Description
These Paprika Chicken Ciabattas are a quick and flavorful sandwich perfect for a light lunch or casual dinner. Tender chicken breasts are marinated with lemon juice and smoky paprika, grilled to perfection, and served on toasted ciabatta bread with a garlicky mayonnaise and fresh romaine lettuce for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 skinless chicken breasts
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sandwich Components
- 1 ciabatta loaf
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 4 tbsp mayonnaise
- 8 romaine lettuce leaves, torn
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts horizontally in half to create thinner pieces. Place each piece between two sheets of cling film and bash gently with a rolling pin until about 1cm thick. This helps the chicken cook evenly and become tender.
- Marinate the Chicken: Squeeze the lemon juice over the chicken pieces and dust them evenly with smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper, then drizzle with olive oil to coat the chicken, enhancing flavor and preventing sticking during cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a griddle pan or barbecue until hot. Lay the chicken pieces on the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until nicely charred and cooked through, ensuring safety and a smoky taste.
- Toast the Ciabatta: Slice the ciabatta loaf horizontally. Place the cut sides down onto the hot pan and toast for 1 minute until lightly browned and crisp.
- Prepare Garlic Mayonnaise: Mix the crushed garlic clove into the mayonnaise thoroughly to infuse the mayo with a mild garlic flavor that complements the chicken.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread the garlic mayonnaise evenly over the toasted cut sides of the ciabatta halves. Layer the torn romaine lettuce leaves and cooked chicken on one half of the bread. Season with a little salt and pepper to taste. Top with the other half of the bread and cut in half to serve.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken breasts with 500g of sliced pork fillet and follow the same cooking instructions for a different flavor.
- To add extra flavor, consider adding sliced tomatoes or red onions to the sandwich.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle a little chili powder or cayenne pepper on the chicken along with the smoked paprika.
- For a healthier version, use low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt mixed with garlic instead of regular mayonnaise.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: paprika chicken sandwich, grilled chicken ciabatta, easy chicken sandwich, smoked paprika chicken, quick lunch recipes
