Bacon Bleu Cheese Chicken Sandwich

 Now if you want this sandwich to be spicy add, some hot sauce to your bleu cheese dressing.

BACON BLEU CHEESE CHICKEN SANDWICH

(makes 2 sandwiches)

Ingredients:

*1 chicken boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 1 pound)

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1/2 teaspoon butter garlic seasoning (or garlic powder)

*4 slices bacon

*2 slices pepper jack cheese (or provolone)

*2 pretzel buns (or hamburger buns)

*1/4 cup bleu cheese dressing 

*lettuce (optional)

*tomato, slice thin (optional)

*hamburger dill pickles (optional)

*onion, slice thin (optional)

Directions:

~Fry 4 slices bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it is at desired crispiness. 

~Remove from skillet and set on a paper towel lined plate and set aside.

~Remove all but about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease.

~Slice chicken breast in half lengthwise, and pound to even thickness (about 1/2 inch thick).

~Season both sides of chicken evenly with 1 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper and 1 teaspoon butter garlic seasoning.

~Place seasoned chicken in skillet and cook over medium heat until chicken is fully cooked (165 degrees in thickest part).

~Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

~Lightly toast insides of 2 pretzel subs.

~Spread bleu cheese dressing on the insides of toasted buns (top & bottom bun).

~Place a slice of pepper jack cheese on bottom bun.

~Place chicken over cheese.

~Add 2 slices of bacon on each sandwich.

~Add lettuce, tomato, pickles, and sliced onion.

~Place top bun on, press down slightly and enjoy.

Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Sandwich

 Make this as spicy as you want.  I love the crispiness of this sandwich.  Make sure you don't skip the marinade step.  It will keep your chicken moist.  

AIR FRYER SPICY CHICKEN SANDWICH

(makes 4)

Marinade Ingredients:

*4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

*1/3 cup hot sauce

*2/3 cup hot sauce

Ingredients:

*1/2 cup all-purpose flour

*1 cup panko bread crumbs

*1/2 teaspoon onion powder

*1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

*1/2 teaspoon paprika

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1 teaspoon corn starch

*1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

*4 hamburger buns

*4 slices pepper-jack cheese

*mayo or bleu cheese dressing

*4 slices tomatoes

*12-16 hamburger dill pickles

*lettuce

Marinade Directions:

~In a large zip-loc bag, add 1/3 cup hot sauce and 2/3 cup buttermilk, seal bag and mix until well incorporated.

~Add in 4 chicken breasts and reseal bag.

~Refrigerate for 30-60 minutes.

Directions:

~Preheat air-fryer to 375 degrees.

~In a large bowl, add 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup panko bread crumbs,1/2 teaspoon onion powder,  1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper,  1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional), and 1 teaspoon corn starch.

~Stir until well combined.

~Remove chicken breasts from marinade, dripping off any excess marinade.

~Dip into flour mixture making sure all sides are coated well (I like to pat the coating lightly to make sure it's sticking well).

~Place chicken breast onto a large plate or flat surface.

~Spray chicken breasts liberally with cooking spray.

~Place chicken sprayed side down into air-fryer basket.

~Spray the other side of the chicken breasts liberally with cooking spray.

~Cook for 15 minutes, flip and cook for another 10-15 minutes (internal temperature 165 degrees).

~Toast each hamburger bun (optional).

~Add lettuce, tomato, pickles, and chicken to the bottom bun.

~Add a slice of pepper-jack cheese over the chicken.

~Spread top bun with mayo and place over sandwich.

Mock Chick-fil-a Grilled Chicken Club

 I add pickles to my grilled club even though the original sandwich doesn't have them.   I also use provolone cheese for my husband, because he doesn't like things that are spicy.

MOCK CHICK-FIL-A GRILLED CHICKEN CLUB 

(serves 4)

Marinade Ingredients:

*1/2 cup dill pickle juice

*1/4 cup milk (I prefer buttermilk)

*1 tablespoon powdered sugar 

*1 teaspoon garlic powder

*1 teaspoon onion powder

*1 teaspoon smoked paprika

*1 teaspoon ground black pepper 

*2 teaspoon salt

Sauce Ingredients:

*1/2 cup mayo

*1/8 cup BBQ sauce

*2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 

*1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

*1/8 teaspoon honey (I like to use hot honey)

*1 heaping tablespoon dijon mustard 

Chicken Sandwich Ingredients:

*4 skinless, boneless  chicken breasts

*8 slices pepper jack cheese 

*8 slices bacon

*4 hamburger buns

*lettuce

*tomato, sliced

*dill pickles (optional)

Marinade Directions:

~In a gallon sized zip-loc bag, add 1/2 cup dill pickle juice, 1/4 cup milk, 1 tablespoon powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 2 teaspoon salt.  Seal bag and mix ingredients.

~Pound chicken breast out to about 1- 1 1/2 inches  thick.

~Add chicken to marinade and seal bag.

~Refrigerate for a least 1 hour or up to 5.

Sauce Directions:

In a small bowl, whisk 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/8 cup bbq sauce, 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon smoke paprika, 1/8 teaspoon honey, and 1 heaping tablespoon dijon mustard until well combined.

~Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Chicken Sandwich Directions:

~In a large skillet, cook 8 slices of bacon until crisp (or cook in oven).

~Remove from heat and place bacon on a paper towel lined plate.

~Remove chicken from marinade and grill over medium heat until done (internal temp 165 degrees).

~Grill bun until toasty.

~Spread some sauce on the bottom and top bun.

~Place a piece of lettuce over sauce on bottom bun.

~Place a slice of tomato over the tomato.

~Place chicken breast over tomato.

~Place 2 slices of pepper jack cheese over top of chicken.

~Place pickles over top of cheese (optional). 

~Place top bun over top and enjoy.

Orange Chicken Sandwich

 This orange chicken is great as a sandwich or served over some rice.  I like to add dill pickles to may sandwich. 

ORANGE CHICKEN SANDWICH

(makes 4)

Orange Sauce Ingredients:

*1/2 cup honey

*zest from one large orange

*juice from one large orange (about 1/4 cup)

*1-2 tablespoons sriracha 

*1/2 cup rice wine vinegar

*3 tablespoons soy sauce

*1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

*1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

*2 tablespoons sesame oil

*2 tablespoons cold water

*1 tablespoon corn starch

Chicken Ingredients:

*2 large eggs

*1/2 cup milk

*1 tablespoon sriracha 

*1 cup all-purpose flour

*sesame seeds

*4 boneless, skinless chicken breast, pounded to about 1/2 inch thick.

*Vegetable oil (enough for frying in)

*4 hamburger buns, toasted 

Veggie Topping Ingredients:

*1/2 cup cabbage, shredded

*4-6 hashishes, sliced thin

*4 scallions, sliced thin

*1 jalapeno pepper, sliced thin

*1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

*1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar 

*1 tablespoon sesame oil

*1/4 teaspoon salt

*1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Sauce Ingredients:

*1/2 cup mayonnaise 

*2-3 tablespoons sambal chili sauce

*1 chopped scallion (or green onion tops)

*1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 

*1/4 teaspoons ground black pepper 

Sauce Directions:

~In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2-3 tablespoons sambal chili sauce, 1 chopped green onion top or scallion, 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon ground back pepper until well combined.

~Cover and refrigerate for at least 1/2 hour (I like to let mine refrigerate for 3-4 hours).

Veggie Topping Directions:

~In a medium bowl, mix 1/2 cup shredded cabbage, 4-6 thinly sliced radishes, 1 thinly slice jalapeño pepper (optional), 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper until veggies are well coated.

~Cover and refrigerate for a least 1/2 hour.

Chicken directions:

~In a medium bowl, whisk 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup whole milk, and 1 tablespoon sriracha until well combined.

~In another medium bowl, add 1 cup flour.

~Dip chicken breasts into flour and shake off excess flour.

~Dip into egg mixture and shake off excess.

~Repeat the flour & egg mixture dredging process once more.

~Place on a plate and set aside.

Orange Sauce Directions:

~In a large skillet,  whisk 1/2 cup honey, zest from one large orange, juice squeezed form one large orange, 2 tablespoons sriracha, 1/2 cup rice wine vinegar, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger, and 2 tablespoons sesame oil.

~Place over medium high heat and bring to a boil, stirring often.

~Allow to come to a full rolling boil for 1 minute.

~In a small bowl whisk 1 tablespoon corn starch and 2 tablespoons cold water together until mixture is smooth.

~Whisk slurry into orange juice mixture, until well incorporated.

~Turn heat down to a simmer and stir often as you cook the chicken

~Season both sides of chicken beast with salt and pepper.

~In another large skillet, add enough vegetable oil to fill the bottom abut 2 inches deep.

~Once oil is hot, carefully add prepared chicken breast.

~Cook for about 3-5 minutes on one side and then flip a cook for another 3-5 minutes or until chicken is done.

~Remove chicken from oil and place into the orange sauce, flipping so that both sides are coated.

~Remove from skillet and place on a plate and then sprinkle with desired amount of sesame seeds.

Let's Put It Together:

~Toast the insides of the hamburger until a golden brown.

~Spread a little bit of the mayo sauce over the toasted side of the bottom bun.

~Add desired amount of  veggie topping.

~Add a chicken breast and some of the orange glaze.

~Spread a little more mayo sauce over chicken and add the top bun .

Bird Dog Sandwich

I'm going to give you the recipe for the North Carolina Bird Dog sandwich, but you have so many options with this sandwich.  

Other Chicken Options:

Buy the chicken tenders, Grilled chicken tenders, BBQ chicken tenders, Buffalo chicken tenders

Other Bacon Options:

Pre-cooked bacon, Real bacon bits

Other Cheese Options:

American, Cheese wiz, Pepper jack,  smoked gouda 

Extra Toppings Options:

Chopped onions, jalapeño peppers, bbq sauce, or whatever you like

BIRD DOG SANDWICH

(makes 4)

Honey Mustard Ingredients (or buy some):

*1/2 cup mayonnaise 

*1/4 cup yellow mustard

*1/8-1/4 cup honey

Chicken Ingredients (or buy some):

*4 chicken tenders

*1/2 cup buttermilk (or whole milk)

*1 1/2  cups all-purpose flour

*2 teaspoons paprika

*1 1/2 teaspoons salt

*1 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1 teaspoon garlic powder

*1/2 teaspoon onion powder

*vegetable oil for frying

Remaining Ingredients:

*4 top open hot dog buns (or regular hot dog buns)

*1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

*4 teaspoons mayonnaise 

*4-6 slice thick cut bacon

Honey Mustard Directions:

~In a small bowl, whisk all the ingredients together.

~Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (I make mine the day before).

Bacon Directions:

~Fry up bacon until desired crispness.

~Remove from pan and set aside (I don't crumble mine, but you can if you choose).

Chicken Directions:

~Soak chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 1 hour.

~Heat up oil in a heavy bottom skillet to 375 degrees.

~In a medium bowl, whisk flour, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder together until well mixed.

~Remove chicken from buttermilk shaking excess liquid.

~Dredge chicken into flour mixture coated all sides.

~Shake of any excess flour.

~Fry chicken in hot oil until the piece are a golden brown and done, flipping half way through (about 6-8 minutes).

~Remove from oil and drain of paper towels or a wire rack

Let's Make the Sandwich:

~Preheat oven to broil (skip this step if you don't care if the cheese melts).

~Place 1 to 1 1/2 slices of bacon in the bottom of the hot dog but.

~Drizzle 1 teaspoon of mayo over the bacon.

~Add 1 chicken tender to each bun.

~Add 1/4 cup of cheese.

~Drizzle desired amount of honey mustard over top of it all.

~Place pan in oven and broil for 1-3 minutes or until cheese melts (be very careful not to burn it).

Mock Chick Fil-a Grilled Chicken Sandwich Delux

If you are not a pickle lover, don't let the pickle juice scare you.   It won't come out tasting like dill pickles.   If you don't believe me, then substitute with apple cider vinegar.  I like to pair this with either grilled steak fries, sweet potato fries, or waffle fries.

GRILLED CHICKEN SANDWICH DELUX

(makes 4)

Ingredients:

*2 chicken breasts

*1/2 cup dill pickle juice or 1/4 cup dill pickle juice

*1/2 cup water

*1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder

*1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder

*1 teaspoon smoked paprika (can use paprika)

*1/4 cup orange juice

*1/4 cup chicken stock

*1 tablespoon molasses

*1 tablespoon kosher salt

*1 tablespoon grape juice 

*2 hamburger buns

*4 slices colby jack cheese

*lettuce

*tomato, sliced

*8 slices bacon, cooked crisp

*Dill pickle slices (optional)

*Bleu cheese crumbles (optional)

Directions:

~Cut chicken breast in half lengthwise and then butterfly.

~In a large zip-loc bag mix dill pickle juice, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, orange juice, chicken stock, molasses, kosher salt, and grape juice.

~Add the  chicken breasts to marinade, seal bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

~Heat grill to medium-high (or griddle).

~Brush grates with olive oil.

~Cook chicken breast for 2-4 minutes (depending on how thick the chicken is).

~Flip chicken and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 175 degrees.

~Toast bun until golden brown.

~Remove from heat.

~Add lettuce, tomato, and dill pickle.

~Add chicken and bacon.

~Spread desired condiment on top bun (I like to use honey roasted bbq sauce)

Spicy Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich

I love chicken cordon bleu and I love spicy chicken sandwiches, so I thought I'd combine the two.  It turned out pretty awesome.   I put it on a bun, but it would be good in a pita or a sub bun too.  This recipe makes them a little spicy.  Add more hot sauce and red pepper flakes if you want it spicer.

SPICY CHICKEN CORDON BLEU SANDWICH

(makes 4 sandwiches)

Ingredients:

*1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into quarters (I normally cut in half lengthwise to make it thinner and then cut those in half crosswise.  They should be no bigger than 1/2 thick)

*1 cup buttermilk 

*2 teaspoons hot sauce 

*1/4 cup all-purpose flour

*1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs

*1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes 

*pinch of cayenne pepper 

*1 teaspoon salt

*1 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1 tablespoon butter 

*4 slices Canadian bacon or deli ham

*4 slices Swiss cheese

*1/4 cup chicken stock

*1 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch 

*1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 

*1 teaspoon dijon mustard (optional)

* hamburger buns (I like to toast the insides of the buns)

Directions:

~In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup buttermilk and 2 teaspoons hot sauce.

~Place chicken in mixture and coat well.

~In a shallow pan, mix 1/4 cup flour, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, pinch of cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper.

~Remove chicken from milk mixture and allow excess milk to drip off.

~Place in breadcrumb mixture and coat well.

~Return to milk mixture and then back to breadcrumb mixture again.

~Place on a large plate, cover with plastic wrap and allow to sit in the refrigerator for at least 1/2 hour or up to two hours.

~Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium/high heat.

~Place chicken into skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes or until golden brown.  Flip and cook another 5-6 minutes or until chicken is cook through.  

~Remove chicken from pan.

~Pour 1/4 cup chicken stock in same pan.

~Stir 1 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch into1/2 cup  heavy cream.

~Whisk into pan along with 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard.

~Cook until it starts to boil.

~Place chicken back into pan and place a piece of Canadian bacon and then a slice of Swiss cheese over each chicken breast, cover and cook until cheese is melted.

~Place on toasted bun.  

~Top with shredded lettuce, tomato, and pickles if desired.

Classic Club Sandwich

Almont any diner you go into you can order this classic club sandwich.   You can replace the deli ham and turkey for grill chicken and baked ham if you want.  This would only make it taste better, but to have a true classic club, you use deli meat.  You can add a little hot sauce to the mayo if you want to spice it up a little.  You could also add avocado slices it you'd like.

CLASSIC CLUB SANDWICH
(make 2)

Ingredients:
*6 slices white bread (can use wheat if you prefer)
*4-6 tablespoons mayonaise
*2-4 slices American cheese
*1/4-1/2  pound shaved ham (or thinly cut)
*1/4- 1/2 pound shaved turkey (or thinly cut)
*1 tomato, thinly sliced
*salt & pepper to taste
*8 slices of lettuce
*4-8  slices bacon, cooked (I like my bacon cooked crispy)
*4-8 slices Swiss cheese

Directions:
~Toast all of the bread and set aside.
~Spread desired amount of mayo on once side of toast.
~Place 2 slices of lettuce on bread.
~Place 2-3 slices of tomato on toast.
~Season tomatoes with salt & pepper to taste.
~Place 2-4 slices of bacon over tomato.
~Place 1-2 slices American cheese over bacon.
~Get another slice of toast and spread desired amount of mayo over one side.
~Place mayo side down over cheese.
~Spread mayo over the top slice of toast.
~Place 2 slices of lettuce over toast.
~Place 1/8-1/4 pound of ham over lettuce.
~Place 1/8-1/4 pound turkey over ham.
~Place 1-2 slices Swiss cheese over ham.
~Take last slice of toast and spread desired amount of mayo on one side.
~Place toast mayo side down over Swiss cheese.
~Put 4 long toothpick into the four corners of the toast (optional)
~Cut sandwich into quarters diagonally.
~Repeat above directions for 2nd sandwich.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Panini

I love chicken cordon bleu and I love most panini's.  Put the two together and I'm one happy momma.

CHICKEN CORDON BLEU PANINI
(serves 2)

Ingredients:
*1 chicken boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut in half,  to 1/4-1/2  inch thickness
*1/2 cup buttermilk
*1/8 cup flour
*1/8 cup Italian bread crumbs
*1/2 teaspoon paprika
*1/4 teaspoon salt
*1/4 teaspoon black pepper
*1 tablespoon vegetable oil
*2 slices ham (I use black forest), sliced cut thin
*2 slices swiss cheese
*1/4 cup chicken stock
*1/2 teaspoon chicken granules
*1 1/2 teaspoons corn starch
*3/4 cup heavy cream
*1 teaspoon dried basil
*4 slices of a sturdy bread
*1-2 teaspoon butter.

Directions:
~In a medium bowl, place chicken in buttermilk.
~Allow to marinate for 1/2 hour.
~In a small bowl, blend cornstarch with the heavy cream.
~Heat vegetable oil in a medium stillet.
~In a shallow pan, mix flour, bread crumbs, paprika, salt & pepper.
~Remove chicken from buttermilk, dripping off any excess milk.
~Coat chicken in breadcrumb mixture.
~Place chicken into skillet and cook for about 4-6 minutes.
~Flip chicken and cook another 4-6 minutes, or until chicken is done.
~Remove from pan.
~Pour chicken stock in the same skillet that the chicken was cooked in.
~Use a whisk to loosen up chicken drippings.
~Cook until it starts to boil.
~Slowly whisk in heavy cream mixture.
~Add basil and chicken granules.
~Whisk until thicken and set aside.
~Heat a small skillet, indoor grill or panini maker, medium heat.
~Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
~Place two slice of bread buttered side down on hot pan.
~Place chicken, ham & swiss cheese over top of bread.
~Place remaining bread over top of cheese, buttered side up.
~If using a skillet or indoor grill set a heavy pan over sandwich (or aluminum covered brick) for 2-3 minutes of until bread is a golden brown.
~Flip and cook for 2-3 minutes on the other side or until golden brown.
~Remove from heat and use the heavy cream-chicken stock mixture for dipping or pour over sandwich.

Grilled Onion Chicken Panini

Mmmmm, Mmmmm Good!  The grilled onions on this sandwich make it so good.  If you want to make it less calories then omit the breading and just season & grill the chicken.

GRILLED ONION CHICKEN PANINI
(serves 2)

Ingredients:
*1 tablespoon olive oil
*1 large white onion, sliced thin
*1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
*1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, halved and pounded to about 1-inch thick
*1 cup buttermilk
*1/4 cup all purpose flour
*1/2 cup italian bread crumbs
*1 teaspoon garlic powder
*1 teaspoon salt
*1/2 teaspoon black pepper
*1/2 teaspoon paprika
*1 tablespoon olive oil
*1 tablespoon vegetable oil
*1 tablespoon bleu cheese or mayo (optional)
*2 slices swiss cheese
*2 slices mozzarella cheese
*4 slices of bread
*1 teaspoon butter

Directions:
~Pour buttermilk into a small bowl.
~Place chicken into buttermilk and let sit for 20-30 minutes.~In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
~Add sliced onion & sugar.
~Cook for 20-25 minutes or until onions are a golden brown and caramelized, stirring often.
~Remove from pan and set aside.
~Pour 1 tablespoon olive oil & vegetable oil in skillet, heat over medium heat.
~In a small bowl, combine flour, bread crumbs, garlic powder, salt, pepper & paprika.
~Remove chicken from buttermilk, and shake off excess liquid.
~Roll chicken into bread crumb mixture until well coated.
~Carefully place chicken into hot oil.
~Cook 5-6 minutes on each side, or until chicken is done.
~ Remove chicken from pan.
~Coat one side of each slice of bread with butter.
~Place bread butter side down on skillet/grill.
~Put chicken on bread.
~Add one slice of swiss & mozzarella cheese over each piece of chicken.
~Divide grilled onions over the cheese.
~Put a 1/2 teaspoon of bleu cheese or mayo over onions.
~Top with bread, butter side up.
~Grill (or put in a panini maker) until one side is golden brown (I put a heavy pan over the sandwich as I cook it).
~Flip and do the same on the other side.

Variations:
`add a slice of tomato before or after sandwich is grilled.
`add dill pickles before or after sandwich is grilled.
`add baby spinach before grilling.
`add 2 slices of cooked bacon before grilling.

Spicy Chicken Sandwiches

Super simple to make, and very good.  So much better than Wendy's Spicy Chicken Sandwich.  You are going to read this recipe and think that I made a mistake and put to much cayenne pepper, but it's right.   It won't be to spicy.

SPICY CHICKEN SANDWICH
(Serves 4)

Ingredients:

*vegetable oil for frying

*4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

*1 cup all-purpose flour
*1/3 cup red hot  sauce
*2/3 cup buttermilk 
*1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
*2 teaspoons salt
*1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
*1 teaspoon ground black pepper
*1 teaspoon onion powder
*1/2 teaspoon paprika
*1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
*4 hamburger buns
*4 slices pepper-jack cheese
*8 teaspoons mayonnaise
*lettuce
*1 tomato, sliced
*dill pickle slices (optional)

Directions:

~Pour 1 cup all-purpose flour into a bowl.
~Mix 1/3 cup hot sauce and 2/3 cup buttermilk in another bowl.
~Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 2 teaspoons salt, 1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder in yet another bowl.
~Pound each of the chicken pieces until about 3/8 inch thick.
~Trim any fat from chicken.
~Coat each piece of chicken with the flour.
~Then  dip in hot pepper sauce mixture.
~Coat chicken in the flour and spices mixture and set in a baking dish.
~Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
~Preheat oil in deep fryer (or heavy skillet) to 350 degrees.

~Fry the chicken for 10 minutes or until they are crispy & brown.

~Remove from oil & place on paper towel to remove any excess oil.

~Grill each bun 

~Put 2 teaspoons mayonnaise on the top section of each bun.
~Place a couple pickles over mayo.

~Place a slice of tomato over tomato.
~Place lettuce over tomato.
~Place chicken on top of bottom bun.
~Place a slice of cheese on top of chicken.
~Assemble top bun over bottom bun and serve warm.

Variations:
`add a couple slices of cooked bacon to sandwich.
`substitute mayo with bleu cheese dressing

**For a healthier version of this, spray a cookie sheet with a cooking spray and bake chicken in a 400 degree oven for 30 minutes or until done.

Chicken Panini

My girls and I love a grilled panini (although Autumn likes hers without the chicken). They look great and taste delicious.

CHICKEN PANINI

(serves 4)

Ingredients:

*italian bread

*1 tomato, sliced thin

*1/4 cup basil pesto

*2 chicken breast halves chicken

*1 teaspoon pepper

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

*1 tablespoon olive oil

*1/2 red onion, sliced thin

*1 cup sharp shredded cheese

Directions:

~Season chicken with salt, pepper & garlic powder.

~Fry chicken in olive oil in a medium skillet.

~Cook until chicken is no longer pink.

~Remove chicken from skillet, and let cool slightly.

~While chicken is cooling, sauté green peppers & red onions for 1-2 minutes.

~Remove from pan.

~Thinly slice chicken breast.

~Preheat stove top grill or panini pan.

~Slice Italian bread to desired thickness

~Spread each half with pesto sauce.

~Layer bottom halves with equal amounts of chicken, green pepper, onion, tomato & cheese.

~Place top half of bread over fillings.

~Butter top of sandwich and place it buttered side down on stove top grill (butter both sides if using a panini maker).

~Put a small cast iron pan, or aluminum foil covered brick over sandwich and press down on sandwich.

~When sandwich is golden brown, butter other side and flip. (if using a panini maker cook about 5 minutes)

~Put pan/brick on sandwich once again, and press down.

~Remove from pan when golden brown.

Variation:

-substitute green pepper for roasted red pepper.

-substitute chicken breast for turkey breast.

Vegetarian Version:

-substitute chicken with zucchini and yellow squash.

Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwich

This is a good meal for a busy day. Just throw in in the slow cooker and go do what you need to do. You will have a hot yummy dinner when you return. I posted two types of BBQ Sauce. One sweeter the other spicy.

 

PULLED BBQ CHICKEN 

(serves 6-8)

Ingredients:

*5 good-sized boneless, skinless, chicken breasts.

*1 cup chicken stock.

Sweet BBQ Sauce

*2 tablespoons butter, melted

*1/4 sweet onion, chopped very fine

*2 garlic cloves, minced

*2 cups ketchup

*2 cups tomato sauce

*1/2 cup brown sugar

*1 cup Italian red wine vinegar

*1/4 cup dark molasses

*4 teaspoons hickory-flavored liquid smoke

*1/4 teaspoon chili powder

*1 teaspoon paprika

*1/2 teaspoon celery seed

*1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

*1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (depending on how spicy you want it)

*1 teaspoon sea salt

*1 teaspoon pepper

*1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste (use an hour before you are going to serve it, if sauce needs to be thicken up)

Directions:

~Heat 1 cup chicken stock in a frying pan to a low simmer.

~Add 5 chicken breasts to the stock.

~Cook chicken 2-3 minutes on each side.

~Remove chicken from pan and cool.

~In the crock pot, mix 2 tablespoons butter, 1/4 finely chopped sweet onion, 2 mince garlic cloves, 2 cups ketchup, 2 cups tomato sauce, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 cup Italian red wine vinegar, 1/4 cup molasses, 4 teaspoons liquid smoke, 1/4 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon celery seed, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste.

~Place chicken into crock pot.

~Cover, and cook 3 to 4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low.

~Uncover, and if needed shred chicken.

~Scoop unto rolls and serve. 

Variation:

`Add slice of favorite cheese on top of Pulled BBQ sandwich, then cover with butter.

Chicken Salad Sanwich

I make this most often when I have leftover chicken. Easy to make and great on a bed of lettuce of as a sandwich with fresh baked bread.

CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICH 

(serves 2)

Ingredients:

*1 cup chicken, shredded, and chilled

*1/3 cup celery, chopped small 

*1/8 cup onion, chopped small

*1 teaspoon dried parsley

*1/4 teaspoon salt

*1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1/4 - 1/2  cup mayonnaise

*salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

~In a small bowl, combine meat, celery, onions, parsley, salt, pepper and  mayo.

~Let set covered in refrigerator for a least one hour.

Variation:

`add 1/3 cup seedless grapes, chopped

`add 2 tablespoons dried sweet cranberries

`add slivered almonds

`add 1/3 cup raisins.

`substitute mayonnaise for miracle whip.