Grilled Chicken and Cheddar from Potbelly features tender grilled chicken breast layered with melted sharp cheddar cheese, crisp lettuce, and ripe tomato, all nestled in a toasted, soft sandwich roll for a savory and satisfying meal.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese slicer or knife
- Toaster oven or sandwich press
- Spatula or tongs
- Bread knife
Ingredients
- 2 grilled chicken breasts
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 sandwich rolls
- 4 leaves romaine lettuce
- 1 large ripe tomato
- Salt
- Black pepper
Ensure the grilled chicken breasts are cooked to a juicy tenderness to complement the sharp cheddar's rich flavor. Use fresh, crisp romaine leaves and ripe tomatoes for optimal texture and taste in your sandwich. Lightly toasting the sandwich rolls enhances the sandwich's overall flavor and prevents sogginess. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper to bring out natural flavors without overpowering the ingredients. Your homemade version of Grilled Chicken and Cheddar from Potbelly can match the original's savory satisfaction by focusing on quality ingredients and proper preparation techniques.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or grill pan.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
- Grill chicken breasts until cooked through.
- Let chicken rest, then slice.
- Slice cheddar cheese if needed.
- Slice tomato into rounds.
- Slice sandwich rolls in half with bread knife.
- Layer grilled chicken on bottom half of each roll.
- Top each with 2 slices cheddar cheese.
- Place open sandwiches in toaster oven or sandwich press; toast until cheese is melted.
- Remove sandwiches; add lettuce leaves and tomato slices.
- Cover with top halves of rolls.
- Slice sandwiches as desired and serve.
Substitution
Grilled Chicken and Cheddar from Potbelly copycat menu delivers a delicious combination of juicy grilled chicken breast and sharp cheddar cheese on a toasted roll with fresh lettuce and tomato. If sharp cheddar is unavailable, you can substitute with a milder cheddar or a gouda for a creamy texture that complements the chicken. When fresh tomato isn't on hand, opt for sun-dried tomatoes to add a concentrated, tangy flavor to your sandwich. Using a grill or grill pan ensures the chicken stays juicy while achieving those appealing char marks, but if you only have a skillet, searing the chicken and finishing in the oven will work well. Your sandwich roll can be toasted in a toaster oven or pressed in a sandwich press to get that perfect golden crust and maintain the softness inside.
Tips
Ensure your grill or grill pan is properly preheated to achieve perfect sear marks on the chicken breasts, which helps lock in juices and flavor. Rest grilled chicken for at least 5 minutes before slicing to maintain tenderness and prevent moisture loss. Use sharp knives for evenly slicing the tomato and sandwich rolls to keep your layers neat and consistent. When toasting the assembled sandwiches, monitor closely to avoid burning the bread while melting sharp cheddar cheese to gooey perfection.
Nutritions
Grilled Chicken and Cheddar from Potbelly provides a balanced combination of protein, calcium, and fiber essential for a nutritious meal. The grilled chicken breast offers lean protein crucial for muscle repair and satiety, while sharp cheddar cheese contributes calcium and vitamin D to support bone health. Fresh romaine lettuce and ripe tomato add dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants that promote immune function and digestion. Your meal's toasted soft sandwich roll provides carbohydrates for energy, making this sandwich a well-rounded choice for sustaining your daily nutritional needs.
Storage
Store leftover grilled chicken and cheddar sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Keep the lettuce and tomato separate in a sealed container if you plan to store the ingredients before assembling to preserve their crispness. For reheating, use a toaster oven or sandwich press to gently warm the sandwich without overcooking the vegetables, ensuring your meal tastes as satisfying as when freshly made.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap the sharp cheddar for pepper jack or smoked gouda to introduce a different flavor profile. Instead of grilling the chicken, try pan-searing it with a sprinkle of smoked paprika to enhance the smoky taste. For extra texture, toast the sandwich rolls before assembly, and consider adding a spread like garlic aioli or honey mustard for added moisture and tang. Using a sandwich press helps melt the cheese evenly, but a toaster oven can achieve similar results if you press down lightly with a spatula during toasting.
Allergies
Grilled Chicken and Cheddar from Potbelly contains common allergens such as dairy from the sharp cheddar cheese and gluten from the sandwich rolls. Individuals with lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity should take caution when consuming this meal. Make sure to inform the staff or check ingredient labels if you have specific food allergies to ensure your safety.
Why this recipe?
Potbelly's Grilled Chicken and Cheddar menu offers a flavorful combination of tender grilled chicken paired with sharp cheddar cheese, delivering a satisfying and protein-rich meal. The sandwich features freshly baked bread and crisp vegetables, enhancing both texture and taste for a balanced bite. You'll appreciate the harmony of savory and creamy elements that make this menu item a favorite among Potbelly customers. Trying a copycat recipe allows you to recreate this popular taste experience at home, saving money while customizing ingredients to your preference.