Pan-Seared Chicken Sandwich with Smoky Chipotle Mayo

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pan-seared chicken breast layered on a toasted bun with smoky chipotle mayo, crisp lettuce, and ripe tomato for a satisfying sandwich. This american-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 22 minutes turns salt, black pepper, smoked paprika into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 1, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 1 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast and season on both sides with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breast and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, mix 3 tbsp mayonnaise with 1 tsp minced chipotle in adobo sauce and 1 tsp fresh lime juice in a small bowl until smooth and smoky.
  4. Step 4: Toast 1 split burger bun lightly until edges are crisp and golden.
  5. Step 5: Spread chipotle mayo generously on both bun halves. Place cooked chicken breast on bottom bun, layer with 2 large lettuce leaves, 2 tomato slices, and 4 dill pickle slices. Top with the bun crown and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Sandwich with Smoky Chipotle Mayo take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 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 Smoky Chipotle Mayo?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Sandwich with Smoky Chipotle Mayo?

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 Smoky Chipotle Mayo 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 Smoky Chipotle Mayo?

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.

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