The Sierra Chicken Sandwich from Taco John's features a juicy, crispy chicken breast topped with melted pepper jack cheese, zesty salsa, fresh lettuce, and creamy chipotle sauce, all nestled in a toasted bun for a flavorful and satisfying bite.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Tongs
- Cheese slicer
- Grill or toaster (for buns)
- Spatula
- Sauce squeeze bottle or ladle
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Prep table or station
- Food safe gloves
- Sandwich wrap or serving tray
Ingredients
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 slices pepper jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup zesty salsa
- 2 tablespoons chipotle sauce
- 1 toasted hamburger bun
When preparing your chicken breast for the Sierra Chicken Sandwich, marinate it in buttermilk to ensure tenderness and moisture. Use a seasoned flour mixture with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to achieve that signature crispy and flavorful coating. Make sure your vegetable oil is heated to the right temperature to fry the chicken evenly without absorbing excess oil. Freshness in shredded lettuce and zesty salsa is key to balancing the rich chipotle sauce and melted pepper jack cheese. Your homemade Sierra Chicken Sandwich from Taco John's copycat menu will deliver the same satisfying taste with a crispy, juicy bite in every sandwich.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Marinate chicken breast in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Dredge marinated chicken breast in seasoned flour mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken breast until golden brown and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes).
- Remove chicken breast with tongs and drain on paper towels.
- Place chicken breast on bottom half of toasted bun.
- Top chicken with pepper jack cheese slices.
- Add shredded lettuce on top of cheese.
- Spoon zesty salsa over lettuce.
- Drizzle chipotle sauce on top.
- Place top bun over assembled sandwich.
- Wrap sandwich or place on serving tray to serve.
Substitution
The Sierra Chicken Sandwich from Taco John's copycat menu captures the signature flavors with a crispy buttermilk-fried chicken breast layered with melted pepper jack cheese, zesty salsa, fresh shredded lettuce, and creamy chipotle sauce on a toasted bun. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to achieve a similar tangy tenderness. If a deep fryer is unavailable, frying the chicken breast in a heavy skillet with enough oil to submerge half the chicken can yield a crispy crust. For a milder version, swap the chipotle sauce with a regular mayonnaise or a milder aioli to reduce spiciness. Your sandwich remains delicious even if you switch out pepper jack cheese for a similar melting cheese like Monterey Jack or Colby.
Tips
Make sure to marinate your chicken breast in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to ensure it stays juicy and tender when fried. Maintain the oil temperature at 350degF (175degC) for even cooking and a crispy texture without absorbing excess oil. Use food-safe gloves when handling raw chicken and keep your prep station clean to avoid cross-contamination. Remember to toast your bun properly to add extra crunch and prevent it from becoming soggy under the salsa and chipotle sauce.
Nutritions
The Sierra Chicken Sandwich provides a rich source of protein from the juicy chicken breast, essential for muscle repair and growth. Pepper jack cheese contributes calcium and vitamin D, supporting bone health, while the zesty salsa and chipotle sauce offer antioxidants and vitamins from fresh ingredients like tomatoes and peppers. Your meal also includes dietary fiber from the fresh lettuce, aiding digestion, but the sandwich's deep-frying process adds calories and fat, so moderation is key. This combination delivers a flavorful yet balanced option when enjoyed as part of a varied diet.
Storage
To store your Sierra Chicken Sandwich properly, wrap it tightly in sandwich wrap or place it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Keep the sandwich refrigerated at 40degF (4degC) or below and consume within 24 hours for optimal taste and safety. Avoid freezing, as it can cause the bread to become soggy and the crispy chicken to lose its texture.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap the buttermilk marinade for a spicy buttermilk blend by adding hot sauce or cayenne pepper for extra heat. Instead of deep-frying, grill the chicken breast for a smokier flavor and lighter texture. Pepper jack cheese can be replaced with Monterey Jack or cheddar for a milder or sharper taste respectively. Fresh avocado slices or pickled jalapenos make great toppings to enhance creaminess or add tangy heat.
Allergies
The Sierra Chicken Sandwich contains common allergens such as dairy in the pepper jack cheese and buttermilk, as well as wheat from the all-purpose flour and hamburger bun. The chipotle sauce or salsa may also contain additional allergens or spices that could affect sensitive individuals. Be sure to check all sauce ingredients and communicate your allergies to restaurant staff before ordering to keep your meal safe.
Why this recipe?
The Sierra Chicken Sandwich from Taco John's is favored for its bold blend of smoky chipotle sauce, crispy chicken fillet, and fresh lettuce, offering a satisfying balance of flavor and texture. Its distinctive spicy kick paired with a soft, toasted bun creates a crave-worthy experience that appeals to both spice lovers and comfort food seekers. Making a copycat version allows you to customize ingredients to your taste while enjoying a popular fast-food favorite at home. Recreating this sandwich is worth the effort because it captures the essence of Taco John's signature item, delivering convenience and authentic taste without the wait.