Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a mouthwatering fusion of Vietnamese flavors and healthy eating! This incredible grilled chicken sandwich isn't just another boring diet meal - it's a culinary adventure that will make your taste buds dance while keeping your fitness goals on track. Imagine perfectly grilled, marinated chicken nestled between toasted buns, bursting with fresh vegetables and zesty pickled carrots - all without breaking your calorie bank!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 4 hamburger buns
- lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and pickled carrots
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the marinade for the chicken. In a medium bowl, combine the fish sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- While the chicken marinates, prepare the vegetables. Wash and slice the lettuce, tomato, and cucumber. If you have not already done so, prepare pickled carrots by slicing them thinly and soaking them in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt for at least 10 minutes.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the leftover marinade.
- Grill the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and have nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
- While the chicken is resting, lightly toast the hamburger buns on the grill for about 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown.
- To assemble the sandwiches, place a generous amount of lettuce on the bottom half of each bun. Top with slices of grilled chicken, followed by tomato, cucumber, and pickled carrots.
- Finally, place the top half of the bun on each sandwich. Serve immediately and enjoy your Vietnamese Grilled Chicken Sandwiches!
Tips
- Marinate Magic: For maximum flavor, let your chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) to allow the fish sauce, lime, garlic, and ginger to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe and perfectly cooked protein.
- Pickle Prep Shortcut: If you're short on time, you can use store-bought pickled carrots or quick-pickle them just 10 minutes before serving.
- Grill Pan Alternative: No outdoor grill? A cast-iron grill pan works wonderfully and gives similar beautiful char marks.
- Portion Control: To keep this Weight Watchers friendly, use lean chicken breast and measure your ingredients carefully.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Marinate the chicken and prep vegetables in advance for a quick, stress-free meal preparation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 85mg
