Imagine surprising your dad with a mouthwatering culinary masterpiece that combines crispy toasted bread, succulent shredded chicken, and a heavenly homemade garlic aioli that will make his taste buds dance with joy! These open-faced sandwiches aren't just a meal; they're a declaration of love crafted with every delicious layer. Whether you're looking to impress your dad or simply craving a gourmet sandwich experience, this recipe is about to become your new weekend favorite.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 slices of crusty bread
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup homemade garlic aioli
- 1/4 cup arugula
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the homemade garlic aioli. In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, prepare the crusty bread. Choose a good quality bread such as a baguette or ciabatta. Slice the bread into 1-inch thick slices.
- Place the slices of bread on a baking sheet. Drizzle a little olive oil over each slice and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toast the bread in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- While the bread is toasting, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you don't have cooked chicken, you can boil or roast chicken breasts and shred them once cooked.
- Once the bread is toasted, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Spread a generous amount of the homemade garlic aioli on each slice of toasted bread.
- Top the garlic aioli with the shredded chicken, evenly distributing it among the slices. Add a handful of arugula on top of the chicken for a fresh, peppery flavor.
- Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes on top of the arugula for a burst of sweetness and color. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve the open-faced sandwiches immediately while the bread is still warm. Enjoy your Father's Day meal with family and friends!
Tips
- Choose high-quality bread: The foundation of these sandwiches is crusty bread, so opt for fresh baguette or ciabatta for the best texture and flavor.
- Homemade aioli hack: For an extra flavor boost, add a small amount of roasted garlic or a dash of herbs like fresh basil to your aioli.
- Chicken preparation: For maximum tenderness, poach or roast your chicken instead of boiling to retain more moisture.
- Toast timing: Watch your bread carefully while toasting to achieve that perfect golden-brown color without burning.
- Temperature matters: Serve these sandwiches slightly warm to enhance the flavors and keep the aioli creamy.
- Customize for dad: Feel free to add his favorite toppings like bacon, cheese, or extra herbs to make the recipe uniquely his.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 359kcal
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 36g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 100mg
