Best 2 Cuban Chicken Sandwich Recipes

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Cuban cuisine with our collection of delectable Cuban chicken sandwich recipes. From classic preparations to innovative twists, our recipes cater to every palate. Embark on a culinary journey to savor the vibrant and harmonious blend of sweet and savory, tangy and refreshing. Discover the secrets of traditional Cuban sandwiches, featuring tender and flavorful chicken, succulent pork, and an array of enticing toppings. Explore variations that incorporate unique ingredients and cooking techniques, sure to surprise and delight your taste buds. Whether you prefer a traditional or contemporary approach, our recipes will guide you in crafting an unforgettable Cuban chicken sandwich experience.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CHEF JOHN'S CUBAN SANDWICH

Chef John's Cuban Sandwich image

Here's how I build a Cuban, or Cubano, sandwich. I like to use pulled pork. Carnitas would work too. These ingredients and amounts are open to your own personal preferences, but here's the general idea.

Provided by Chef John

Categories World Cuisine Recipes Latin American Caribbean

Time 21m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup mustard
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 (8 ounce) loaf Cuban bread
8 slices Swiss cheese
6 thin slices smoked fully-cooked ham
1 ½ cups cooked pulled pork, heated
1 large dill pickle, sliced thinly lengthwise
2 tablespoons butter, or as needed

Steps:

Mix mayonnaise, mustard, and cayenne together in a bowl to make the sauce.
Trim off ends of bread. Cut loaf in half and evenly split bread to make tops and bottoms of 2 sandwiches. Spread each half on both sides generously with the mayo/mustard sauce.
Divide sandwich ingredients between the two bottom halves in this order: 2 slices Swiss cheese, 3 slices ham, hot cooked pork, pickle slices, and 2 more slices of Swiss cheese. Place tops on sandwiches.
Melt butter in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Place sandwiches in skillet and press down with a heavy weight (such as another skillet or foil-wrapped bricks). Toast sandwiches until bread is crisp and filling is heated through, 3 or 4 minutes per side.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1473.1 calories, Carbohydrate 85.4 g, Cholesterol 287.1 mg, Fat 85.2 g, Fiber 5.3 g, Protein 88.2 g, SaturatedFat 37.3 g, Sodium 4076.6 mg, Sugar 4.2 g

THE ULTIMATE CUBAN SANDWICH

The Ultimate Cuban Sandwich image

Provided by Tyler Florence

Categories main-dish

Time 1h24m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

Ingredients

1 pound boneless pork shoulder
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, peeled and gently smashed with the side of your knife
1/4 teaspoon dried red chili flakes
1 medium onion, sliced
1 cup fresh orange juice
1 lime, juiced
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 bay leaves
1 long Cuban bread roll
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
8 thin slices Swiss cheese
1 cup bread and butter pickles
8 thin slices deli ham
Olive oil
You can do this in a regular Dutch oven, but for convenience and time use a pressure cooker as follows:

Steps:

Begin by braising the pork shoulder. Tie the shoulder in 4 places with kitchen twine so it will hold its shape while being cooked or ask your butcher to do this for you. Season the pork with salt, pepper, cumin and oregano. Set the base of a pressure cooker over low-medium heat and add a 2 count of olive oil.
Add garlic and chili flakes and as the oil heats up it will become fragrant and infuse the oil. Add the pork. Add onions around the pork and brown slightly before adding orange juice, lime juice, stock and bay leaves.
Secure the lid of the pressure cooker and cook for 20 to 25 minutes depending on the size of your pressure cooker. The pork should be tender when done. When done allow to cool in juices before removing twine and slicing.
To prepare Cuban sandwiches, split bread in half then layer the sandwich with mustard, cheese, pickles, ham, pork then cheese again (the cheese glues everything together). Season with salt and pepper in between the ham and pork layers. (Optional: drizzle a little of the pork braising liquid over the meat as well).
To cook, heat a large cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium heat and lightly coat with olive oil. Place the sandwiches on the skillet and top with another heavy skillet and a couple of heavy weights (bricks, or cans of tomatoes work well). Press down firmly and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side until the sandwich has compressed to about a third of its original size and the bread is super-crispy. Serve with beans, rice and plantain chips.

Tips for Making the Best Cuban Chicken Sandwich:

Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the sandwich will be. Look for fresh, flavorful chicken, a good quality Cuban bread, and fresh vegetables.
Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken helps to tenderize it and infuse it with flavor. Be sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
Cook the chicken properly: The chicken should be cooked until it is cooked through but still juicy. Do not overcook the chicken, or it will become dry and tough.
Use a good quality Cuban bread: Cuban bread is a key component of a Cuban chicken sandwich. Look for a bread that is crusty on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside.
Pile on the toppings: A Cuban chicken sandwich is all about the toppings. Don't be afraid to pile on the mojo sauce, pickles, onions, and Swiss cheese.

Conclusion:

The Cuban chicken sandwich is a delicious and flavorful sandwich that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. With its crispy chicken, tangy mojo sauce, and fresh vegetables, the Cuban chicken sandwich is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you're looking for a new sandwich to try, give the Cuban chicken sandwich a try. You won't be disappointed!