- Chicken breasts (free-range, organic if preferred)
- Mango Salsa Ingredients:
- Fresh ripe mangoes
- Red onion
- Cucumber
- Red bell pepper
- Jalapeño pepper (optional for heat)
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime juice
- Salt and pepper
- Grilled Chicken Seasoning:
- Paprika
- Chili powder
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Ground cumin
- Cinnamon (for a unique touch)
- Buns:
- Whole grain or multigrain buns
- Cheese Topping Options:
- Shredded cheddar
- Queso fresco
- Other Toppings:
- Avocado slices
- Lettuce leaves
- Fresh cilantro sprigs
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- Begin by preparing your chicken breasts. Place them between two sheets of plastic wrap on a flat surface.
- Gently pound the chicken to an even thickness with a meat mallet or rolling pin.
2. **Marinate the Chicken:**
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.
- Rub this marinade evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld together.
3. **Grill the Chicken:**
- Preheat your grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
4. **Prepare the Toppings:**
- While the chicken is resting, slice the mango into bite-sized pieces.
- Wash and prepare the mixed greens and lettuce leaves to garnish your sandwich.
5. **Assemble the Sandwiches:**
- Toast each slice of bread lightly if desired.
- Spread a layer of mayonnaise or avocado on one side of each bread slice for added creaminess.
- Layer the sliced grilled chicken, diced mango, mixed greens, and lettuce leaves onto the other half of the bread.
6. **Finishing Touches:**
- Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish with extra cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
#### Tips for Success:
- Ensure your chicken is completely thawed and not too thick, as this will affect the cooking time.
- Use fresh cilantro for the best flavor; dried can be used if you don’t have fresh on hand but expect less flavor intensity.
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding some sliced jalapeño or red pepper flakes to your chicken marinade.
#### Keywords:
- Southwest cuisine
- Cilantro lime chicken
- Mango grilled chicken sandwiches
- Grilled chicken recipes
- Healthy sandwich options
Enjoy your flavorful and fresh Southwest cilantro lime mango grilled chicken sandwiches! This recipe is perfect for a summer BBQ, a quick lunch, or even a light dinner.