GRILLED CHICKEN SANDWICH

Grilled Chicken Sandwich image

Provided by Food Network

Time 1h55m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

3 to 5 pounds chicken thighs
8 fluid ounces lime juice
3 tablespoons granulated garlic
2 tablespoons oregano
4 tablespoons kosher salt
1 1/2 tablespoons black pepper
1 tablespoon chili powder
12 cups salad oil
1 (7-ounce) can chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
4 cloves garlic
4 teaspoons firmly packed brown sugar
Kosher salt
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cup prepared all-natural mayonnaise
12 cup sour cream
1 cup prepared all-natural mayonnaise
3 to 4 tablespoons store-bought or homemade pesto
Artisan soft buns
Chipotle Mayonnaise or Pesto Mayonnaise
Grilled chicken thighs
Washed, dried cilantro sprigs (1 bunch for about 8 sandwiches)

Steps:

For the marinade: Combine the lime juice, garlic, oregano, 4 tablespoons salt, 1 1/2 tablespoons pepper, chili powder, and oil in a large bowl. Add the chicken and marinate for 1 hour. Preheat the grill. Lift chicken out of the marinade and grill on both sides until nicely browned and cooked through, to 165 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer.
For the chipotle mayonnaise: In a food processor, puree the chiles to a smooth consistency. Set aside 3 tablespoons of the chipotle puree.
Clean the bowl of the food processor and add the garlic and brown sugar and pulse. Scrape down the sides of the work bowl and add 1/2 teaspoon salt, lemon juice, mayonnaise, sour cream and the reserved chipotle puree. Process to combine thoroughly. Store the mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.
For the pesto mayonnaise: Combine the mayonnaise and pesto. Store the mixture in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks in an airtight container.
To assemble: Spread the mayonnaise on the cut-side of the top and bottom halves of the buns. Top with Maximus Minimus Grilled Chicken thighs and cilantro (the more the better).