Marlboro Man’s Second Favorite Sandwich Recipe
Lemon pepper chicken, smoky bacon, and gooey cheese unite for a mouthwatering meal.
The Story Behind Marlboro Man’s Second Favorite Sandwich
While The Pioneer Woman’s Marlboro Man is famous for his beloved cube steak sandwich, there’s another culinary creation that holds a special place in his heart – his second favorite sandwich. This mouthwatering combination of lemon pepper seasoned chicken, crispy peppered bacon, and melted cheese represents the perfect balance of flavors and textures that make for an unforgettable meal.
The beauty of this sandwich lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient complements the others. The zesty lemon pepper seasoning adds a bright, citrusy kick to tender chicken breasts, while the smoky, salty crunch of peppered bacon provides the perfect contrast. When you add melted cheese to bind everything together, you get a sandwich that’s both satisfying and sophisticated in its flavor profile.
Essential Ingredients for Success
The success of Marlboro Man’s second favorite sandwich depends on selecting quality ingredients and preparing them with care. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the final masterpiece that has earned its place as a family favorite.
The Protein Foundation
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts serve as the foundation of this sandwich. The key to achieving restaurant-quality results lies in properly preparing the chicken. Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures uniform cooking and creates a tender texture that absorbs the seasoning beautifully. This technique also reduces cooking time, helping to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
When selecting chicken breasts, look for pieces that are similar in size to ensure even cooking. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, don’t hesitate to butterfly them or pound them to about 1/2 inch thickness. This preparation step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and preventing any parts from being overcooked while others remain underdone.
The Star Seasoning
Lemon & Pepper seasoning is what transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary. This classic seasoning blend combines the bright, citrusy notes of lemon with the warm heat of cracked black pepper. The acidity from the lemon helps tenderize the meat while adding a fresh, zesty flavor that cuts through the richness of the bacon and cheese.
When applying the lemon pepper seasoning, don’t be shy. A generous coating on both sides of the chicken ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. The seasoning creates a beautiful crust when the chicken is cooked, adding both visual appeal and textural interest to the final sandwich.
The Bacon Component
Peppered bacon elevates this sandwich from good to extraordinary. The combination of smoky bacon flavor with the additional pepper coating creates a complex taste profile that complements the lemon pepper chicken perfectly. The bacon should be cooked to a chewy consistency rather than crispy, allowing it to maintain its meaty texture while still providing that essential bacon flavor.
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The rendered bacon fat also serves a practical purpose in the cooking process. A small amount of the flavorful fat is used to cook the chicken, infusing it with additional bacon flavor and creating a cohesive taste throughout the sandwich.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Preparing the Bacon
Begin by cooking the peppered bacon in a medium to medium-low heat skillet. This gentle cooking method allows the bacon to render its fat slowly while developing a rich, smoky flavor. Cook the bacon until it reaches a chewy consistency – not too crispy, but not undercooked. The goal is to achieve bacon that has structure but won’t shatter when you bite into the sandwich.
Once the bacon is properly cooked, transfer it to paper towels to drain excess grease. This step is important for both health and texture reasons. Nobody wants a greasy sandwich, but we do want to retain some of that flavorful bacon fat for cooking the chicken.
Pro tip: Pour off most of the bacon grease, but reserve about a tablespoon to add back to the pan for cooking the chicken. This small amount provides incredible flavor without making the dish overly greasy.
Seasoning and Cooking the Chicken
While the pan is still warm from cooking the bacon, add the reserved tablespoon of bacon fat back to the skillet. This creates the perfect cooking medium for the chicken, combining the benefits of fat for cooking with the incredible flavor of bacon.
Take your pounded chicken breasts and generously apply the lemon pepper seasoning to both sides. Don’t be conservative with the seasoning – this is what gives the sandwich its distinctive flavor. Make sure the seasoning adheres well to the chicken by gently pressing it into the surface.
Once the pan is hot again, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook the chicken on one side for approximately four minutes, allowing it to develop a beautiful golden crust. The lemon pepper seasoning will create an aromatic coating that locks in the chicken’s natural juices.
After four minutes, flip the chicken and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts, so using a meat thermometer ensures perfect results every time.
Assembly Techniques for the Perfect Sandwich
Choosing the Right Bread
The foundation of any great sandwich starts with quality bread. For Marlboro Man’s second favorite sandwich, select sturdy sandwich buns that can support the hearty filling without falling apart. Look for buns with a slight crust that will toast well and maintain their structure throughout the eating experience.
Before assembly, lightly toast the buns to create a barrier that prevents the bread from becoming soggy from the chicken juices. This step also adds textural contrast and helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Layering for Maximum Flavor
The order of assembly matters when creating the perfect sandwich. Start with the bottom bun, then layer the hot lemon pepper chicken while it’s still warm. This allows the cheese to begin melting from the residual heat of the chicken.
Next, add your cheese of choice. While the original recipe doesn’t specify a particular type, consider options like sharp cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack for complementary flavors. The cheese should be added while the chicken is still hot to ensure proper melting.
Finally, top with the chewy peppered bacon and crown with the top bun. The combination of temperatures and textures creates a sandwich that’s both comforting and exciting.
Variations and Customizations
Cheese Options
While the basic recipe calls for cheese, experimenting with different varieties can create unique flavor profiles:
- Sharp Cheddar: Provides a tangy bite that complements the lemon pepper
- Swiss Cheese: Offers a nutty, mild flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients
- Pepper Jack: Adds an extra kick of heat that pairs beautifully with the bacon
- Provolone: Creates a creamy, mild backdrop for the bolder flavors
Additional Toppings
Consider these optional additions to customize your sandwich:
- Fresh lettuce for crunch and freshness
- Sliced tomatoes for acidity and moisture
- Avocado for creaminess and healthy fats
- Caramelized onions for sweetness and depth
Nutritional Considerations and Serving Suggestions
While Marlboro Man’s second favorite sandwich is undeniably indulgent, it also provides substantial protein from both the chicken and bacon. The lemon pepper seasoning adds flavor without significant calories, making it a more health-conscious choice than many other sandwich options.
To balance the richness of the sandwich, consider serving it with:
- A fresh garden salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts
- Sweet potato fries for a healthier alternative to regular fries
- Fresh fruit to cleanse the palate
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (though that’s unlikely with this delicious sandwich), proper storage ensures the best quality when reheating. Store the components separately – wrap the chicken in foil or airtight container, keep the bacon in the refrigerator, and store the buns in a bread box or sealed bag.
When reheating, warm the chicken gently in a low oven to prevent drying out. The bacon can be crisped up slightly in a dry pan, and the buns should be toasted fresh. Reassemble with fresh cheese for the best results.
Why This Sandwich Earned Second Place
What makes this sandwich worthy of being Marlboro Man’s second favorite is the perfect balance of flavors and the way each component enhances the others. The lemon pepper chicken provides a bright, zesty base, while the peppered bacon adds smoky richness and textural contrast. The melted cheese binds everything together, creating a cohesive bite that’s both satisfying and memorable.
The cooking technique is straightforward enough for weeknight dinners but sophisticated enough for entertaining guests. It’s this versatility, combined with incredible flavor, that has earned this sandwich its place in The Pioneer Woman’s recipe collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and provide more flavor and juiciness. Adjust cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is properly cooked?
A: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should also be golden brown and the juices should run clear.
Q: Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
A: While best served immediately, you can prep components ahead. Cook chicken and bacon earlier in the day, then reheat gently and assemble fresh sandwiches.
Q: What’s the best way to pound chicken breasts evenly?
A: Place chicken between plastic wrap or parchment paper and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound to even 1/2-inch thickness, working from center outward.
Q: Can I use regular bacon instead of peppered bacon?
A: Absolutely! Regular bacon works well, though you might want to add extra black pepper to the lemon pepper seasoning for similar flavor depth.
References
- https://www.food.com/recipe/pioneer-womans-marlboro-man-s-favorite-sandwich-290028
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11657/marlboro-mans-f/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TB_Z5-FFzfk
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11658/marlboro-mans-s/
- https://www.snapcalorie.com/recipes/marlboro_man’s_second_favorite_sandwich_pioneer_woman_recipe.html
- https://pioneerwoman.fandom.com/wiki/Marlboro_Man’s_Favorite_Sandwich
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/a9905/marlboro-man-approved/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/a8578/marlboro-mans-birthday-dinner/
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