| Portions | Prep Time | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serves 4 | 10 minutes | 15 minutes |
Ingredients
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 3 pounds/1.35 kg total)
- 2 tablespoons (30 mL) Cajun spice
- ¼ teaspoon (1 mL) salt
- 2 tablespoons (30 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
For serving
- 4 ciabatta buns or your favourite burger buns
- Mayonnaise
- Sliced tomatoes
- 1 avocado, pitted, peeled, and sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- Iceberg lettuce
Directions
Prep Ahead
The chicken (step 2) can be prepared ahead and stored in a resealable container in the fridge for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking. The chicken can also be cooked up to 2 days ahead, stored in the fridge in a resealable container, then reheated in an air fryer or microwave until warmed through.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Working with one chicken breast at a time, place between 2 sheets of parchment paper on a cutting board. Using a meat mallet, pound until about ½ inch (1 cm) thick. Season both sides of the chicken with the Cajun spice and salt.
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet and bake until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer, about 10 minutes.
- Slice the buns horizontally in half. Toast until lightly browned. Thinly spread mayonnaise on the bottom halves, then top with Cajun chicken, sliced tomatoes, avocado, red onion, a slice of cheddar cheese, and lettuce. Close with the tops.
Vegan: Use 2 packages (12 ounces /350 g each) extra-firm tofu instead of chicken. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then slice it lengthwise into ½- to ¾-inch-thick (1 to 2 cm) slabs. Pat dry again, then season before frying; skip the baking. Use vegan mayonnaise and vegan cheese.
Vegetarian: Use extra-firm tofu instead of chicken (see Vegan instructions).
Dairy-Free: Use vegan cheese.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free buns.