Oh, the Chopped Italian Sandwich with chicken is so delicious. Lots of people have put their spin on it, using different meats, cheeses, and dressings. It’s just so versatile and loved by many. Today, let’s check out the classic recipe for this dish. First things first – we need to gather our ingredients.
We’ll need:
Chicken (preferably cooked and chilled)
Italian deli meats like pepperoni and salami
Provolone cheese
Iceberg lettuce
Hoagie rolls or Italian bread
Banana peppers
Black pepper
Red wine vinegar
Red onion
Tomato slices
Salad dressing of your choice
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Preparing the Ingredients:
1. Chicken:
I always start with chicken because it’s the main protein. I chop up my cooked chicken breast into small, diced pieces so they blend well with the other ingredients. It’s important to have them bite-sized.
2. Deli Meats:
After that, I grab my pepperoni and salami. I lay them flat on the cutting board, stack them up, and then slice them into strips before dicing them into smaller pieces. This way, you get a little bit of meat in every bite.
3. Cheese:
I do the same thing with provolone cheese as I do with meat. I stack the cheese slices, then cut them into strips and finally into small dice. This helps to evenly distribute the cheese when we mix it with the other ingredients.
4. Vegetables:
Now, onto the veggies. I thinly slice the red onion and tomato. As for the iceberg lettuce, I like to give it a rough chop so it’s not too fine — it adds a nice crunch to our sandwich.
5. Seasoning:
I just sprinkle a bit of salt and black pepper over the chopped ingredients, not too much, just enough to bring out the flavors.
6. Dressing:
Finally, I sprinkle some olive oil and red wine vinegar on top. It adds a nice tangy flavor that goes really well with meat and cheese.
Assembling the Sandwich:
Get the Bread Ready: I grab a hoagie roll or a slice of Italian bread and lay it open on my cutting board.
Stack it Up: I start with the chicken, spreading it evenly. Then I add the deli meats — pepperoni and salami — followed by slices of provolone cheese.
Add some vegetables: On top of the meat and cheese, I scatter the chopped iceberg lettuce, thin slices of red onion, and tomato.
Dressing Time: I drizzle a generous amount of olive oil and red wine vinegar over the layers. Then, I sprinkle on some salt and black pepper for seasoning.
Tangy Twist: For a tangy kick, I add a few banana peppers.
Mix it Up: With everything in place, I take my sharp knife and give it all a good chop right there on the bread, mixing the ingredients slightly. This is the signature move for the ‘chopped’ sandwich.
Seal it Up: I carefully close the sandwich, pressing down slightly to ensure everything stays in place.
Decorating the Dish:
I use a sharp knife to cut the sandwich diagonally, not only making it easier to eat but also showing off the colorful layers of ingredients inside, which makes it look more appealing.
Sometimes I like to add a few extra banana peppers on top or sprinkle some dried herbs for that extra flavor and decoration.
A handful of potato chips or a light salad can go well with the sandwich, adding texture and making it a complete meal.
I always take a moment to enjoy the flavors and textures that we’ve put together.
Nutritional Value:
This Italian sandwich with chicken is not only delicious but also really good for you. It’s full of protein from the chicken and deli meats, which is great for building and repairing muscles.
The veggies like lettuce, tomato, and red onion give you vitamins and fiber, making it a well-rounded meal. And the olive oil adds healthy fats that are good for your heart.
Tips:
It’s crucial to pay attention to the details.
When chopping, make sure all ingredients are evenly chopped for a perfect mix of flavors in every bite.
Seasoning is super important. If you don’t add enough, the sandwich will be bland, but if you add too much, it’ll be way too strong. You want to sprinkle just a bit of salt and pepper, along with some red wine vinegar and olive oil, to bring out the flavors of the meats and cheese.
When adding the dressing, whether it’s olive oil or salad dressing, make sure to coat everything without making the bread soggy. Just drizzle it over the chopped ingredients before putting them on the bread.
Freshness is key! Using fresh ingredients not only enhances the taste of your sandwich but also boosts its nutritional value. Fresh, crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and top-notch deli meats and cheese make a difference. It’s not just about flavor; fresh ingredients are also healthier for you.
Dish Origin:
The Chopped Italian Sandwich with chicken is a tasty twist on the classic Italian grinder. The grinder is a favorite in Italian-American cuisine, known for its layers of meats, cheeses, and veggies all packed into a long, crusty roll.
This dish went viral on TikTok thanks to the ‘chop’ method that caught the attention of food lovers. Chopping all the ingredients together right on the bread became a sensation for its simplicity and how it brings out all those delicious flavors. It’s super easy to make, perfect for a quick meal without sacrificing taste.
Alright, have you got the hang of it yet? finally, wishing you happy cooking, and may your kitchen adventures be as enjoyable as the dishes you make!