If you're tired of the same old sandwich routine, it's time to shake things up and try something extraordinary. Enter the Loaded Chicken Parmesan Sandwich with a Vodka Sauce and Basil Aioli. This gourmet sandwich combines the rich and savory flavors of vodka sauce with a zesty basil aioli, creating a taste sensation that will leave you craving more.

But before we dive in, I want to share my experience with my food processor. It was given to us as a wedding gift and for a while it just sat unused. I wasn’t sure what to do with it for a while UNTIL I started making my own dressing like my Cilantro Lime Dressing and my Creamy Pine Nut Dressing. Since then, it’s been a godsend. It’s so easy to quickly whip up a salad dressing, a homemade sauce, or an aioli like the one I’m sharing in today’s recipe! So, if you’re on the fence about whether to get one or not, my answer is absolutely yes and here’s the one I use. You can also find the rest of my kitchen sources linked below the recipe.

And with that, I won’t keep you waiting any longer. Let’s make this one-of-a-kind chicken parm sandwich!

Loaded Chicken Parmesan Sandwich with a Vodka Sauce & Basil Aioli

Ingredients

For the Crispy Chicken:

• 2 chicken breasts, pounded into 1/2 inch thick pieces and seasoned with salt and pepper

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 up Panko breadcrumbs

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 cup frying oil

For the Vodka Sauce:

• 1 shallot, minced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup vodka (I use Tito’s)

• 1/4 cup tomato paste

• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

• Salt and Pepper to Taste

For the Basil Aioli:

• 2 small garlic cloves

• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, from one lemon

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 handful basil, about 1/2 cup

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

For the Sandwich:

• Sliced bread of your choice (ciabatta, sourdough, or French bread work well)

• 4 slices mozzarella cheese

• Fried Chicken

• Vodka Sauce

• Basil Aioli

• Caramelized onions (see below)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F.

2. In a food processor, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Parmesan cheese, basil leaves, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Blend until well incorporated, creating a vibrant green aioli. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Set aside.

3. Prepare your vodka sauce by heating a skillet over medium heat then sautéing the shallot for 2 minutes. Add garlic to same pan and saute for another 30 seconds. Add vodka to pan and simmer for 1-2 minutes, then add tomato paste and whisk until well combined.

4. Add heavy whipping cream to pan and whisk. The sauce should be thick so it can coat the chicken well. Simmer for 1-2 minutes then add salt and pepper to taste.

5. To assemble your sandwich, place your fried chicken on one half of the bread, then top with caramelized onions, a generous amount of vodka sauce, and slices of mozzarella. Pop the bread into the oven for 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted. Remove from oven and spread a generous layer of basil aioli on the other half of bread then carefully press the two slices together to create the sandwich.

6. Slice the sandwich in half, if desired, and serve it immediately.

Note: To caramelize your onions, you'll need to start by thinly slicing a white onion and adding them to a pan on medium-heat with 2 tablespoons of butter and a drizzle of olive oil. Let them simmer, stirring occasionally for about 10-15 minutes. Next add a sprinkle of salt and pepper along with a pinch of sugar. Let that simmer for another 3 minutes. You'll then add about 2 tablespoons of Balsamic Vinegar, stirring to combine. Simmer for another 5 minutes then remove pan from heat.

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