Black Pepper Crust Chicken & Sandwich

A pepper forward, high protein meal.

1 sandwich

Time: 30 mins

Ethan ChlebowskiBy Ethan Chlebowski
Photography by Ethan Chlebowski

You can use this pepper crusted chicken as a base for almost any meal — salads, wraps, bowls, or a sandwich, like I show here.

Use your favorite bread, toppings, and condiments on the sandwich, or follow this bacon ranch version.

Ethan Chlebowski

Ethan Chlebowski

CREATOR

Ingredients

  • Black pepper chicken

    • chicken breasts
      , thinned
      1/2~110 g / .5 lb
    • salt
      a sprinkle~1 g
    • black pepper
      , freshly ground
      as needed
    • olive oil
      as neededfor searing
  • Quick ranch

    • mayonnaise
      10 g2 parts
    • yogurt
      5 g1 part
    • dried dill
      a spoonful
    • garlic
      , minced
      1-2 cloves
  • Remaining sandwich components

    • potato bun
      1
    • bacon
      , cooked
      2 slices
    • lettuce
      , shredded
      a handful

Method

Step 1: Prep & season the chicken

Per sandwich, you’ll need about 1/2 a chicken breast. Thin out the chicken breast to an even, flat size by butterflying it with a knife (cutting it open like a book).

Season evenly with salt on all sides, then generously cover all sides with a thick, even crust of freshly ground pepper. Use as much as you dare.

Step 2: Sear the chicken

Preheat a pan or griddle over high heat. Once smoking, add enough olive oil to coat the cooking surface.

Add the pepper-crusted chicken to the pan, press it down to ensure even contact, then allow to undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a deeply crust.

Flip to the other side. Remove from the heat once the bottom has also developed a crust and the internal temperature of the breast reaches 155°F/68°C.

Step 3: Prep the ranch & sandwich components

Mix together the mayonnaise, yogurt, dill, and garlic until smooth. Taste and adjust, if needed.

Shred the lettuce and gather the remaining components like the bun and cooked bacon or any other toppings you want to use. Optionally toast your bread.

Step 4: Assemble & serve

Spread the ranch on both sides of the bun. Add a layer of shredded lettuce, followed by the slices of bacon. Top with the cooked piece of chicken, then close the sandwich and enjoy.

LET'S COOK!

FAQ

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