Tuscan Chicken Sandwiches
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Indulge in a delightful twist on the classic sandwich with these Tuscan Chicken Sandwiches. Slow-cooked chicken thighs, infused with the rich flavors of garlic and roasted red peppers, are shredded to perfection and served on warm focaccia bread. The bread, generously spread with a creamy blend of mayonnaise and pesto, adds a delicious layer of flavor. Each sandwich is topped with fresh tomato slices, making it an irresistible lunch or snack. This recipe is perfect for a leisurely afternoon or a gathering with friends, bringing a touch of Italian-inspired delight to your table.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup pesto sauce
- 6 pieces focaccia bread
- 3 tomatoes, sliced
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken thighs into a 3 to 4-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle minced garlic and salt over the chicken. Add roasted red pepper strips (if using) for an extra burst of flavor.
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Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on the low setting for 6 hours. This slow cooking method ensures that the chicken becomes tender and easily shredable.
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Shred the Chicken: About 10 minutes before serving, remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a large plate. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it to combine with the juices.
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Prepare the Mayonnaise Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and pesto sauce until well blended. This creamy mixture will add a delicious, herbaceous flavor to your sandwiches.
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Prepare the Focaccia Bread: Slice the focaccia bread into 6 wedges, then split each wedge in half horizontally. Spread the cut sides of each focaccia piece with the mayonnaise-pesto mixture.
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Assemble the Sandwiches: Using a slotted spoon, place about 1/3 cup of the shredded chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each focaccia wedge. Top each with a slice or two of fresh tomato. Place the top half of the focaccia on the sandwich to complete.
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Serve and Enjoy: These sandwiches are best enjoyed warm. Serve them as a tasty lunch or a satisfying snack, perfect for any occasion.
Nutritional Information (per sandwich)
- Calories: 158.2
- Fat: 7.1g
- Saturated Fat: 1.4g
- Cholesterol: 81.2mg
- Sodium: 505.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 3.9g
- Fiber: 0.4g
- Sugar: 1.2g
- Protein: 19.1g
Yield: 6 sandwiches
This Tuscan Chicken Sandwich recipe brings together savory slow-cooked chicken with the tangy and creamy flavors of pesto and mayonnaise, all nestled between slices of crusty focaccia bread. Enjoy the rich taste of Italy in each delightful bite! ๐ฅช๐
