From Fridge to Fabulous: The Ultimate Leftover Chicken Ciabatta Sandwich
Don’t let that leftover chicken sit forlornly in your fridge! Transform it into a gourmet delight with this quick, flavorful, and endlessly customisable Leftover Chicken Ciabatta Sandwich recipe. It’s the perfect way to banish food waste and enjoy a truly satisfying meal. Scroll down or tap the “Jump to Recipe” button for the full ingredient list and step-by-step instructions!
Why This Recipe Works Wonders with ANY Leftover Chicken:
- Flavour Alchemy: The zesty sauce and bold chipotle paste work their magic, bringing even the most simply prepared chicken to life.
- Texture Symphony: Crisp vegetables and creamy avocado create a delightful play of textures that perfectly complement the chicken.
- Spice Control: Tailor the seasonings to enhance the original flavour of your chicken, whether it’s subtly seasoned or boldly spiced.
- Upgrade Champion: Instantly elevate even plain boiled chicken to sandwich stardom.
The Key Players in Your Flavour-Packed Masterpiece:
- Crusty Ciabatta Rolls: The ideal foundation for a gourmet sandwich, offering a satisfying chew and a sturdy hold for all those delicious fillings.
- Your Choice of Cooked Chicken: Boiled, roasted, grilled, rotisserie – whatever you’ve got, bring it on!
- Chipotle Paste (the Flavour Booster): Delivers a smoky depth and a touch of irresistible heat.
- Cream Cheese (the Creamy Dream): Provides a rich and luxurious base that binds all the ingredients together in perfect harmony.
- Fresh Veggies (the Crunch Brigade): Crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and sharp red onions provide a refreshing crunch and a burst of fresh flavours.
- Avocado (the Smooth Operator): Adds a creamy, buttery texture and a dose of healthy fats.
- Melty Mozzarella (the Gooey Goodness): Creates that gooey, cheesy goodness that everyone loves.
- Zesty Sauce (the Tangy Finisher): A simple yet brilliant combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard that adds a final flourish of flavour.
Building Your Dream Leftover Chicken Ciabatta Sandwich: Step-by-Step:
Flavour Infusion: Shred the leftover chicken and mix it with chipotle paste, softened cream cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking – a little garlic powder or smoked paprika can work wonders!
Prep and Bake: Slice the ciabatta roll in half horizontally. Spread the zesty sauce generously on the bottom half. Layer the flavourful chicken mixture. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on the other half. Bake in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
Fresh Toppings: Once out of the oven, add crisp lettuce leaves, juicy tomato slices, thinly sliced red onion, creamy avocado, gherkins and additional sauce to the chicken layer.
Finishing Touch: Carefully place the cheese-covered top half of the ciabatta over the fresh vegetable layer. Gently press down to secure the sandwich. Slice in half if desired, serve immediately, and enjoy your gourmet creation!
Level Up Your Sandwich: Flavour Booster Ideas
- Sweet & Tangy Surprise: Add a layer of caramelised onions for a touch of sweetness and depth, balanced with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a tangy finish.
- Mediterranean Twist: Spread a layer of hummus on the bottom half of the ciabatta for a creamy, nutty base, and add sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese for a taste of the Mediterranean.
- Asian Inspiration: Mix a touch of sriracha mayo with the chicken for a spicy kick, and add shredded carrots and pickled daikon radish for a vibrant and crunchy Asian-inspired flavour.
- Mushroom Magic: Sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic and thyme and layer them over the chicken for an earthy and umami-rich experience.
- Fruity Freshness: Add thin slices of green apple or pear for a touch of sweetness and a crisp, refreshing bite.
Pro Tips: Leftover Chicken Ciabatta Sandwich, Make-Ahead & Storage:
- Prep Like a Pro: Make the chicken mixture and zesty sauce up to 24 hours in advance and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
- Assemble Strategically: Assemble the sandwiches just before baking to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner:
- It’s a champion of leftovers: Transforming even simply boiled chicken into a culinary star.
- It’s a flavour powerhouse: Maximising taste with readily available ingredients and customisable seasonings.
- It’s quick and easy: Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend lunch.
- It’s a waste warrior: Minimising food waste and saving you money.
- It’s uniquely you: Endlessly customisable to suit your taste preferences.
You Might Also Enjoy:
If you loved this Leftover Chicken Ciabatta Sandwich, check out these other delicious recipes to keep the culinary inspiration flowing!
And don’t miss our quick video tutorial on Instagram for a step-by-step guide on how to make this Leftover Chicken Ciabatta Sandwich!
Description
Description: This recipe transforms leftover cooked chicken into a delicious and satisfying sandwich. The combination of smoky chipotle chicken, creamy sauce, fresh vegetables, and melted mozzarella on crusty ciabatta bread makes for an unforgettable lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
For the Sandwiches:
For the Sauce:
Instructions
Prepare the Oven:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Make the Chipotle Chicken Mixture:
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In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chipotle paste, softened cream cheese, and olive oil. Add salt to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Prepare the Sauce:
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In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard until smooth and well combined.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
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Slice the ciabatta rolls in half horizontally. Place the halves on the prepared baking sheet.
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Remove some of the soft bread from the inside of each ciabatta half to make room for the fillings.
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Spread the sauce evenly over the cut sides of the ciabatta bottoms.
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Top the sauced bottoms with the chipotle chicken mixture.
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Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top halves of the ciabatta rolls.
Bake the Sandwiches:
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Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Add the Fresh Toppings:
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Remove the baking sheet from the oven.
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Place lettuce leaves on top of the chicken.
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Layer the tomato slices, red onion slices, avocado slices, and gherkin slices over the lettuce.
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Drizzle a little extra sauce over the vegetables, if desired.
Finish and Serve:
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Carefully place the mozzarella-covered ciabatta tops over the vegetable layers. Gently press down to secure the sandwich. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Equipment
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2 ServingCalories:1037.82kcalTotal Fat:58.66gSaturated Fat: 17.3gTrans Fat: 0.15gCholesterol:119.33mgSodium:2376.78mgPotassium:793.37mgTotal Carbohydrate:76.71gDietary Fiber: 11.13gSugars: 14.66gProtein:37.58gVitamin A: 282.54IUVitamin C: 22.66mgCalcium: 338.85mgIron: 2.08mgVitamin D: 0.4IUVitamin E: 2.56IUVitamin K: 71.71mcgThiamin: 0.15mgRiboflavin: 0.38mgNiacin: 6.88mgVitamin B6: 0.59mgFolate: 83.48mcgVitamin B12: 0.61mcgPhosphorus: 406.78mgMagnesium: 63.31mgZinc: 2.88mg
Note
Adjust the Chipotle: Modify the amount of chipotle paste to suit your spice preference.
Get Creative with Cheese: Feel free to substitute with provolone, or any other cheese that melts well.
Freshness Matters: Use the freshest vegetables possible for the best flavour and texture.
Customise: Add any other toppings you enjoy, such as sprouts, bell peppers, or different types of pickles.
