Chicken Sandwiches for Two (For Leftover Chicken Breasts – Delish!)

I remember being a newlywed, perpetually scrambling for quick and easy lunches that didn’t taste like, well, leftovers. My husband, a man of simple tastes, was always a bit skeptical of my more “gourmet” creations. One afternoon, experimenting with some leftover chicken, I threw together a sandwich with provolone, spinach, and a seemingly odd combination of barbecue sauce and mustard. He took it to work the next day, and that evening, he confessed – “If you had told me what was on it, I wouldn’t have tried it, but it was so good!” From then on, these became a regular treat.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (assuming chicken is pre-cooked)
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Yield: 2 sandwiches
• Dietary Type: Can be adapted to be gluten-free by using gluten-free buns.

Ingredients

• 1 chicken breast, halved
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 2 slices provolone cheese
• 2 teaspoons ground garlic
• 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce (Kraft original recommended)
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 2 whole grain buns (healthy white wheat recommended)

Equipment Needed

• Skillet or pan
• Toaster
• Plate

Instructions

1. First, prepare the chicken. If you’re starting with uncooked chicken breasts, rub ground garlic into the chicken. Then, cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If using leftover cooked chicken breasts, simply add a light sprinkle of ground garlic and proceed to the next step.
2. Move the hot chicken breasts to a plate. Immediately lay a slice of provolone cheese over each piece. The residual heat will melt the cheese to perfection.
3. Pop the whole grain buns in the toaster on a setting of your liking until they are toasted to your preferred golden brown.
4. While the buns are toasting, wilt the fresh spinach in the same pan used to cook the chicken (or a clean pan) over low heat. This only takes a minute or two; you just want it to soften slightly.
5. Once the buns are done toasting, spread barbecue sauce on one half of each bun and yellow mustard on the other half.
6. Layer the ingredients onto the bottom bun in the following order: chicken breast with melted provolone, followed by the wilted spinach.
7. Top off with the other half of the bun and enjoy your delicious and quick chicken sandwich!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t skip the garlic! Even on pre-cooked chicken, a little extra garlic goes a long way in boosting the flavor.
• Wilt, don’t cook, the spinach. Overcooked spinach can get mushy. Just a quick wilt is all you need.
• For an extra smoky flavor, try grilling the chicken breasts instead of cooking them on the stovetop.
• If you don’t have provolone cheese, mozzarella or even a sharp cheddar can be substituted.
• Warm the barbecue sauce and mustard slightly before spreading them on the buns for an enhanced flavor experience.
• Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the wilted spinach for a little kick.
• To save even more time, purchase pre-cooked chicken breasts from the grocery store.
• If you want a creamier sandwich, try adding a smear of mayonnaise to the bun.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These chicken sandwiches are best served immediately while the buns are still warm and the cheese is melted. If you happen to have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken and spinach will keep for up to 3 days. The buns are best stored at room temperature to prevent them from getting soggy. To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet or microwave, then assemble the sandwich just before serving. Reheating the entire sandwich at once will result in soggy buns. Avoid leaving the sandwiches at room temperature for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth.

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	450 kcal	23%
Total Fat	20g	31%
Saturated Fat	8g	40%
Cholesterol	75mg	25%
Sodium	700mg	30%
Total Carbohydrate	35g	12%
Dietary Fiber	5g	20%
Sugars	10g
Protein	30g	60%

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Chicken Sandwich: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the barbecue sauce.
• Honey Mustard Chicken Sandwich: Use honey mustard instead of plain yellow mustard.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free buns.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken breast with grilled halloumi cheese or a thick slice of roasted portobello mushroom.
• Deluxe Version: Add sliced tomato, avocado, or crispy bacon for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
• Italian Chicken Sandwich: Use pesto instead of barbecue sauce and add roasted red peppers.
• Hawaiian Chicken Sandwich: Add a slice of grilled pineapple.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a richer flavor and are often more tender than chicken breasts. Just ensure they are cooked thoroughly.

Q: What if I don’t have provolone cheese?
A: You can substitute provolone with mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any cheese that melts well.

Q: Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?
A: It’s best to assemble the sandwiches just before serving to prevent the buns from getting soggy. You can, however, prepare the chicken and wilt the spinach in advance.

Q: How do I prevent the spinach from getting watery when wilting it?
A: Avoid overcrowding the pan and cook the spinach in batches if necessary. A quick sauté over medium-low heat is all it needs.

Q: Can I grill the chicken instead of cooking it on the stovetop?
A: Yes, grilling the chicken will add a delicious smoky flavor. Just make sure to monitor the internal temperature to ensure it’s cooked through.

Final Thoughts

This humble chicken sandwich is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most satisfying. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredient combinations to make it your own. Whether you’re using leftover chicken or cooking it fresh, this recipe is a fantastic way to create a quick, delicious, and memorable meal. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the toaster, and get ready to enjoy a truly delightful chicken sandwich experience! Share your creations and variations – I’d love to hear what you come up with! Perhaps pair it with a side of crispy sweet potato fries and a refreshing glass of iced tea for the perfect lunch or light dinner.