layer of texture – a pleasant crispness that contrasts beautifully with the soft fillings. It also acts as a barrier, preventing the bun from becoming soggy from the sauce and chicken juices, and provides a comforting warmth to the overall sandwich. You can toast them on the grill alongside the chicken, in a toaster, or briefly under the broiler.
• Personalize the Spice Level: The cayenne pepper in your homemade Santa Fe sauce is the primary source of heat. The recipe provides a good starting point, but feel free to adjust it to suit your personal preference. Start with the recommended amount, then taste the sauce and add more cayenne, a pinch at a time, if you desire a spicier kick.
• Consider Fresh Green Chiles: While convenient canned green chiles are perfectly acceptable and work wonderfully, if you have access to fresh green chiles (especially during the peak season for varieties like Hatch chiles), take the extra effort to roast and peel them yourself. Freshly roasted chiles offer an unparalleled depth of smoky flavor and a truly superior aroma that will make your sandwich shine even brighter.
• Make it Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is surprisingly adaptable for meal prep. The delicious Santa Fe sauce can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, ready to go. Similarly, the chicken can be marinated the night before you plan to cook, significantly cutting down on active preparation time on a busy weeknight. This foresight makes assembling your fresh, homemade sandwich much faster and less stressful.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Sandwich is so hearty and packed with flavor that it can easily stand alone as a satisfying meal. However, it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to complete your culinary experience. Here are some fantastic ideas to serve alongside your homemade creation:

• Classic Fries or Onion Rings: For a true fast-food homage, nothing beats a side of perfectly crispy homemade French fries or golden, battered onion rings. The crunch and salty goodness are an ideal complement.
• Creamy Coleslaw or Tangy Potato Salad: A cool, creamy coleslaw or a zesty, herb-filled potato salad offers a refreshing textural and flavor contrast to the rich, warm, and spicy notes of the sandwich.
• Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet, juicy grilled corn on the cob, perhaps brushed with a little butter and chili powder, complements the Southwestern theme of the sandwich beautifully and adds a vibrant seasonal touch.
• Simple Garden Salad: For a lighter, fresher option, a crisp mixed green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a healthy balance and a palate-cleansing element.
• Sweet Potato Fries: A slightly healthier yet equally delicious alternative to traditional fries, sweet potato fries offer a touch of natural sweetness that pairs surprisingly well with the savory and spicy sandwich.
• Black Bean and Corn Salad: A vibrant and fresh salad made with black beans, corn, red onion, cilantro, and a lime dressing would further enhance the Southwestern flavors.
• Chilled Beverages: Complement the flavors with a crisp, refreshing iced tea, a sweet and tangy lemonade, or your favorite craft beer, especially a light lager or an IPA that can stand up to the spice.

Storage and Reheating

While the Carl’s Jr. Copycat Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Sandwich is undeniably at its best when assembled and enjoyed fresh, you can certainly prepare and store its individual components for later enjoyment or to streamline your meal prep. Here’s how:

• Cooked Chicken: Any leftover grilled chicken should be stored promptly in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can gently warm the chicken in a lightly oiled pan over medium heat, microwave it briefly, or warm it in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) until it’s heated through. Be careful not to overcook it during reheating, as this can lead to dryness.
• Santa Fe Sauce: The prepared Santa Fe sauce is quite stable and can be kept in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before using, give it a good stir to ensure all the flavors are evenly distributed.
• Assembled Sandwiches: It is generally highly recommended to assemble your sandwiches just before you plan to serve them. This crucial step prevents the bun from becoming soggy and the lettuce from wilting, preserving the optimal texture and freshness. If you absolutely must, a fully assembled sandwich can be stored for a few hours in the refrigerator, but anticipate a slight decrease in the overall quality, particularly in the crispness of the lettuce and the bun.
• Green Chiles: If using canned chiles, store any unused portion in an airtight container in the fridge. Fresh roasted chiles can also be stored this way for a few days, or frozen for longer storage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Have questions about making this delicious Carl’s Jr. copycat? Here are some common inquiries and their answers to help you perfect your homemade Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Sandwich:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would be a wonderfully delicious alternative to chicken breasts. Due to their higher fat content, chicken thighs tend to remain incredibly juicy and flavorful, even if slightly overcooked. When using thighs, you might find they cook a little faster than breasts, so be sure to adjust your grilling time accordingly and still check for an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC).

How spicy is the Santa Fe sauce, and can I adjust the heat?

The sauce’s spice level is entirely customizable to your preference! The recipe as written calls for 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which typically provides a very mild, pleasant kick. If you’re a heat-seeker and prefer a spicier sandwich, you can easily increase the cayenne to 1/4 teaspoon or even more, adding it incrementally to taste. Conversely, if you are particularly sensitive to spice, feel free to reduce the amount to just a pinch or omit it entirely.

What if I don’t have an outdoor grill or a grill pan?

No outdoor grill or grill pan? No problem at all! You can still make this fantastic sandwich. You can bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until it’s cooked through. While baking won’t give you those distinctive grill marks or the smoky grilled flavor, the chicken will still be tender and delicious, especially with the teriyaki marinade. Alternatively, you could pan-fry the chicken in a regular skillet, searing it on both sides until cooked through.

Is it worth making the teriyaki sauce from scratch?

Yes, it is definitely worth it! Making your own teriyaki sauce gives you complete control over the quality of the ingredients, allowing you to avoid artificial additives and adjust the sweetness and saltiness to your liking. Homemade teriyaki often results in a fresher, more vibrant, and more nuanced flavor profile that truly elevates the marinated chicken. We even provide a link to our fantastic homemade teriyaki sauce recipe for your convenience!

Are there any other cheese substitutes that would work well?

While American cheese is the classic choice for this Carl’s Jr. copycat due to its iconic melt and mild flavor, you can certainly experiment with other varieties. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a mild white cheddar would all melt beautifully and offer a slightly different, yet equally delicious, flavor profile to your Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Sandwich. Choose your favorite melty cheese!

Can I use roasted fresh green chiles instead of canned ones?

Absolutely, and we highly encourage it if you have the opportunity! If you have access to fresh green chiles, such as New Mexico Hatch chiles (especially during their seasonal availability), roasting and peeling them yourself will provide an incredibly authentic, deeply flavored, and superior taste experience. The smoky notes from roasting fresh chiles will add an unparalleled depth that canned chiles can’t quite replicate. It requires a bit more effort, but the enhanced flavor is well worth it.

How can I make this sandwich even healthier?

To make this grilled chicken sandwich even healthier, consider using reduced-fat mayonnaise for the Santa Fe sauce. You can also opt for leaner chicken breasts. Increase the amount of lettuce or add other fresh vegetables like sliced tomatoes or onions. Serve it with a side salad instead of fries, and control your portion sizes for a balanced meal.

More Favorite Copycat Recipes to Try

Do you love the challenge and satisfaction of recreating beloved restaurant favorites in your own kitchen? If so, you’re in the right place! Here are some other incredibly delicious and popular copycat recipes from our kitchen to yours, designed to bring those familiar flavors home:

• California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Pizza
• Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
• Boston Market Cornbread
• Texas Roadhouse Rolls
• Red Lobster Cheddar Biscuits
• Doubletree Cookies

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Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Marinating Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

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This Carl’s Jr. copycat features a teriyaki sauce marinated chicken breast that is served on a whole wheat bun, topped with cheese, a whole green chile, lettuce, and an easy Santa Fe sauce.

Ingredients

Chicken

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, 10-12 oz each
• 1/2 cup Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

Sauce

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Sandwiches

• 4 slices American cheese
• 4 whole wheat buns
• 4 canned whole green chiles
• lettuce

Instructions

1. Butterfly the chicken breasts open, and cut each breast into 2 thinner pieces. (Alternately, use 4 smaller chicken breasts and pound to an even thinness.) Combine the chicken with the teriyaki sauce in a large ziptop bag. Marinate for at least 4 hours, up to overnight.
2. In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, paprika, curry powder, cayenne and salt. Set aside.
3. Preheat a grill or a grill pan over medium heat. Spray with nonstick cooking spray then add the marinated chicken breasts, discarding any remaining marinade. Grill until no longer pink and juices run clear, about 10 minutes, turning once. When the chicken is almost finished cooking, place one slice of cheese on top of the chicken to melt.
4. Spread one fourth of the sauce on each of the undersides of the top buns. Place the chicken on the bottom bun, then add a green chile on top, followed by some lettuce. Top with the top bun and serve.

Recipe Notes:

Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 sandwich
, Calories: 573kcal (29%)
, Carbohydrates: 23g (8%)
, Protein: 58g (116%)
, Fat: 27g (42%)
, Saturated Fat: 8g (50%)
, Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g
, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g
, Trans Fat: 0g
, Cholesterol: 161mg (54%)
, Sodium: 2004mg (87%)
, Potassium: 512mg (15%)
, Fiber: 0g
, Sugar: 6g (7%)

Keywords: chicken sandwich, copycat recipe, Santa Fe chicken, grilled chicken, teriyaki chicken