Chopped Greek Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Chopped Greek Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Its easy to make fun of the chopped sandwich trend, until you make one for yourself, and realize what a great idea it actually is. No one is saying that eating a non-chopped sandwich isnt enjoyable, but there is just something a little more special about this particular format. Maybe its all that extra surface area, since as Ive said many times before, surface area equals flavor. Or, maybe its getting exactly the same amount of all the ingredients in every single bite, but whatevers going on, I think youre going to love the results. I love everything we chopped up for this, so above and beyond the technique, I wasnt surprised I enjoyed it so much, but if these ingredients arent your thing, simply think of sandwich components you do love, and start chopping. A great sandwich roll is one of the keys here, so find something nice. No matter what you chop after you shop, I loved this delicious change of pace, and really do hope you give this a try soon. Enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 1 sandwich roll
  • 6 ounces cooked chicken
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced green pepper
  • 4 grape tomatoes, thinly sliced, or more to taste
  • 4 slices English cucumber, or more to taste
  • 6 pitted Greek olives, halved, or more to taste
  • 3 thin slices red onion, or more to taste
  • 1 cup thickly sliced hearts of Romaine
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, or to taste
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

Step 1: Gather all the ingredients together on your work surface.

Step 2: Cut the sandwich roll about 3/4 of the way through, leaving the bottom part intact. Optionally, remove some of the crumb from the inside of the roll to create more room for the filling.

Step 3: Pile the cooked chicken, green pepper, grape tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and onion into a large bowl. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and oregano.

Step 4: Using a cleaver or large knife, chop the ingredients into approximately 1/2-inch pieces.

Step 5: Add the Romaine lettuce and chop everything together until the pieces are about 1/4-inch in size, or as fine as you prefer.

Step 6: Top the chopped mixture with crumbled feta cheese, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and extra-virgin olive oil. Give everything a final brief chop to ensure the mixture is evenly combined.

Step 7: Taste the filling and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 8: Transfer the filling into the prepared sandwich roll and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 1143
  • Total Fat: 66g (85% Daily Value)
  • Saturated Fat: 17g (86% Daily Value)
  • Cholesterol: 193mg (64% Daily Value)
  • Sodium: 1558mg (68% Daily Value)
  • Total Carbohydrate: 83g (30% Daily Value)
  • Dietary Fiber: 10g (35% Daily Value)
  • Total Sugars: 13g
  • Protein: 60g (119% Daily Value)
  • Vitamin C: 84mg (94% Daily Value)
  • Calcium: 417mg (32% Daily Value)
  • Iron: 9mg (49% Daily Value)
  • Potassium: 1321mg (28% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Chopped Greek Chicken Sandwich Recipe

The Origins of the Chopped Greek Chicken Sandwich

The Chopped Greek Chicken Sandwich is a modern culinary creation that draws inspiration from two beloved traditions: the classic Greek salad and the hearty chicken sandwich. While the exact origin is difficult to pinpoint, this fusion likely emerged in the United States in the early 21st century, when chefs and home cooks began experimenting with chopped-style sandwiches that maximize flavor and texture in every bite. By combining the fresh, tangy flavors of Greece with the convenience of a sandwich, this dish bridges cultural cuisine and fast, accessible eating.

Regional Variations and Characteristics

Although the base ingredients remain consistentchicken, Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onion, feta, and olive oilthe sandwich adapts to regional tastes. In the Mediterranean, ingredients may lean more toward traditional Greek salads, with sun-dried tomatoes or capers, while in the U.S., chefs often add pickled peppers or substitute avocado for extra creaminess. Some regions favor toasted rolls or wraps, emphasizing texture, while others keep it soft and pliable to let the chopped filling shine.

Distinctions from Similar Dishes

At first glance, the Chopped Greek Chicken Sandwich might resemble a chicken salad sandwich or even a gyro, but it stands out due to its chopped presentation. Every bite offers a uniform mixture of all ingredients, unlike a layered sandwich where flavors can be inconsistent. Unlike a gyro, which is warm and typically uses a flatbread, this sandwich uses a roll and often features a cold or room-temperature filling, making it uniquely suited for quick lunches or casual gatherings.

Where Its Commonly Served

This sandwich has found its place in both casual and gourmet settings. Youll see it in caf menus, bistro-style delis, and modern lunch spots focused on Mediterranean cuisine. Its also a popular choice for at-home preparation, particularly for picnics or game-day spreads, as it combines ease of assembly with impressive flavor. Its portable nature makes it ideal for office lunches or outdoor events, while still feeling more refined than standard deli sandwiches.

Interesting Facts

  • The chopped technique increases surface area, ensuring every bite is packed with balanced flavor, a principle sometimes called surface area equals taste.
  • Using fresh herbs like oregano and a squeeze of lemon juice mirrors the authentic Greek approach to seasoning, even in a sandwich format.
  • The sandwich is highly customizable: swapping chicken for lamb, tuna, or even roasted vegetables allows it to appeal to diverse dietary preferences.
  • Despite being inspired by Greek salad, the inclusion of bread transforms it into a satisfying, handheld meal without losing the essence of the Mediterranean diet.
  • Many cooks find that lightly toasting the roll enhances the texture and prevents sogginess, which became a trend after social media exposure of chopped sandwiches.

Overall, the Chopped Greek Chicken Sandwich represents a clever intersection of classic flavors and modern convenience. Its combination of fresh vegetables, seasoned chicken, and creamy feta, all finely chopped, elevates the traditional sandwich into a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired meal thats as visually appealing as it is flavorful.

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FAQ about Chopped Greek Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. It is recommended to store the sandwich components separately, as the bread can become soggy. If you've already assembled the sandwich, it’s best to eat it immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Yes, you can prep the filling (chopped chicken, vegetables, feta, and seasoning) ahead of time and store it in the fridge. However, it's best to assemble the sandwich just before serving to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.

The filling can be frozen for up to 1 month, but the texture of some ingredients, like cucumbers and tomatoes, may change upon thawing. For the best results, freeze the chicken, olives, and Romaine separately, then assemble the sandwich fresh after thawing.

Yes, you can use any type of bread, pita, or even a wrap instead of a sandwich roll. Ensure that the bread or wrap is sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart.

To make the sandwich spicier, you can add extra cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or even diced jalapeños when chopping the vegetables. You can also drizzle the sandwich with hot sauce or add a spicy feta cheese for an additional kick.

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables or a plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu. You can also use vegan feta cheese to keep it fully vegetarian.

Extra virgin olive oil is the best option for this recipe due to its rich flavor. It enhances the Mediterranean flavors of the dish and adds a smooth finish to the sandwich.

While feta cheese is traditional in a Greek sandwich, you can substitute it with other cheeses like goat cheese, ricotta, or even a sharp cheddar. Keep in mind that different cheeses will change the flavor profile of the sandwich.

To make the sandwich more filling, consider adding additional protein sources like boiled eggs, grilled chicken, or even some hummus as a spread on the bread. You can also add more vegetables, such as roasted red peppers or zucchini.

To ensure the vegetables stay crunchy, use fresh, firm ingredients and avoid over-chopping them too finely. It also helps to assemble the sandwich just before serving to prevent the vegetables from releasing too much moisture into the bread.

Comments

Nicholas Clark

06/17/2023 02:35:42 PM

This sandwich was unbelievably delicious. I had just prepared some pita and hummus when I stumbled upon the recipe, and it felt like fate. I not only plan to recreate it but will be having it for dinner tonight.

Jason Jones

04/08/2023 07:44:06 PM

I loved the concept of the sandwich! I made a few adjustments by sautéing the onions, bell peppers, and jarred jalapenos for an extra kick. I also added extra romaine and tomato compared to the recipe, and topped it off with avocado. The only thing missing was a touch of seasoning to elevate the flavors even more.

David Lee

03/02/2025 10:56:48 PM

With just two of us, I made a partial recipe, perhaps a bit more than half. I omitted the onion as I dislike it raw and prefer not to have tiny pieces in my serving, so including it only if the pieces are larger. I added extra cucumber and Kalamata olives, and opted for ripe bell pepper instead of green. I lightly hollowed out the rolls before toasting them under the broiler. While someone suggested using cabbage for added crunch, I found that romaine lettuce provided the perfect crispy texture for this dish. In Greece, we never encountered a "Greek salad" with lettuce, making it easy to skip that ingredient. Overall, a truly impressive sandwich.

Thomas Flores

01/05/2023 01:29:57 AM

Chef John impresses yet again! This Greek chicken sandwich was a standout on game day. The combination of rich flavors and diverse textures took everyone by surprise. It's a fantastic recipe that is sure to impress and delight your guests. The dried oregano elevated the overall taste, and using Mexican oregano worked really well.

Emily Sanchez

07/24/2024 10:19:26 PM

I added a little extra olive oil and paprika.

Adam Hernandez

09/05/2024 10:46:18 AM

This dish is incredibly refreshing! I enhanced the flavor with tangy balsamic salad dressing and a touch of lemon-infused olive oil. Huge thanks to chef John!

Joyce Ramirez

12/21/2022 04:25:01 AM

Haven't made it yet, but I can imagine the flavors blending well. It's so easy that even my 17-year-old son can make and enjoy it! I would also add some pepperoncini for extra flavor.

Amy Lewis

12/09/2022 08:59:39 AM

After combining all the ingredients, I found that there was an abundance of filling compared to the hollowed-out buns, but that turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The flavor was absolutely amazing. I plan to repurpose the leftovers into a salad. This recipe is so delicious and definitely a keeper for me.

Larry Harris

05/25/2025 07:56:17 AM

I used the breast meat from a rotisserie chicken. I prefer a crispy texture like that of a classic chicken salad, so I opted for diced raw cabbage instead of lettuce. This meal was light and perfect for a delicious summer dinner.

Lisa Flores

07/21/2024 12:47:27 PM

Once again, Chef John has absolutely nailed it!

Linda Lewis

03/11/2025 07:00:11 AM

We adore Greek salad every time. It's incredibly simple to put together. Due to limited options at my nearby grocery store, we improvised with tortillas instead of rolls. I can only imagine how delicious the roll version would be, with all the flavors blending together so beautifully.