A spicy Cajun-style blackened chicken sandwich recipe that is ready in less than 30 minutes. You can use store-bought or homemade Cajun seasoning, to control the spice level on the flavorful cast iron chicken.
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This recipe was inspired by a Cajun sandwich I had at a restaurant. It had salami and smoked cheese on tilapia. I thought it sounded so odd that it must be good. And it was, it was surprisingly delicious.
The salami (yes, salami) and smoked provolone add a unique flavor twist that will dazzle your taste buds. This sandwich is perfect for a weeknight dinner or Saturday lunch.
📖Why My Recipe Works
The salami is reminiscent of andouille, which gives it a Cajun flair. And I had to keep things flavorful because I am the sauce queen. So a fast and easy doctored-up spicy mayo is the cherry on top.
🧾Ingredient Notes
- Chicken- cutlets or breasts, filleted and pounded flat
- Blackening Season- Homemade or store-bought Cajun seasoning
- Salami- Bacon is a great substitute.
- Cheese- Smoked provolone cheese is my recommendation, but If you can't find smoked provolone, regular will work. Swiss and Havarti also make great substitutions; both have the right texture when melted.
- Spicy Mayonnaise- Make your own spicy mayo with store-bought mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, all the hot sauce you can stand, and fresh chopped parsley. Try my Cajun butter sauce, Cajun remoulade sauce, or a spicy jalapeno mayo for an extra kick.
- Buns- I use gluten-free buns, but any type of sandwich or hamburger buns work.
How to Cut Chicken Into Cutlets
Cut the chicken into a filet by using your hand to firmly press down on the chicken breast and using a sharp boning knife to cut the chicken breast in half so you have two flat pieces.
If the chicken is still too thick you can pound it thinner by placing the chicken between two pieces of wax paper and pounding it with a meat mallet until it is less than a half inch thick.
⏲️How to Make a Spicy Blackened Chicken Sandwich
- Use a paper towel to blot the chicken dry. This helps the coating stick and the meat to blacken. The chicken should be completely covered with the seasoning.
- Heat your oil and add the chicken and cooking for 5 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches about 155 F
- Top each chicken cutlet with the salami and then the cheese. Allow the cheese to melt while the chicken finishes cooking. The chicken is ready when it reaches 165 F degrees.
- While the chicken is cooking whisk together the mayo ingredients and toast the buns.
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
- Blackening is a quick-cooking method. Thinner cuts of meat work better.
- You will want to turn on a fan, this dish will smoke.
- A well seasoned cast iron pan doesn't typically require oil but I find with this much seasoning adding olive oil or a butter is needed to prevent burning.
- If you choose to use a store-bought seasoning check to see if it contains salt. Many do, you will not want to add extra salt to your chicken.
- If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken fillets.
- For the most tender chicken, I always recommend brining your chicken before cooking.
💭Recipe Variations
Oven-Baked Crispy Spicy Chicken
Want something crispy and gluten-free? Using our gluten-free chicken nugget recipe as a guide add the blackening seasoning to the breadcrumbs before dredging the chicken.
Bake at 425 degrees until cooked through and the chicken reaches a minimum 165 F degrees. Fillets take about 22 minutes.
Blackened Cod Sandwich
Substitute cod, or any other flakey white fish, for the chicken. For full details on how to blacken fish see our blackened cod recipe.
🥗What to Serve with Blackened Chicken Sandwiches
Every great sandwich needs a perfect side dish. For soups, I like a creamy soup like this yellow squash soup and on the salad side, a roasted beet and apple salad provides a sweetness to offset the spicy.
For picnic-style sides, try a blue cheese potato salad or spicy coleslaw.
Did you enjoy making this recipe? Show it some love with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a comment! Hungry for more? Get more flavorful recipes!
📖 Recipe Card
Blackened Chicken Sandwich with Spicy Mayo
Ingredients
- 4 5 oz chicken breast cutlets
- ¼ cup Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 ounces salami thinly sliced
- 4 slices smoked provolone cheese
- 4 sandwich buns gluten free if needed
- green leaf lettuce
- red onion cut into thin slices
- tomato cut into slices
Spicy Mayonnaise
- â…“ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped
Instructions
- Blot the chicken dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle on the blackening seasoning, pressing to ensure the seasoning adheres and the chicken is thoroughly coated.4 5 oz chicken breast cutlets, ¼ cup Cajun seasoning
- Heat the oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. You will want to turn on a fan, this dish will smoke. Add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches about 155 F.2 tablespoon olive oil
- Top each chicken cutlet with salami and cheese. Allow the cheese to melt while the chicken finishes cooking.3 ounces salami, 4 slices smoked provolone cheese
- Move the chicken to a platter and allow it to rest while you toast your buns cut side down in the pan for 2 to 3 minutes.
- To assemble, slather your buns with the spicy mayo, add the chicken and then top with the lettuce, tomato, and onion.4 sandwich buns, green leaf lettuce, red onion, tomato
Spicy Mayonnaise
- Whisk together all the ingredients in a small bowl. Season to taste with extra hot sauce.â…“ cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon hot sauce, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
Notes
- If you can't find chicken cutlets substitute chicken breast and fillet it into a cutlet. Start by gently holding it in place with your hand flattened on top. Use a knife to carefully slice it in half horizontally.
- If you use store-bought blackening or cajun seasoning be sure to check that it contains salt. If not, you will need to add salt when seasoning your chicken.
Equipment
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
What does blacken mean?
Blackening meats is a cooking method most commonly associated with Cajun cuisine where meat is coated in a seasoning and cooked quickly at a high heat, typically in a cast iron skillet.
What is the difference between Cajun seasoning and Blackening seasoning?
These seasonings can be used interchangeably. Cajun refers to broader style of cuisine while blackening is the specific cooking method.
Do you need to use a cast iron skillet?
Cast iron skillets definitely work better and prevent sticking. If you are worried about smoking, which is more likely to occur in a non-cast iron skillet, you can grill this recipe outside.
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