Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Prep and bread

1. A chicken sandwich is fairly small, so to make it more filling we build it in layers: three layers of bread and two layers of filling, with a slice of bread separating the chicken from the vegetables. All the layers of bread and filling are packed quite tightly – that way the sandwich holds its shape and doesn’t fall apart while you eat.

   If you make these with buns, choose ones that aren’t too rich or sweet. Toast the buns in the pan too, but only on one side.

2. Get everything ready for two three-layer sandwiches: 6 slices of bread, the chicken breast, 4 slices of processed cheese, the vegetables and sauces.

   

3. Heat a grill pan over medium heat and toast four slices of sandwich bread until they’re slightly dry and golden brown – about 1 minute per side.

   You can cook the bread and the chicken one after the other in the same grill pan. It has a ridged bottom, and the grill marks on the food look really appealing. We toast only the slices that will be on the outside. The ones in the middle stay soft, which makes the sandwich hold together more firmly.

   

Chicken

1. Use a knife to slice the thick parts of the chicken breast horizontally and open them out like a book. Place the breast between two layers of plastic wrap and pound it lightly with the flat side of a meat mallet. The goal is to make the meat thin (about 1 cm) and even. Cut the breast into two equal pieces – each the size of a bread slice or slightly bigger.

   You don’t need perfect geometry: a chicken sandwich looks good with the chicken peeking out from under the bread a little.

   

2. Lightly salt the chicken pieces, season with black pepper and rub with sweet and hot paprika. Brush the hot grill pan with a little vegetable oil. Grill the chicken over medium heat until fully cooked and nicely browned – about 3–4 minutes per side. When cut, the meat should be white, with no pink juices. Let the chicken cool to room temperature.

   

Assembly

1. Lay the two bottom slices of toasted bread on a flat plate – it’s easier that way.

   The bottom layer of filling will be the grilled chicken and processed cheese.

   Spread each slice with hot ketchup or Mexican salsa. Put a piece of grilled chicken on top of the sauce.

   

   Unwrap the processed cheese slices and peel off the plastic film – be careful, the cheese tears easily. Cover each piece of chicken with cheese.

3. Spread the untoasted bread slices with mayo-based sauce – it can be a store-bought barbecue-flavored one. Cover the chicken and cheese with the soft bread and press down lightly.

   If you don’t have a store-bought mayo-based barbecue sauce, try mixing a little mayonnaise with spices and a few drops of a suitable steak sauce.

   Spread the top of the bread with mayo sauce too – that way the chicken sandwich will be juicier. You can sprinkle the sauce with black pepper – it’s tasty and adds a little kick.

   

4. Wash the lettuce leaves and dry them – they mustn’t be wet at all. Lay the lettuce on the bread, dividing it evenly. Slice the ripe tomato into thin rounds and lay them on the greens. Slice the cucumber, fermented or pickled, thinly and lay it over the tomato.

   

5. Cover the vegetables with a slice of processed cheese, taking it out of its film wrapper. Spread the last slices of toasted bread with mayo sauce on one side. Top the sandwiches with them, sauce side down, and press down lightly.

6. To keep the sandwiches from falling apart, put them on a flat plate, cover with a cutting board and set a light weight on top – for example, a 0.5 L jar of water. Leave for 15 minutes.

   Don’t use anything heavier, or it will simply squash the sandwiches.

   

Serving

1. Remove the weight and cut the sandwiches diagonally in half. That gives you four triangular sandwiches. Serve on a plate with lettuce leaves and sliced vegetables. If you’re getting ready for a picnic, simply wrap the sandwiches in parchment paper or pack them in disposable plastic boxes.

   You can make the sandwiches spicier – they’ll be even tastier.