Skip to main content

Chicken Breast Sandwiches with Caramelized Onions, Watercress, and Paprika Aïoli

4.7

(39)

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 6

Ingredients

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon hot smoked Spanish paprika*
1 garlic clove, pressed
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus more for brushing on rolls
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 pounds onions, halved lengthwise, thinly sliced crosswise (about 7 cups)
3 (8-ounce) skinless boneless chicken breast halves, cut crosswise in half
6 sourdough sandwich rolls or twelve
1/2-inch-thick slices sourdough bread
3 cups (lightly packed) watercress or arugula
* Sometimes labeled Pimentín Picante or Pimentón de La Vera Picante; available at specialty foods stores and from tienda.com.

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Whisk first 4 ingredients in small bowl. Gradually whisk in 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD Aioli can be made 2 days ahead. Cover prepared aioli and chill.

    Step 2

    Heat vegetable oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions, sprinkle with salt, and cook until beginning to brown, stirring often, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and continue to cook until onions are soft and deep golden brown, stirring often, about 20 minutes longer. Season with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Caramelized onions can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.

    Step 3

    Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Place chicken breasts between 2 sheets of plastic wrap. Pound with mallet to 1/3-inch thickness. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill chicken until cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to work surface. Brush cut side of rolls with extra-virgin olive oil. Grill rolls, cut side down, until grill marks appear, about 1 minute. Spread rolls with some of aioli. Assemble sandwiches, dividing chicken, caramelized onions, and watercress among rolls. Serve warm.

Read More
Grab your Easter basket and hop in—you’ll want to collect each and every one of these fun and easy Easter recipes.
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
Like airy lemon chiffon cake and a Cadbury egg–inspired tart.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like lemony risotto and tandoori-style cauliflower.
Think a Hugo spritz, a gin basil smash, and plenty more patio-ready pours.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.