When you're looking for something fresh, exciting, and packed with bold flavors, these Southwest Cilantro Lime Mango Grilled Chicken Sandwiches are a must-try!

I whipped this recipe together on a whim with ingredients I already had on hand, and it turned out to be such a hit that my husband insisted I share it with the world. Southwestern cuisine is my specialty, and this sandwich combines all the vibrant flavors we love in the region.

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, here's everything we'll need to get these delicious sandwiches started. This recipe serves 8 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.

Marinade:

• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro

• 2 tablespoons finely grated fresh lime zest

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ¼ jalapeño chile pepper, seeded and minced

• 1 ½ teaspoons salt

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon chipotle chile powder

• 1 pound chicken meat tenderloins or strips

Salsa:

• 1 small sweet onion, finely chopped

• 1 medium tomato, chopped

• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro

• ½ jalapeño chile pepper, seeded and minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon sea salt

• ⅛ teaspoon chipotle chile powder

Grilled Vegetables:

• 1 sweet onion cut into 1/2-inch slices

• 1 red bell pepper, quartered

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ teaspoon minced garlic

• ¼ teaspoon salt

Lime Mayonnaise:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Other Ingredients:

• 16 thick slices of French bread

• 2 mangos, peeled, seeded, and sliced

• 8 slices of Monterey Jack cheese

Marinating the Chicken

Let's get started by preparing the chicken! In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup cilantro, lime zest, olive oil, jalapeño, salt, minced garlic, onion powder, black pepper, and chipotle chile powder. Mix everything together until well combined. Then, transfer this marinade into a large resealable plastic bag. Add the chicken tenders, making sure they're fully coated with the marinade. Seal the bag, press out any excess air, and place it in the fridge for about 1 hour to marinate. This is where the flavors really start to come together!

Making the Salsa

While the chicken marinates, let's prepare the salsa! In a bowl, combine chopped onion, tomato, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, minced garlic, black pepper, sea salt, and chipotle chile powder. Stir everything together, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it until it's chilled and ready to use. This salsa will add a fresh and tangy kick to our sandwiches!

Preparing the Grilled Vegetables

Next, we'll prepare the grilled vegetables. Slice the onion into ½-inch thick slices and cut the bell pepper into quarters. Toss the onions and peppers in a bowl with olive oil, minced garlic, and salt, ensuring they're evenly coated. Set them aside while we get the grill ready.

Whipping Up Lime Mayonnaise

Now, let's prepare the lime mayonnaise to spread on our sandwich bread. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and fresh lime juice until smooth and well blended. Cover it and place it in the fridge to chill while we finish up the rest.

Grilling the Chicken and Veggies

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill grate to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink inside and the juices run clear. Grill the onion slices and bell pepper quarters until they're tender and golden brown, which should take another 8 to 10 minutes. Once everything's cooked, transfer the chicken and vegetables to a cutting board to cool slightly.

Assembling the Sandwiches

Now comes the fun part! Spread a generous 1 ½ teaspoons of lime mayonnaise on each slice of bread. On half of the bread slices, layer mango slices, a tablespoon of salsa, grilled chicken, pepper strips, sliced onions, and a slice of Monterey Jack cheese. Top with the remaining slices of bread.

Grilling the Sandwiches

Place your sandwiches on the grill and toast them for about 2 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted. The grilling will give the sandwiches a perfect crunch, with all the delicious flavors inside.

Final Thoughts

These Southwest cilantro lime mango grilled chicken sandwiches are absolutely packed with flavor! The juicy chicken, tangy salsa, creamy lime mayo, and smoky grilled vegetables all come together to make a sandwich that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're serving them for a family dinner or a BBQ with friends, these sandwiches are sure to impress. Don't forget to try them with that fabulous French loaf recipe we love – it's a match made in heaven!

So, Lykkers, what do you think? Will you give these flavorful sandwiches a try? Let me know in the comments, and happy cooking!