Chicken Parmesan Sandwich
This will officially be added to my family's bi-weekly, weeknight, rotating dinner menu . . . it's a winner not only because it tastes FANTASTIC, but comes together so quickly. Each element is a few ingredients and takes only minutes each. And as if that isn't enough, this is a hearty, healthy meal that I can feel good about!
I think what I love most about this meal is the sauce . . . it's nostalgic for me. A quick story to explain . . . when my sister and I were little girls of oh, say five to eight maybe . . . we would occasionally get dressed up as a family and go out to dinner on a Saturday night in Dad's gold Dodge Dart to . . . wait for it . . . Bob's Big Boy. Yup . . . this one:
These were the first sit down, chain restaurants that I remember serving "real" meals. I always wanted to order spaghetti. And my mom always complained, saying I should try something different. I remember that they served it with a sprig of fresh parsley. Always the curly variety. I got the spaghetti for the sauce. It wasn't a traditional spaghetti sauce, but a bright, fresh tomato sauce heavily dosed with fresh parsley. This sandwich includes that same super simple, tomato sauce.
I start with a soft roll so it will absorb and hold the sauce. A pound of fresh ground chicken is quickly mixed with a handful of spices and more fresh parsley. Then I shape the chicken patty to fit the bread of choice. They cook in a few minutes and are topped with a slice of mozzarella that melts down over the top. Douse liberally with the tomato sauce and you have dinner . . . and a little taste of nostalgia for yourself!
