•- 4 chicken breast fillets (approximately 6 oz each), butterflied
•- 4 tablespoons Peri-Peri sauce (medium heat)
•- 2 tablespoons olive oil
•- 4 Portuguese rolls or seeded burger buns
•- 4 large lettuce leaves (iceberg or romaine)
•- 8 slices ripe tomato (2 slices per burger)
•- 4 slices red onion, thinly cut
•- 4 tablespoons creamy mayonnaise
•- 4 slices mature cheddar cheese
•- 2 ripe avocados, halved and sliced
•- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
•- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
•- Salt and black pepper to taste
•- Butter for toasting buns
Instructions
1Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the middle without cutting all the way through, then open like a book to create an even thickness. Pound lightly to ensure uniform cooking, about ½ inch thick throughout.
2Combine Peri-Peri sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a shallow dish. Add chicken breasts and coat thoroughly on both sides. Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 4 hours refrigerated for deeper flavor penetration.
3Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, ensuring it reaches approximately 400°F. Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
4Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place chicken on the hot grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side without moving, until char marks develop and the meat releases easily from grates.
5Flip chicken breasts and continue grilling for another 5-6 minutes. During the final 2 minutes of cooking, place one slice of cheddar cheese on each chicken breast, allowing it to melt completely. Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
6While chicken finishes cooking, slice burger buns in half and butter the cut sides generously. Toast on the grill or in a separate pan until golden brown with crispy edges, about 2 minutes.
7Spread 1 tablespoon of creamy mayonnaise on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Layer with one large lettuce leaf, followed by 2 tomato slices and a slice of red onion.
8Place the hot grilled chicken breast with melted cheese on top of the vegetables. Arrange sliced avocado evenly over the cheese, fanning it slightly for presentation.
9Cap with the top bun and secure with a cocktail stick if desired. Serve immediately while chicken is hot and cheese is melted.