Join the Club

On an episode of Top Chef I watched the other day, the “quickfire” challenge was to make a drink using Bailey’s Irish Cream and serve it with a snack. The chefs were, of course, quite creative, turning out fancy, frothed cocktails and nibbles along the lines of tuna tartare and shrimp ceviche. An expert mixologist had been called in to judge and, while she raved over some of their creations, she also commented that she was a little disappointed that no one made a Bailey’s milkshake and hamburger.

Point taken: Sometimes simple and familiar—but perfectly seasoned and cooked—is better than any new-fangled dish could ever be.

California Chicken Club Sandwiches on Ciabatta
Serves 4

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets, approx. 1 lb.
2 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves stripped
2 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves stripped
juice of ½ lemon
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
¼ c. extra-virgin olive oil
sea salt and black pepper
4 mini-ciabatta rolls, cut in half and lightly toasted
½ c. homemade mayonnaise
4 red-leaf lettuce leaves
1 large beefsteak tomato, thinly sliced
4 thin slices Pepper Jack cheese
8 strips center cut bacon, cooked
1 ripe avocado, pitted, thinly sliced, and sprinkled with lemon juice

In a food processor, combine the rosemary, thyme, lemon juice, garlic, mustard and vinegar. Pulse to combine, then stream in the olive oil until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper and adjust other seasonings to taste.

In a shallow dish, season the chicken cutlets on both sides with salt and pepper, then pour the marinade over. Cover and refrigerate for one hour.

Preheat a grill pan over medium high heat and coat lightly with olive oil cooking spray. Cook the chicken pieces for 4 minutes on each side or until thoroughly cooked through. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.

To assemble sandwiches, spread one tablespoon of mayo on each half of the ciabatta. On the bottom slice of bread, layer the lettuce, tomato, chicken, cheese, bacon and avocado, then top with the other half. Serve immediately.