The Spicy Monterey from Quiznos features zesty Monterey Jack cheese, spicy jalapenos, savory grilled chicken, and fresh lettuce, all layered on a toasted artisan bread, delivering a bold and flavorful sandwich with a satisfying crunch.
Equipments
- Grill or griddle
- Bread toaster or oven
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese slicer/shredder
- Tongs
- Spoon or spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Serving tray or plate
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pickled jalapenos
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- 1 artisan sandwich loaf or 4 sandwich rolls
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
Monterey Jack cheese offers a mild, creamy flavor that balances the heat from the sliced pickled jalapenos, so ensure you use quality cheese for the best taste. Choosing fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breast is crucial for tenderness and even cooking when grilling with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to build a smoky, savory profile. Use crisp, shredded romaine lettuce for a refreshing crunch that complements the spicy and savory elements, while toasting artisan sandwich bread enhances texture and flavor with a satisfying crunch. Proper seasoning with salt and black pepper is essential to bring out the full depth of flavors in your sandwich. Your Spicy Monterey from Quiznos copycat menu will shine by carefully balancing these ingredients and cooking techniques for a bold, flavorful experience.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or griddle.
- Slice cheese with cheese slicer/shredder.
- Slice chicken breasts on cutting board with chef’s knife.
- In mixing bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Grill seasoned chicken until cooked through.
- Slice or shred grilled chicken.
- Slice artisan bread or rolls.
- Toast bread in bread toaster or oven.
- Layer toasted bread with Monterey Jack cheese.
- Add grilled chicken on top of cheese.
- Add sliced pickled jalapenos.
- Top with shredded romaine lettuce.
- Use tongs or spoon/spatula to assemble sandwich neatly.
- Place finished sandwiches on serving tray or plate.
Substitution
The Spicy Monterey from Quiznos copycat menu combines zesty Monterey Jack cheese, spicy jalapenos, grilled chicken, and crisp romaine lettuce on toasted artisan bread for a bold and flavorful experience. If boneless, skinless chicken breast is unavailable, turkey breast or firm tofu can be used as alternatives while maintaining protein content. When Monterey Jack cheese is hard to source, mild mozzarella or Colby cheese offer similar meltability and texture. For optimal spice control, adjust the amount of pickled jalapenos according to your heat preference or substitute with fresh jalapenos for more intense flavor. Using a grill pan or griddle instead of an outdoor grill can replicate the grilled chicken's smoky taste inside your kitchen.
Tips
Always ensure the grill or griddle reaches the proper temperature before cooking the seasoned chicken to lock in juiciness and flavor. Toast the artisan bread just enough to create a crunch without drying it out, preserving the sandwich's texture contrast. When slicing pickled jalapenos, consider your spice tolerance to adjust the quantity for a perfect heat level tailored to your taste. Use tongs or a spatula to layer ingredients carefully, preventing the sandwich from becoming messy and maintaining its bold, savory presentation.
Nutritions
The Spicy Monterey sandwich provides a rich source of protein from the grilled boneless chicken breast, supplying about 31 grams per 4-ounce serving, which supports muscle maintenance and overall health. Monterey Jack cheese contributes calcium and vitamin D, essential for bone strength, while the pickled jalapenos add capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and provide antioxidant benefits. The shredded romaine lettuce offers dietary fiber and vitamins A and K for immune support and blood clotting, respectively. Your choice of artisan bread adds carbohydrates for energy, making this sandwich a well-balanced meal with bold flavors and essential nutrients.
Storage
Store leftover Spicy Monterey sandwiches in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil to maintain freshness. Keep them refrigerated at or below 40degF (4degC) to prevent bacterial growth and preserve the quality of the grilled chicken and fresh lettuce. Before eating, reheat the sandwich in an oven or toaster oven to restore the crunch of the artisan bread and melt the Monterey Jack cheese for optimal flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
You can switch Monterey Jack cheese for pepper jack to increase the heat level and add more complexity to the spice profile. Instead of pickled jalapenos, try using fresh jalapeno slices or banana peppers for a different tang and crunch. Marinate the chicken in lime juice and cilantro before grilling to introduce a fresh citrusy flavor. Toasting the artisan bread with a light spread of garlic butter will enhance its aroma and add a subtle richness to your Spicy Monterey sandwich.
Allergies
The Spicy Monterey contains dairy from Monterey Jack cheese, which may trigger allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to milk products. The jalapenos and spices, such as smoked paprika and garlic powder, could also cause irritation or allergic responses in those with sensitivities to nightshades or certain spices. Your best course is to verify each ingredient if you have known food allergies to avoid adverse effects.
Why this recipe?
The Spicy Monterey menu from Quiznos restaurant captivates customers with its bold combination of smoky chipotle sauce, zesty jalapenos, and tender turkey breast layered on freshly toasted bread. Its perfect balance of heat and savory flavors satisfies those craving a flavorful, spicy sandwich experience. Making a copycat version lets you customize ingredient freshness and spice level, ensuring a fresh, personalized meal tailored to your taste. You'll enjoy recreating this crave-worthy sandwich at home with quality ingredients for a fraction of the price.