The Best Rotisserie Chicken Sandwich



This rotisserie chicken sandwich is flavored with a dressing inspired by muhammara—a Middle Eastern sauce made from roasted red peppers, breadcrumbs, walnuts and spices. We gave it our own spin by using almonds in the mixture. Cashews can also be used for a creamier result. The leftover sauce can be used as a condiment for just about anything, or as a dip for bread or veggies.

Active Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
10 mins
Servings:
4
Nutrition Profile:
Dairy-Free High-Protein Sesame-Free
JUMP TO NUTRITION FACTS

Nutrition Notes
Is Rotisserie Chicken Healthy?
Rotisserie chicken can be a healthy shortcut to dinner and is a great source of protein. If you're watching your saturated fat intake, you may want to opt for mostly white meat, since it has about a third of the amount of saturated fat as dark meat does. The same goes for limiting the skin. Whether on the white or dark meat, the skin adds about 1.5 extra grams of saturated fat (for an extra 6 grams of total fat) per cup of diced chicken meat.

Some rotisserie chickens have also been brined or injected with a saline solution to add flavor and make sure they stay juicy while cooking (of note, the saline solution might also include other ingredients, including sweeteners and thickeners). This is great taste-wise, but if you're watching your sodium intake, it can really add to your daily quota. Then there are the seasonings the chicken may be coated with, which can add even more sodium to the list. Unfortunately, not all rotisserie chickens have a nutrition label. If this is the case, ask the deli manager how their chickens are cooked, including any added ingredients. If you want to skip the rotisserie chicken altogether, try our Best Poached Chicken in this recipe instead.



What Are Some Other Ways to Use the Muhammara?
Use muhammara as a dip for raw vegetables, bread or pita chips. Add it to meal-prep bowls, spread it on sandwiches or spoon it over grilled chicken, grilled fish or grilled vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Store-Bought Muhammara?
Yes, you can. Please note that it will alter the nutritional profile of the recipe.

Tips from the Test Kitchen


What Is the Best Way to Shred Chicken?
To shred a rotisserie chicken, remove and discard the skin. Carefully separate the meat from the bones and discard any cartilage. Pull the chicken apart with your hands or two forks until shredded.

Can I Make This Rotisserie Chicken Sandwich Nut-Free?
Yes, you can swap in sunflower seeds for the nuts.

What Are Some Other Ways to Use the Muhammara?
Use muhammara as a dip for raw vegetables, bread or pita chips. Add it to meal-prep bowls, spread it on sandwiches or spoon it over grilled chicken, grilled fish or grilled vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Store-Bought Muhammara?
Yes, you can. Please note that it will alter the nutritional profile of the recipe.

Tips from the Test Kitchen

Tips from the Test Kitchen
What Is the Best Way to Shred Chicken?
To shred a rotisserie chicken, remove and discard the skin. Carefully separate the meat from the bones and discard any cartilage. Pull the chicken apart with your hands or two forks until shredded.

Can I Make This Rotisserie Chicken Sandwich Nut-Free?
Yes, you can swap in sunflower seeds for the nuts.

What Is Little Gem Lettuce and What Can I Use Instead?
Little Gem lettuce is a cross between romaine and butter lettuce, with tender green leaves and a mild, sweet flavor. If you can't find Little Gem lettuce, you can use romaine lettuce hearts instead.

What Are Some Other Ways to Use the Muhammara?
Use muhammara as a dip for raw vegetables, bread or pita chips. Add it to meal-prep bowls, spread it on sandwiches or spoon it over grilled chicken, grilled fish or grilled vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Store-Bought Muhammara?
Yes, you can. Please note that it will alter the nutritional profile of the recipe.

What Are Some Other Ways to Use the Muhammara?
Use muhammara as a dip for raw vegetables, bread or pita chips. Add it to meal-prep bowls, spread it on sandwiches or spoon it over grilled chicken, grilled fish or grilled vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Store-Bought Muhammara?
Yes, you can. Please note that it will alter the nutritional profile of the recipe.

Tips from the Test Kitchens 

Some rotisserie chickens have also been brined or injected with a saline solution to add flavor and make sure they stay juicy while cooking (of note, the saline solution might also include other ingredients, including sweeteners and thickeners). This is great taste-wise, but if you're watching your sodium intake, it can really add to your daily quota. Then there are the seasonings the chicken may be coated with, which can add even more sodium to the list. Unfortunately, not all rotisserie chickens have a nutrition label. If this is the case, ask the deli manager how their chickens are cooked, including any added ingredients. If you want to skip the rotisserie chicken altogether, try our Best Poached Chicken in this recipe instead.



Ingredients
1 (12-ounce) jar marinated roasted red peppers, drained

⅔ cup unsalted roasted almonds or cashews

¼ cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 ½ teaspoons balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon honey

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon ground coriander

¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper

¼ cup mayonnaise

12 ounces shredded rotisserie chicken (about 3 cups)

1 cup loosely packed Little Gem lettuce leaves

8 slices whole-grain bread, toasted if desired

What Is Little Gem Lettuce and What Can I Use Instead?
Little Gem lettuce is a cross between romaine and butter lettuce, with tender green leaves and a mild, sweet flavor. If you can't find Little Gem lettuce, you can use romaine lettuce hearts instead.

What Are Some Other Ways to Use the Muhammara?
Use muhammara as a dip for raw vegetables, bread or pita chips. Add it to meal-prep bowls, spread it on sandwiches or spoon it over grilled chicken, grilled fish or grilled vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Store-Bought Muhammara?
Yes, you can. Please note that it will alter the nutritional profile of the recipe.

Tips from the Test Kitchen

Directions
Place roasted red peppers, almonds (or cashews), panko, oil, lemon juice, vinegar, honey, salt, cumin, coriander and crushed red pepper in a mini food processor. Process until smooth and creamy (it's OK if some lumps remain), 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer 1/2 cup of the mixture to a medium bowl; add mayonnaise and stir until combined. (Reserve the remaining red pepper mixture for another use.)Add chicken to the bowl with the dressing; fold together until fully coated. Arrange lettuce leaves on 4 bread slices. Top with the chicken mixture (about 3/4 cup each). Top with the remaining bread slices. Slice the sandwiches in half before serving, if desired.
Add chicken to the bowl with the dressing; fold together until fully coated. Arrange lettuce leaves on 4 bread slices. Top with the chicken mixture (about 3/4 cup each). Top with the remaining bread slices. Slice the sandwiches in half before serving, if desired.

Tips
To make ahead

Refrigerate muhammara and dressing (Step 1) separately airtight for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts
(per serving)
453
Calories
22g
Fat
31g
Carbs
33g
Protein

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