Smoked Chicken Sandwich

Delicious Smoked Chicken Sandwich Recipe with Cherries and Basil

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Smoked chicken sandwiches are a delicious and satisfying meal option that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. This recipe combines the smoky flavor of the chicken with the sweetness of dried cherries and the freshness of basil and orange zest.

History

The combination of smoked chicken, celery, sweet onions, and dried cherries in a sandwich is a popular choice in many restaurants and homes. This recipe puts a unique twist on the classic smoked chicken sandwich by adding fresh basil and orange zest for a burst of flavor.

Ingredients

4.5 cups of diced smoked chicken
1.5 cups of diced celery
2.25 cups of diced sweet onions
2.25 cups of dried tart cherries, chopped
1 cup of fresh minced basil
2 cups of mayonnaise
0.75 tsp of salt
0.75 tsp of ground black pepper
1 tsp of fresh orange zest
3 tbsp of fresh orange juice

How to prepare

Place all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir gently until they are well combined.
Refrigerate the mixture until you are ready to prepare the sandwiches.

Variations

For a lighter version of this sandwich, you can use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise. You can also add chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When preparing the smoked chicken for this recipe, be sure to dice it into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure that each bite of the sandwich is packed with flavor. Additionally, refrigerating the mixture before serving allows the flavors to meld together for a more delicious sandwich.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this smoked chicken sandwich on toasted whole grain bread or a buttery croissant for a delicious meal. Pair it with a side salad or a cup of soup for a complete and satisfying lunch or dinner.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making this smoked chicken sandwich is to dice all the ingredients into small, uniform pieces for a well-balanced bite. Mixing the ingredients gently ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the sandwich.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have dried cherries on hand, you can substitute dried cranberries or raisins in this recipe. You can also use rotisserie chicken in place of smoked chicken for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the smoked chicken mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to assemble the sandwiches. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or entertaining.

Presentation Ideas

To make this smoked chicken sandwich more visually appealing, you can garnish it with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of orange zest before serving. Serving it on a colorful plate or platter adds to the presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This smoked chicken sandwich pairs well with a side of sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a fresh fruit salad. A glass of iced tea or lemonade complements the flavors of the sandwich nicely.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover smoked chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply spoon the mixture onto bread and toast in a toaster oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this smoked chicken sandwich contains approximately 400 calories. This makes it a satisfying and filling meal option for lunch or dinner.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this smoked chicken sandwich contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbohydrates come from the dried cherries and sweet onions in the recipe.

Fats

This smoked chicken sandwich is a moderate source of fats, with each serving containing approximately 20 grams of fat. The mayonnaise used in the recipe contributes to the fat content, as well as the natural fats present in the smoked chicken.

Proteins

With 30 grams of protein per serving, this smoked chicken sandwich is a great source of this essential nutrient. The diced smoked chicken is the primary source of protein in this recipe.

Vitamins and minerals

This sandwich is a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the fresh orange juice and zest used in the recipe. Additionally, the basil adds a dose of vitamin K and manganese to the dish.

Alergens

This recipe contains mayonnaise, which may contain eggs. Those with egg allergies should use caution when preparing or consuming this dish.

Summary

Overall, this smoked chicken sandwich is a balanced meal option that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a flavorful and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Summary

This smoked chicken sandwich is a flavorful and satisfying meal option that is perfect for lunch or dinner. Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, it is a balanced dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. With a unique combination of ingredients, this sandwich is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement I felt when I first saw this recipe for smoked chicken sandwich. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Mary at her cozy little cottage by the lake. Mary was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to trying out her new recipes.

As we sat on her porch sipping on ice-cold lemonade, Mary pulled out a tattered old recipe book from her kitchen cabinet. She flipped through the pages until she landed on the recipe for smoked chicken sandwich. The ingredients were simple yet flavorful - tender smoked chicken, creamy avocado, crispy bacon, and tangy barbecue sauce all sandwiched between two slices of toasted sourdough bread.

Mary explained that she had learned this recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down to her many years ago. She told me stories of how her grandmother would spend hours smoking the chicken over a wood fire, infusing it with a rich smoky flavor that was unmatched.

I was intrigued by the combination of flavors and textures in the sandwich and knew I had to try making it myself. Mary graciously shared the recipe with me, and I eagerly took notes, making sure to capture every detail.

The next day, I set out to gather all the ingredients needed for the smoked chicken sandwich. I visited the local farmers market to pick up fresh avocados, ripe tomatoes, and a loaf of crusty sourdough bread. I stopped by the butcher shop to purchase a whole chicken, which I planned to smoke myself over my backyard grill.

As I prepared the chicken for smoking, I couldn't help but think of Mary's grandmother and the love and care she must have put into each dish she made. I marinated the chicken in a blend of spices and herbs, letting it sit for hours to absorb all the flavors.

Once the chicken was ready, I fired up the grill and carefully placed it on the smoker, watching as the aromatic smoke enveloped the meat. The smell was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

After a few hours of smoking, the chicken was done, perfectly tender and infused with a deep smoky flavor. I shredded the meat and assembled the sandwiches, layering on the avocado, bacon, and barbecue sauce. I took a bite and was immediately transported to flavor heaven.

The combination of the smoky chicken, creamy avocado, crispy bacon, and tangy barbecue sauce was a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen, a dish that I would pass down to future generations.

As I sat down to enjoy my smoked chicken sandwich, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the friendships and memories that food has brought into my life. From Mary's grandmother's kitchen to my own, this recipe had traveled through time and space, connecting us all in a shared love of good food and good company.

And as I savored each bite of the sandwich, I knew that this recipe would always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy and warmth that cooking and sharing a meal can bring.