The Ultimate No-Bread Sandwich!
Ready to revolutionize your lunch game? Say goodbye to boring, carb-heavy bread and hello to the ultimate sandwich innovation! We’re using tender, juicy chicken thighs, pounded thin and pan-fried to golden perfection, as our ‘buns.’ This high-protein, low-carb creation is layered with savory salami, fresh spinach, and a creamy, zesty garlic aioli that ties everything together. It’s a flavor-packed, satisfying meal that proves you don’t need bread to build an incredible sandwich.
Ingredients
• For the Chicken ‘Buns’
• 2 pounds / 910 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• ¼ cup / 55 g coconut oil, or ¼ cup / 60 ml avocado oil
• For the Zesty Aioli Sauce
• ⅓ cup / 70 g mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¾ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• For the Sandwich Fillings
• ½ cup / 35 g fresh spinach
• 8 fresh basil leaves
• 4 ounces / 115 g salami, sliced
Instructions
1. Prepare the chicken. Place the chicken thighs on a sheet of parchment paper. If you don’t have 8 thighs, simply cut the larger ones in half. Using a meat mallet, pound the thighs to an even ¼-inch / 6 mm thickness.
2. Cook the chicken ‘buns’. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-low heat. Carefully add the pounded chicken thighs, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for about 10 minutes per side, until golden brown, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C.
3. Whip up the aioli. While the chicken is cooking, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, and black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble your sandwiches. Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to build! For each sandwich, take two pieces of chicken. Spread a generous layer of the aioli on one piece, then top with a quarter of the spinach, 2 basil leaves, and a quarter of the salami slices. Place the second piece of chicken on top and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
• Per sandwich, made with coconut oil and homemade mayonnaise
• Calories: 870
• Total Fat: 72.1 g
• Saturated Fat: 35.8 g
• Cholesterol: 243 mg
• Sodium: 1022 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Net Carbs: 2.2 g
• Protein: 52.3 g
• Macros: 75% Fat, 1% Carbs, 24% Protein
Pro Tips
• Pounding the chicken to an even thickness is crucial. This ensures every bite is tender and that the ‘buns’ cook evenly without any dry or undercooked spots.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. Give each thigh enough space to get a beautiful golden-brown sear. Cook in batches if your pan isn’t large enough.
• Get creative with your fillings! Try adding sliced avocado, crispy bacon, provolone cheese, or sliced red onion. The chicken ‘buns’ are a perfect canvas for your favorite sandwich .
• This recipe is fantastic for meal prep. Cook the chicken thighs and mix the aioli ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble your sandwiches in minutes for a quick and delicious lunch.
FAQ
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this recipe
A: Yes, you can definitely use chicken breast. Pound the breast to an even ¼-inch thickness to ensure it cooks through without drying out. Keep a close eye on it, as breast meat typically cooks faster than thighs. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C for perfectly cooked chicken ‘buns’.
Q: How should I store this low-carb sandwich for meal prep
A: For best results, store the cooked chicken ‘buns’ and the zesty garlic aioli in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Assemble your no-bread sandwich just before serving to keep the spinach crisp and prevent it from becoming soggy.
Q: Is this no-bread sandwich keto-friendly
A: Absolutely! With only 2.2 grams of net carbs per serving, this high-protein, high-fat sandwich is an excellent meal for anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb diet. It’s a satisfying way to enjoy sandwich flavors without the carbs from bread.
Q: What are some other filling ideas for this chicken bun sandwich
A: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Try adding other low-carb fillings like sliced avocado, crispy bacon, provolone cheese, tomato slices, or red onion. You can also swap the salami for other deli meats like prosciutto or turkey to customize your sandwich.
