Review: Jersey Mike's Spicy Chicken Italian Sub

Jersey Mike's Spicy Chicken Italian sub features slow-roasted chicken breast grilled with pepperoni and provolone cheese, topped with Hot Chopped Pepper Relish on a sub roll.

A 7-inch Regular sub cost me $10.45.

The chicken was nice and cut into thin strips. It was moist and tender with a bit of browning from the grill. Flavor-wise, it was lightly seasoned with hints of onion and garlic.

The cheese was thoroughly melted in an even layer over the chicken (which probably helped to keep the chicken mostly in the sandwich). Beyond texture, it added a mellow creamy flavor.

The pepperoni provided the strongest flavor out of the ingredients with a seasoned hit of salty pork.

Either by design or happenstance, the bread seemed a bit different than my previous visits to Jersey Mike's. Rather than a corn meal dusted sub roll, the bread brought to mind a supermarket bolillo with a smooth, soft, chewy crust and a soft, airy crumb.

The Hot Chopped Pepper Relish made itself known in tangy and mildly spicy spurts. I found myself wishing there was more flavor, heat, and/or sweetness to it.

Taken altogether, Jersey Mike's Spicy Chicken Italian Sub was enjoyable but would more aptly be called a "pepperoni and chicken melt." The pepper relish was largely forgettable and I wonder if some pesto or marinara would have been the better play.