Name: Ultimate Chicken Ciabatta Sandwich
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 4 ciabatta rolls or 1 large ciabatta loaf cut into 4 portions; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons basil pesto (store-bought or homemade); 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese; 2 large tomatoes, sliced; 1 red onion, thinly sliced; 2 cups fresh arugula or spinach; 1 avocado, sliced (optional); 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze; Salt and pepper to taste

Description

A delicious Italian-inspired chicken sandwich with tender seasoned chicken, fresh vegetables, and artisanal ciabatta bread.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
4 ciabatta rolls or 1 large ciabatta loaf cut into 4 portions
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
2 large tomatoes, sliced
1 red onion, thinly sliced
2 cups fresh arugula or spinach
1 avocado, sliced (optional)
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Combine olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness and rub the seasoning mixture all over. Marinate for at least 10 minutes.
Cook chicken over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Slice ciabatta rolls horizontally or cut a loaf into 4 portions.
Toast ciabatta bread lightly for 1-2 minutes until golden.
Mix mayonnaise and basil pesto in a small bowl.
Slice rested chicken into 1/4-inch thick slices.
Spread pesto mayo on the bottom half of each ciabatta roll and layer with fresh mozzarella, sliced chicken, tomatoes, red onion, and arugula.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze and crown with the top half of the ciabatta. Press gently to hold together.
Optionally, grill in a panini press for 2-3 minutes until crispy and cheese melts.

Notes

Resting the chicken is crucial for juicy meat. Experiment with additional ingredients for different flavor profiles.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 485
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 890mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 42g
Cholesterol: 100mg