Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich

Name: Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 pieces Chicken breasts (boneless and skinless) (About 6 ounces each, patted dry); 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (For rubbing on the chicken); 1 cup Pimento cheese (Store-bought or homemade, ready to spread); 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (Room temperature for easy mixing); 2 tablespoons Honey (Room temperature or warmed slightly); 1 teaspoon Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (Finely chopped); 8 slices Sourdough bread (At room temperature); 2 tablespoons Butter (Softened for toasting the bread)

Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich with crispy fried chicken and honey pepper sauce

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Creamy, juicy, and delightfully sweet-spicy — the Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich checks all the boxes when you want a quick, comforting lunch or a crowd-pleasing dinner. Imagine tender Cajun-seasoned chicken layered with creamy pimento cheese, a drizzle of honey-chipotle mayo, and toasted sourdough that adds the perfect crunch. Fun fact: pimento cheese is sometimes called the “caviar of the South” for how loved and versatile it is at picnics and family gatherings.

This sandwich is special because it tastes sophisticated but comes together fast, making it a weekday winner or an easy weekend showstopper. It’s simple enough for weeknight cooks, affordable compared with takeout, and perfect for hungry kids and grownups alike. If you enjoy sweet-and-savory pairings, you might also like our baked brie with honey and nuts, which brings the same honey-forward charm to an appetizer. Get ready — this recipe will make you excited to cook.

What is Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich?

What’s in a name? The Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich sounds like a mouthful because it is — in the best way possible. Is it sweet? Check. Spicy? Check. Cheesy and comforting? Double check. Why call it that: honey for the sweet glaze in the mayo, pepper for the zip from chipotle and Cajun seasoning, pimento for that creamy Southern cheese, and chicken because, well, it’s the star.

Who named it? Probably someone hungry and in a good mood. Could the sandwich win someone’s affections? As the old line goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Try it and see how quickly plates (and hearts) empty. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to dinner request.

Why You’ll Love This

First, the main highlight: a balance of textures and flavors — juicy, well-seasoned chicken, rich pimento cheese that melts bite by bite, and a honey-chipotle mayo that ties sweet and smoky notes together. Each bite is creamy, crunchy, and satisfyingly savory.

Second, cost-saving benefits: making this at home uses pantry staples and saves significantly versus restaurant versions. Four chicken breasts stretch into multiple sandwiches, and store-bought pimento cheese or mayo keeps prep time and cost low.

Third, standout ingredients: smoky chipotle, a touch of honey, and bold Cajun seasoning make this sandwich memorable without needing dozens of ingredients. Toppings like pickles or arugula add brightness and contrast the richness. If you love hearty chicken dishes, you may also enjoy a pasta favorite on this site — buttery garlic chicken over fettuccine — for another comforting meal idea. Make this sandwich at home and you’ll have lunch solved for the week.

How to Make

Quick Overview

This sandwich is easy, flavorful, and satisfying. Preparation is straightforward: season and rest the chicken, whip up a quick honey-chipotle mayo, cook the chicken until juicy, toast sourdough with butter, and assemble with pimento cheese. The standout elements are the creamy pimento cheese and the sweet-smoky mayo that lift the whole sandwich.

Prep time: about 15–20 minutes (includes resting the chicken)
Cook time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: 30–35 minutes

Ingredients:

4 pieces of chicken breasts (boneless and skinless), about 6 ounces each, patted dry
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, for rubbing on the chicken
1 cup pimento cheese (store-bought or homemade), ready to spread
1/2 cup mayonnaise, room temperature for easy mixing
2 tablespoons honey, room temperature or warmed slightly
1 teaspoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
8 slices of sourdough bread, at room temperature
2 tablespoons butter, softened for toasting the bread

Directions:

Season the chicken: Rub the chicken breasts evenly with 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning. Let them rest on a plate for 15 minutes to let the flavors penetrate and to come closer to room temperature — this helps them cook more evenly.
Make the honey chipotle mayo: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 teaspoon finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce until smooth. Taste and adjust honey or chipotle to preference.
Cook the chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat and add a teaspoon of oil if needed. Cook the seasoned chicken breasts for about 6–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until they register 165°F in the thickest part and are nicely browned. Let rest 3–4 minutes before slicing to keep juices locked in.
Toast the bread: While the chicken cooks, spread softened butter on one side of each sourdough slice. Toast the bread in a skillet or toaster until golden brown and slightly crisp.
Assemble the sandwich: Spread about 2 tablespoons of pimento cheese on one slice of toasted sourdough. Add a cooked chicken breast (or sliced pieces), then drizzle or spread the honey-chipotle mayo on top. Cap with the second slice of sourdough.
Serve immediately: Cut the sandwiches in half if desired and serve with your favorite sides.

Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich

What to Serve With

Crispy oven fries or sweet potato fries for a classic pairing
A light cucumber and tomato salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness
Tangy dill pickles or bread-and-butter pickles for bright acidity
Coleslaw — either creamy or vinegar-based — adds crunch and coolness
Iced tea, lemonade, or a light lager to balance the sweet-spicy profile

Top Tips for Perfecting

Substitutions: Swap sourdough for ciabatta or brioche if you want a softer bun. Use Greek yogurt in place of some mayo for a tangier mayo.
Timing: Let chicken rest after cooking. It keeps juices inside and prevents dryness. If breasts are thick, flatten slightly or butterfly to ensure even cooking.
Flavor boosts: Add a squeeze of lime or a handful of arugula for peppery brightness. A smear of Dijon under the pimento cheese brings a subtle bite.
Avoid common mistakes: Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken — it steams instead of browns. Don’t skip resting the seasoned chicken; it helps the seasoning meld.
Make-ahead: Mix the honey-chipotle mayo a day ahead to deepen the flavor and store in the fridge.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftover prepared chicken and components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Assembled sandwiches are best eaten the same day, but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.

Freezing: Cooked, sliced chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months in freezer-safe bags. Avoid freezing assembled sandwiches because the bread texture will change.

Reheating: Reheat chicken gently in a skillet over low heat or in a 300°F oven until warmed through to prevent drying. Toast the bread briefly in a skillet or oven to refresh its crunch. If you have refrigerated assembled sandwiches, warm them in a skillet with a lid on low heat for a short time to melt the pimento cheese slightly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Boneless skinless thighs are juicier and more forgiving. Reduce cook time slightly and check for doneness; thighs should reach 165°F internal temperature.

Is there a vegetarian version of this sandwich?
Absolutely. Use grilled portobello mushrooms or thick slices of roasted eggplant, seasoned the same way, as a savory substitute for chicken.

Can I make the pimento cheese from scratch?
Yes. Homemade pimento cheese is simple: combine shredded cheddar, cream cheese, diced pimentos, a splash of mayo, salt, and a bit of cayenne. Adjust for creaminess.

How spicy is this sandwich?
Mild to medium. The Cajun seasoning brings warm spices, and the chipotle adds smokiness and heat. Reduce chipotle to 1/2 teaspoon for a gentler spice level.

Can I prepare components ahead for meal prep?
Yes. Make the honey-chipotle mayo and pimento cheese up to 3 days ahead. Cook and slice the chicken, then store separately; assemble when ready to eat.

Conclusion

This Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich is a fast, flavorful way to elevate a simple chicken dinner into something memorable. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights, impressive enough for casual guests, and customizable to suit your spice preferences. Give it a try, share it with friends, and savor the creamy, sweet, and smoky layers that make it special. For a taste comparison and to see how restaurants interpret this flavor, check out the Chick-fil-A version here: Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich at Chick-fil-A.