This Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Avocado Sandwich with Tahini Ranch is a bold, fresh, and flavorful recipe perfect for spring and summer. It features tender grilled chicken marinated in a zesty lemon-thyme honey mustard dressing, layered with creamy avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich, herb-packed tahini ranch. All of this is tucked between slices of grilled ciabatta bread, creating a sandwich that’s hearty, wholesome, and packed with texture. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a weekend barbecue or making a satisfying weekday lunch, this sandwich brings vibrant ingredients and big flavor to your plate.
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
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1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
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1 tablespoon honey
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3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
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3 tablespoons lemon juice
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2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
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1/2 cup mixed chopped herbs (such as basil, parsley, dill)
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1 shallot, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, grated
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Kosher salt, black pepper, and chili flakes, to taste
For the Sandwich:
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3/4 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders
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1 loaf ciabatta bread, halved lengthwise
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1 avocado, mashed
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1/4 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and sliced
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2 tablespoons chopped pepperoncini
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1 cup baby arugula
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1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
For the Tahini Ranch:
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1/4 cup tahini
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2 tablespoons lemon juice
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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2 teaspoons dried chives
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2 teaspoons dried parsley
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1 teaspoon dried dill
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/4–1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, to taste
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions
Make the Dressing:
In a glass jar or small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, chopped herbs, shallot, and grated garlic. Season with salt, black pepper, and chili flakes. Set half aside for dressing the sandwich.
Marinate the Chicken:
Toss the chicken tenders with half of the dressing in a large bowl. Let them marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the other components.
Grill the Chicken:
Heat your grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until charred and cooked through. Set aside.
Make the Tahini Ranch:
In a bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dried chives, parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Gradually whisk in 1/4 to 1/2 cup water until creamy and pourable. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Grill the Bread:
Brush the cut sides of the ciabatta with olive oil. Grill them cut-side down until lightly charred and crispy, about 3–5 minutes.
Assemble the Sandwich:
Spread tahini ranch on the bottom half of the grilled ciabatta. Layer with mashed avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, chopped pepperoncini, grilled chicken, and drizzle with the remaining honey mustard dressing. Top with baby arugula and shaved Parmesan. Drizzle extra tahini ranch if desired. Close with the top half of the bread and press gently.
Serve:
Cut into 4 to 6 pieces and serve immediately with extra tahini ranch on the side.
Nutrients
Servings: Makes approximately 6 sandwich portions.
Calories: Around 425 per serving (estimated, may vary based on ingredients used).
Protein: 25–35g per serving
Honey Mustard Chicken Avocado Sandwich with Tahini Ranch: A Flavorful Twist on Classic Sandwiches
When it comes to creating a sandwich that bursts with flavor and texture, few can rival the complexity of a Honey Mustard Chicken Avocado Sandwich with Tahini Ranch. This recipe combines the bold sweetness of honey mustard, the richness of grilled chicken, the creamy freshness of avocado, and the tanginess of a herbed tahini ranch dressing. With fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and a touch of smoky char from the grill, this sandwich becomes a perfect meal for any season, especially spring and summer. Let’s dive into the incredible taste experience this sandwich brings and why it’s the ideal addition to your meal rotation.
Grilled Chicken: The Heart of the Sandwich
The key component of any great sandwich is its protein, and this recipe shines with its grilled honey mustard chicken. The marinated chicken tenderloins are infused with a zesty dressing that contains Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and a blend of herbs like basil, parsley, and dill. This combination creates a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy base that complements the natural flavor of the chicken.
Grilling the chicken ensures that it maintains a juicy, tender texture while developing a smoky char. The grill imparts a unique flavor that cannot be replicated in a skillet, making the grilled chicken a standout feature in this sandwich. Furthermore, grilling locks in the natural juices, which ensures that each bite is both moist and flavorful.
The addition of shallots and grated garlic in the marinade elevates the chicken’s savory notes, while the mix of herbs brings freshness to every bite. As the chicken cooks, its exterior crisps up slightly while the interior remains tender and succulent, making it the perfect filling for this robust sandwich.
Avocado: Creamy Texture and Rich Flavor
Avocado is one of those ingredients that can take any dish to the next level, and in this sandwich, it provides a creamy and velvety contrast to the grilled chicken and the tangy dressing. Mashed avocado is spread generously on the sandwich, providing a rich and smooth layer that binds all the other ingredients together.
Not only does avocado add a luscious texture, but it also offers numerous health benefits. Avocados are a great source of healthy monounsaturated fats, which are known to promote heart health. They are also packed with fiber, potassium, and vitamins E, K, and C, making them a nutrient-dense addition to any meal. This makes the sandwich not only flavorful but also a wholesome choice for those looking to enjoy a nutrient-packed lunch or dinner.
Tahini Ranch: The Perfect Dressing to Tie it All Together
What sets this sandwich apart from others is the creamy, herbed tahini ranch dressing. This unique combination of tahini, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and dried herbs like chives, parsley, and dill creates a flavorful dressing that is both tangy and savory. The addition of garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper gives the dressing a bit of kick, which contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the honey mustard marinade on the chicken.
Tahini, which is made from sesame seeds, has a slightly nutty and earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients in this sandwich. It’s also an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. The tahini ranch dressing brings a layer of richness to the sandwich while also providing a delightful contrast to the freshness of the avocado and the sharpness of the honey mustard chicken.
The versatility of this tahini ranch dressing means that it can also be used as a dip or a topping for other dishes, making it a great addition to your culinary repertoire.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Pepperoncini: Adding Tang and Heat
While the main components of this sandwich are the grilled chicken, avocado, and tahini ranch dressing, it’s the addition of sun-dried tomatoes and pepperoncini that truly elevates the flavor profile. The sun-dried tomatoes, which are packed with umami flavor, add a chewy texture and a burst of tanginess to each bite. Their slightly sweet and savory flavor balances the richness of the avocado and tahini ranch dressing, creating a harmonious taste experience.
Pepperoncini, on the other hand, adds a touch of heat and sharpness to the sandwich. These mild, tangy peppers bring a light spiciness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the honey mustard chicken and the creaminess of the avocado. They also add a pop of color, making the sandwich visually appealing.
Together, the sun-dried tomatoes and pepperoncini contribute layers of flavor that make every bite of this sandwich a satisfying and complex experience.
Ciabatta Bread: The Perfect Base
The bread you choose for any sandwich plays a crucial role in the overall texture and flavor. For this Honey Mustard Chicken Avocado Sandwich with Tahini Ranch, ciabatta is the ideal choice. Known for its airy, open crumb and crisp, golden crust, ciabatta bread holds up well to the hearty filling while providing the perfect balance of crunch and softness.
Grilling the ciabatta bread before assembling the sandwich adds another layer of flavor. The grill marks not only give the bread a slightly smoky flavor but also help to make the bread crisp, ensuring that it holds together well with the ingredients inside. The crispy exterior also provides a satisfying crunch that complements the tender grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and tangy tahini ranch.
Health Benefits of This Sandwich
Aside from being delicious, this sandwich is packed with health benefits thanks to its combination of lean protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables. The grilled chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function. The avocado provides heart-healthy fats and essential nutrients, while the tahini ranch dressing adds beneficial fats from sesame seeds.
The sandwich also includes fresh herbs, which are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients. Herbs like basil, parsley, and dill offer anti-inflammatory properties, promote digestion, and boost immunity. Together, these ingredients make the Honey Mustard Chicken Avocado Sandwich with Tahini Ranch not only a tasty option but also a wholesome and nutritious meal.
Making It Your Own
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. While the combination of ingredients in this version is fantastic, you can easily customize the sandwich to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs. For example, you can swap the chicken for grilled turkey or even a plant-based protein like tempeh or tofu for a vegetarian option. The tahini ranch dressing can also be made with variations in the herbs and spices, depending on what you have available in your pantry.
If you prefer a spicier sandwich, you can add more cayenne pepper to the tahini ranch or even throw in a few slices of jalapeño peppers. For those who love a bit of extra crunch, you can add thinly sliced cucumbers or pickled onions to the sandwich. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe a great base for experimentation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Honey Mustard Chicken Avocado Sandwich with Tahini Ranch is a standout dish that combines bold flavors, healthy ingredients, and satisfying textures. The grilled chicken, creamy avocado, herbed tahini ranch dressing, and fresh vegetables create a delicious and well-rounded meal that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re craving something hearty and wholesome or you’re looking for a refreshing, lighter option, this sandwich is sure to impress.
Not only does it deliver on flavor, but it also provides nutritional benefits that make it a smart choice for anyone looking to enjoy a wholesome, satisfying meal. Its versatility allows you to adapt it to your tastes, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, weekend barbecues, or meal prep. With its balance of sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy flavors, this sandwich is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.