Pan-Seared Chicken Sandwich with Garlic Aioli and Pickled Red Onions
Juicy pan-seared chicken breast layered with tangy pickled red onions, fresh lettuce, and garlicky aioli on a toasted brioche bun for a flavorful sandwich. This american-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 32 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breast, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 1, 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.
Ingredients
- 6 oz boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1, split brioche bun
- 1 large leaf leaf lettuce
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1/4 medium, thinly sliced red onion
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine 2 tbsp white vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, 2 tbsp water, and 1/4 medium thinly sliced red onion in a small bowl. Let sit for at least 15 minutes to pickle.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, season 6 oz boneless skinless chicken breast evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper on both sides.
- Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breast and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Step 4: Mix 2 tbsp mayonnaise with 1 tsp minced garlic in a small bowl to make garlic aioli.
- Step 5: Toast the 1 split brioche bun in the skillet for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned.
- Step 6: Spread garlic aioli evenly on both halves of the toasted bun. Layer the cooked chicken breast on the bottom half, top with 1 large leaf lettuce, and then add drained pickled red onions.
- Step 7: Close the sandwich with the top bun half and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Sandwich with Garlic Aioli and Pickled Red Onions 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Sandwich with Garlic Aioli and Pickled Red Onions?
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 salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Sandwich with Garlic Aioli and Pickled Red Onions?
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 Pan-Seared Chicken Sandwich with Garlic Aioli and Pickled Red Onions for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Sandwich with Garlic Aioli and Pickled Red Onions?
American 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.
