New Orleans Spiced Chicken Sandwich with Pickled Slaw

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A handheld sandwich featuring tender chicken breast seasoned with classic New Orleans spices, topped with tangy pickled slaw for a flavorful picnic treat. This caribbean-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 32 minutes pairs olive oil, paprika, cayenne pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 530 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Caribbean cuisine 530 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; rub this spice blend evenly over 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through and golden brown; remove and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage and 1 grated medium carrot; pour over 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon sugar, tossing gently to coat; let sit for 15 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Stir 1/4 cup mayonnaise and 2 thinly sliced scallions into the cabbage mixture to create a creamy pickled slaw.
  5. Step 5: To assemble, split 2 sandwich rolls and layer each with sliced spiced chicken and a generous amount of pickled slaw; serve immediately or wrap for picnic transport.

Frequently asked questions

How long does New Orleans Spiced Chicken Sandwich with Pickled Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover New Orleans Spiced Chicken Sandwich with Pickled Slaw?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in New Orleans Spiced Chicken Sandwich with Pickled Slaw?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale New Orleans Spiced Chicken Sandwich with Pickled Slaw for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with New Orleans Spiced Chicken Sandwich with Pickled Slaw?

Caribbean sandwiches & wraps like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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