A cowboy chicken sandwich is a delicious grilled chicken sandwich that is topped with bacon, melted cheddar cheese, crispy onion rings, and tangy barbecue sauce. It gets its name from the combination of cowboy inspired ingredients like bacon and barbecue sauce with grilled chicken. Cowboy chicken sandwiches are popular menu items at restaurants throughout the United States.
Where did the cowboy chicken sandwich originate?
The origins of the cowboy chicken sandwich can be traced back to the western and southwestern regions of the United States. These areas are known for cowboys, ranching, and barbecue. The concept of pairing grilled chicken with smoked bacon, melted cheese, crispy onion rings, and tangy barbecue sauce came out of this culinary tradition. Some of the first restaurants to serve sandwiches like this were located in Texas, Oklahoma, and other states in the western U.S. The combination of flavors was a big hit and the cowboy chicken sandwich began appearing on menus at restaurants and fast food chains across the country. While the exact origins are unclear, the cowboy chicken sandwich as we know it today became popular nationwide in the 1990s and 2000s.
What are the typical ingredients in a cowboy chicken sandwich?
While variations exist, most cowboy chicken sandwiches contain the following core ingredients:
- Chicken breast – The chicken can be either grilled or fried. Grilled chicken tends to be more common.
- Bacon – Salty smoked bacon is a key ingredient. The bacon is cooked until crispy.
- Barbecue sauce – Sweet and tangy barbecue sauce adds classic barbecue flavor.
- Cheddar cheese – Melted cheddar cheese helps hold the sandwich together and adds rich cheese flavor.
- Onion rings – Crispy fried onion rings provide texture and flavor contrast.
- Bun – The sandwich is served on a bun such as a brioche or kaiser roll.
Some variations may also include toppings like pickles, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. But the core ingredients of chicken, bacon, barbecue sauce, cheese, and onion rings are what set the cowboy chicken sandwich apart.
What’s the process for making a cowboy chicken sandwich?
Making your own cowboy chicken sandwich at home involves just a few simple steps:
- Cook chicken breast by grilling, frying, or baking until fully cooked and juicy.
- Cook bacon until crispy, either on the stovetop or in the oven.
- Lightly toast the sandwich buns.
- Spread desired amount of barbecue sauce on both halves of the toasted buns.
- Top the bottom bun with the grilled or fried chicken breast.
- Top the chicken with the cooked bacon and melted cheddar cheese.
- Add crispy onion rings on top.
- Close the sandwich by placing the top bun on.
The possibilities are also endless when it comes to the barbecue sauce, cheese, onion rings, and buns. You can make each component from scratch or use high quality pre-made ingredients. Cooking the bacon until nice and crispy and making sure the cheese melts nicely over the chicken are key to getting that true cowboy chicken sandwich experience. Let your creativity run wild!
What are some recipe variations?
There are many possible ways to customize your cowboy chicken sandwich:
- Use spicy barbecue sauce or a smoky chipotle sauce instead of regular barbecue sauce.
- Top with sliced pickled jalapeños for extra heat.
- Swap the cheddar for Swiss, pepper jack, or bleu cheese.
- Add an extra layer of bacon for double the pork flavor.
- Use boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Coat the chicken in spicy seasoned breadcrumbs before cooking.
- Make your own onion rings by dipping sliced onions in buttermilk then breadcrumbs.
- Grill slices of pineapple and add to the sandwich.
Endless combinations of sauces, cheeses, meats, and toppings can be used to customize your ideal cowboy chicken sandwich creation.
What types of buns work best?
Good cowboy chicken sandwiches start with a high quality bun that can hold up to the juicy fillings inside. Here are some bun options to consider:
| Bun Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Brioche | Fluffy, lightly sweet, great at absorbing juices |
| Kaiser | Hearty, sturdy crumb, bakes nicely |
| Potato | Soft, a little sweet, holds up well |
| Pretzel | Distinctive flavor, crunchy exterior |
| Hawaiian | Sweet, ideal for pineapple and ham variations |
The best buns will be fresh baked with a soft interior and crispy crust. Brioche or potato buns are ideal choices for soaking up the bbq sauce without getting soggy.
What are the most popular dipping sauces?
While cowboy chicken sandwiches are already doused in flavorful barbecue sauce, some extra dipping sauces on the side can add another layer of taste. Here are some popular dipping sauce choices:
- Ranch dressing – Cool, creamy, and tangy.
- Honey mustard – Sweet and savory.
- Blue cheese dressing – Bold, creamy, with blue cheese crumbles.
- Chipotle mayo – Smoky and mildly spicy.
- Buffalo sauce – Vinegary cayenne pepper hot sauce.
- BBQ sauce – More of the classic barbecue flavor.
Having a selection of different dipping sauces lets everyone customize their sandwich experience. The creamy ranch balances the savory chicken, while the honey mustard and buffalo sauce add a touch of heat.
Which side dishes pair well with it?
A great cowboy chicken sandwich deserves equally amazing side dishes and garnishes. Here are some excellent pairings:
- French fries – Crispy, hot, salty fries are a no brainer pairing.
- Onion rings – More crispy onions, an essential flavor.
- Coleslaw – Cool, creamy slaw balances the sandwich.
- Potato salad – Another nice creamy, starchy side.
- Baked beans – Sweet, smokey beans fit the theme.
- Mac and cheese – Ooey, cheesy goodness.
- Corn on the cob – A barbecue classic.
Crunchy fries are likely the most popular pairing, but slaw, beans, and mac and cheese also complement the cowboy flavors nicely. You really can’t go wrong!
What drinks work well with this sandwich?
You’ll want something refreshing to drink alongside a saucy cowboy chicken sandwich. Some top beverage pairings include:
- Iced tea – Sweet tea is quintessential with southern BBQ.
- Lemonade – Fresh, tangy lemonade helps cut the richness.
- Beer – An ice cold lager or pale ale is perfect.
- Arnold Palmer – Half lemonade, half iced tea.
- Soda – Classic Coke, Sprite, or Root Beer.
- Milkshakes – Thick and creamy vanilla or chocolate milkshakes.
The acidity of lemonade helps balance the fat and saltiness of the sandwich. Iced tea, beer, soda, and milkshakes are also nice choices. Pair your favorite beverages with your customized cowboy chicken sandwich.
Where can you find great cowboy chicken sandwiches?
Here are some top restaurants for enjoying outstanding cowboy chicken sandwiches:
- Dairy Queen – Their FlameThrower Blizzard includes fried chicken, bacon, onions, and pepper jack queso in a spicy mayo sauce.
- Wayback Burgers – Try their Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch sandwich with crispy onion rings and melty American cheese.
- Jack in the Box – They offer a Bacon & Swiss Buttery Jack with grilled chicken, Swiss cheese, bacon, and signature buttery spread.
- Arby’s – Check out their Loaded Italian sandwich with pepperoni, ham, salami, and melted cheddar cheese.
- Wendy’s – Their Bacon Jalapeño Chicken Sandwich has spicy jalapeños and applewood smoked bacon.
Major fast food chains like these offer their own unique twists on the cowboy chicken sandwich. Smaller local restaurants may also have signature versions incorporating ingredients with a regional flair.
Nutrition Info
Cowboy chicken sandwiches are certainly indulgent treats. Here is the approximate nutrition information per sandwich:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 650-850 |
| Total Fat | 35-45g |
| Carbohydrates | 45-60g |
| Protein | 35-45g |
| Sodium | 1200-1600mg |
The abundant bacon, cheese, fried onion rings, and creamy sauces result in a high calorie sandwich with lots of fat and sodium. But an occasional cowboy chicken sandwich can be worked into an overall balanced diet. It provides plenty of protein too. Just be mindful of portion sizes.
Price
Expect to pay around $6 to $12 for a cowboy chicken sandwich at a restaurant or fast food chain. Gourmet versions could cost $15 or more. Making it yourself at home will cost around $5 to $8 depending on ingredients.
Tips for the Best Sandwich
Here are some helpful tips for crafting the ultimate cowboy chicken sandwich:
- Pound the chicken to an even 1⁄2 inch thickness for even cooking.
- Let sliced onions soak in buttermilk before breading for extra crisp onion rings.
- Cook bacon until very crispy to stand up to the juicy ingredients.
- Toast the buns for a few minutes before building the sandwich.
- Brush melted butter on the buns for an extra touch of richness.
- Use iceberg lettuce leaves instead of shredded lettuce to prevent slipping.
- Skewer with toothpicks or frilly cocktail picks to hold the stacked sandwich together.
Taking these simple steps will help construct a sandwich with great textures and flavors in every bite. Use high quality ingredients and have fun customizing each component to create your ideal version of a classic cowboy chicken sandwich.
Conclusion
With its savory grilled chicken, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, tangy barbecue sauce, and crunchy onion rings all stacked on a toasty bun, the cowboy chicken sandwich is a decadent American classic. It originated from the southwestern U.S. but can now be found at restaurants nationwide, with endless variations to suit different tastes. While high in calories and fat, an occasional indulgence hits the spot. Construct your perfect cowboy chicken sandwich at home or seek out the best versions near you. Just be ready for delicious messiness!