It’s easier now to find miniature ciabatta or grainy Kaiser rolls than ever before. Matching the right bread to the filling makes all the difference—taking a basic grilled chicken sandwich and making it special occasion fare.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Lemongrass Chicken Banh Mi Sandwiches
These French-Vietnamese sandwiches are a staple of food trucks around the country. This zesty, sweetly glazed chicken version is worth the extra few minutes to prep the pickled veggie slaw and maybe even make your own truly French, truly homemade mayo!
French-Style Garlic Wine Chicken
Rachel C. of Grand Forks AFB, ND was selected as a finalist in the 2012 Just 5 Cooking Challenge for creating this simpler version of a French classic. The finished dish has delicate and flavorful garlic cloves that are delicious spread over warm French bread.
Smoked Paprika Grilled Chicken Thighs with Feta Asparagus
This Just 5 Challenge finalist recipe is the creation of Jan V. of Lombard, IL. Spanish smoked paprika lends a rich, smoky flavor and aroma to this deliciously simple grilled chicken dish.
Pesto Chicken Pizza
Pierce any puffed areas of dough with the tip of a knife, then top with chicken-pesto mixture and cheese. Bake, covered, for a few minutes longer—just until the cheese is melted.
Oven Roasted Chicken And Veggies With Turmeric
A large half-sheet baking pan is an essential kitchen tool; fill them up with well-seasoned chicken and any combination of your favorite roasting veggies. The key to even cooking is being sure everything is cut up into similar sizes—and chicken thighs need a little longer to cook so team up well with root vegetables. One-pan dinners are not only efficient to make, they’re even easier to clean up.
Polenta with Coriander Chicken Thigh Stew
Coriander chicken thighs simmered with tomatoes and mushrooms make a hearty stew that’s served over soft polenta.
Barbecue Chicken Wraps
It’s easy to quickly sauté the chicken and veggie filling ahead of time for these hearty burritos—or use leftover shredded chicken, tossed with the barbecue sauce. Then just spoon in crunchy cabbage and shredded carrot with the rest of the filling.
Lettuce-Wrapped Asian Chicken
These summery wraps rely on fresh, crisp garden greens, fragrant herbs, and rich marinated chicken thighs for their wonderful combination of textures and flavor.
Sonoran Chicken Chili
This non-traditional chili takes advantage of the later summer harvest: jalapeño chiles, corn, zucchini, fresh oregano, rosemary, and cilantro. Don’t let the list of ingredients discourage you—pile them into a big soup pot and simmer for less than an hour for a great all-in-one supper.