I can't believe that two weeks from today will be Christmas day. My days seem to be evaporating into thin air! That's why things like these delicious Honey & Basil Hot Chicken Sandwiches are on the menu more often than not as my days are filled with addressing cards, writing notes, etc. You know how it goes. Every year I say I am going to have everything done before December, but I am such a procrastinator!
These might not be the most attractive sandwiches to look at, but this is certainly a case where you won't want to judge a book by its cover, because they are fabulously delicious!
At the weekend, I had taken out what I thought was chicken thighs from the freezer only to discover it was a mix of chicken breasts and chicken tenders. I poached them in some stock, with some peppercorns and a few bay leafs added. Tender and moist, they were perfect for shredding. I used some for these sandwiches and I will use more for chicken salad one day.
I toasted some lovely soft buns on the insides and then spread the bottoms with some mayonnaise and tomato chutney. The tomato chutney gave it a bit of a sweet and spicy spark. You could also use Heinz Chili Sauce or really any other kind of chutney, so long as it goes with the flavor of basil.
I piled some shredded chicken on top of that and then I whisked together some basil pesto and honey. I drizzled most of it over the chicken, reserving some to brush on the bun tops.
On top of the pesto, I layered on some sliced of Swiss type of cheese. Swiss melts really nicely and has a sweet nutty flavor.
At the very last came the bun tops which I brushed with the remaining pesto mixture. I cover them and popped them into the oven just until heated through and the cheese had melted. I then uncovered them for a few minutes to let the buns brown a bit.
Todd had his with some potato salad and I enjoyed mine with a mix of crisp vegetable sticks. (I love raw vegetables!)
If you don't want the tops to be that brown, skip the uncovering bit. I didn't mind and they were nice and crisp on the outsides, and soft and fluffy on the insides . . .
And the filling mixture was gorgeous, simply gorgeous. I love it when I cross my fingers, throw some things together and they come out delicious!
Yield: Makes 8 SandwichesAuthor: Marie Rayner
Honey & Basil Hot Chicken Sandwiches
prep time: 10 minscook time: 25 minstotal time: 35 minsThese are delicious, simple and quick to make. I use poached chicken breasts to make them, but, they are also great way to use leftover roast chicken, rotisserie chicken or even roast turkey.ingredients:
2 chicken breasts, poached and shredded230g good quality basil pesto (8.1 ounces)4 TBS liquid honeygood quality mayonnaisetomato chutney (optional)8 slices Gruyere or Swiss cheese8 hamburger buns split and toasted
instructions:
Place the bottoms of your buns in a
baking dish. Spread with some mayonnaise and tomato chutney (if
using). Top each with a quantity of the shredded chicken. Whisk
together the basil and honey. Drizzle over top of the chicken,
reserving some to brush on the tops of the buns. Top each with a slice
of cheese and then the top bun. Brush each with some of the honey basil
mixture. Cover with a sheet of foil you have sprayed with some cooking
spray. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, uncover and bake for 5
minutes longer.Note - tomato chutney is a bit spicy and somewhat sweet. You can also use the Heinz Chili Sauce that you buy in North America, which is like a sweet spicy ketchup. A good BBQ sauce also works well.Created using The Recipes Generator
These were really, really good. A new favorite around here! I had a half of one cold for breakfast yesterday and it was still delicious, which says a lot! Bon Appetit!
