Cowboy Club Sandwich
Unleash your inner cowboy with this robust and incredibly satisfying club sandwich. It's a symphony of smoky bacon, tender chicken, creamy avocado, and zesty BBQ mayonnaise, all nestled between slices of perfectly toasted sourdough. This isn't just a sandwich; it's a hearty meal that packs a punch with every bite, making it an ideal choice for a substantial lunch or a casual dinner.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Servings
2 generous servings
Keywords
Cowboy Club SandwichChicken ClubSourdough SandwichBBQ Bacon SandwichHearty SandwichAvocado ClubGourmet SandwichLunch RecipeDinner SandwichEasy Club Sandwich
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Unforgettable Flavor Fusion: Combines smoky bacon, savory chicken, and a tangy BBQ mayo for an explosion of taste.
- Textural Masterpiece: Offers a delightful contrast between crispy bacon, creamy avocado, crunchy lettuce, and toasted sourdough.
- Satisfyingly Hearty: This is a substantial meal, perfect for a filling lunch or a quick, satisfying dinner.
- Easy to Customize: Simple to adapt with your favorite cheese, bread, or even a different protein.
- Crowd-Pleasing Classic: A beloved sandwich elevated with bold, 'cowboy' inspired ingredients.
Ingredients
- 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
- 30 mL (2 tablespoons) BBQ sauce
- 30 mL (2 tablespoons) mayonnaise
- 4 slices of hearty sourdough bread
- 113 grams (4 ounces) cooked chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled and sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 4 leaves of romaine lettuce
- 15 grams (1 tablespoon) butter
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Arrange the thick-cut bacon slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, ensuring they have enough space for even cooking. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon reaches your preferred level of crispness and a rich, golden-brown hue. Once cooked, carefully remove the bacon from the oven and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess fat, which will keep it perfectly crisp.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the BBQ sauce and mayonnaise. Whisk them together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth, uniformly blended, and showcases a vibrant, tangy, and creamy texture. This will be your signature spread for the sandwich.
- Prepare your sourdough bread slices by lightly spreading softened butter on one side of each slice. This butter not only adds a rich flavor but also aids in achieving a beautifully golden, crispy crust when toasted.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once the pan is sufficiently warm, place two of the buttered sourdough bread slices, buttered-side down, into the skillet. Immediately top each of these slices with a single slice of cheddar cheese, allowing it to begin melting gently from the heat.
- Onto these two cheese-topped bread slices, carefully arrange the thinly sliced cooked chicken breast. Distribute the chicken evenly, ensuring it warms through as the cheese melts beneath it, adding another layer of flavor and warmth.
- Take the remaining two slices of sourdough bread and generously spread the prepared BBQ mayonnaise mixture over one side of each slice. This will be the interior facing side, adding a burst of flavor.
- Begin the meticulous layering process on the chicken-covered bread. First, evenly distribute the fresh avocado slices, followed by the vibrant, ripe tomato slices. Next, artfully crumble or layer the crispy bacon over the tomatoes, and finally, place the crisp romaine lettuce leaves, adding a refreshing crunch.
- Season the fully layered components generously with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust the seasoning according to your personal preference, as these will enhance all the vibrant flavors within the sandwich.
- Carefully place the remaining two bread slices, with the BBQ mayonnaise spread facing down onto the layered ingredients, and the buttered side facing upwards. Press down gently to compact the sandwich, preparing it for its final toasting.
- With utmost care and using a wide, sturdy spatula, flip the entire sandwich to grill the second side. Continue toasting until the bread is beautifully golden brown, perfectly crisp, and the cheese within is fully melted and gooey. This ensures a hot, cohesive, and deeply satisfying sandwich.
- Once both sides are toasted to perfection, remove the sandwich from the skillet. Using a sharp, serrated knife, carefully slice the substantial sandwich diagonally from corner to corner. This classic cut makes it easier to handle and showcases all the delicious layers. Serve immediately while warm to fully appreciate the melted cheese and crispy bacon.
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheet
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Large skillet or griddle
- Spatula (preferably wide)
- Sharp serrated knife
- Cutting board
- Paper towels
Essential Success Tips
- Achieve Ultimate Bacon Crispness: For perfectly crispy bacon without burning, bake it low and slow. Draining on paper towels is crucial to prevent sogginess.
- Perfectly Toasted Sourdough: Don't rush the toasting. Medium heat ensures the bread gets golden and crunchy without burning, and allows the cheese to melt properly.
- Ripe Avocado is Key: Ensure your avocado is ripe but firm enough to slice easily. A perfectly ripe avocado adds creaminess without making the sandwich mushy.
- Layering for Stability: Build your sandwich carefully. Placing the cheese on the hot bread first helps create a 'glue' that holds the chicken and subsequent layers in place.
- Don't Overfill: While it's tempting to add more, stick to the suggested amounts to ensure the sandwich is manageable to eat and doesn't fall apart.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- The Buttered Crust Advantage: Buttering the outside of the sourdough not only adds flavor but creates a superior, evenly golden, and shatteringly crisp crust that elevates the entire sandwich experience.
- Strategic Seasoning: Seasoning the interior layers (especially tomatoes and avocado) with a touch of salt and pepper before adding the top bread enhances the individual flavors and prevents a bland bite in the middle.
- The Cheese Melt Barrier: Placing cheese directly on the hot bread helps create a protective, flavorful barrier that keeps the bread from getting soggy from the juicy fillings, while also warming other ingredients.
Notes
- Storage: This sandwich is best enjoyed immediately after preparation to savor its crisp texture and warm components. Leftovers can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 1 day, though the bread may soften.
- Variation: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of chili powder to your BBQ mayonnaise mixture or a few slices of pickled jalapeños.
- Toasted Bread Alternative: If you prefer not to use a skillet, you can toast the buttered bread in a toaster oven or under the broiler until golden, then assemble the sandwich.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of bread for the Cowboy Club Sandwich?
Absolutely! While sourdough offers a fantastic tang and sturdy texture, you can also use ciabatta, country white bread, or a hearty whole wheat bread. Just ensure it's robust enough to hold all the delicious fillings.
What if I don't have cooked chicken breast on hand?
No problem! You can quickly pan-fry or grill a chicken breast seasoned with salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika. Alternatively, leftover roasted chicken or a good quality rotisserie chicken works wonderfully.
How can I make this sandwich vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and chicken. You can substitute with grilled halloumi cheese, smoked tofu slices, or a portobello mushroom cap for a hearty, savory alternative.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: Approximately 650-700, Protein: 40-45g, Fat: 45-50g, Carbs: 35-40g (Estimates based on typical ingredient quantities).
Allergy Information
Contains dairy (cheese, butter), gluten (sourdough bread), and egg (mayonnaise). For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread. For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cheese and butter alternatives.
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