The Ultimate Italian Sandwich

If you’re anything like me, you LOVE a sandwich that’s bursting with flavor, easy to make, and fun to eat! Today, I’m sharing my version of The Ultimate Italian Sandwich a juicy, colorful, and totally tasty meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a picnic! It’s got warm, seasoned meat, crispy veggies, and a creamy dressing all wrapped in a crunchy roll. Yum!

Method

Cook the Chicken

To begin, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped yellow onion and sauté it for about 3 minutes, or until it becomes soft and slightly translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, letting the garlic release its aroma without burning. Now it’s time to add the ground chicken. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Let it cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fully cooked through and lightly browned. This step builds the base flavor of the sandwich filling.

Add Flavor

Once the chicken is cooked, pour in one cup of low sodium chicken broth to keep the mixture moist and flavorful. Add one tablespoon each of low sodium soy sauce and balsamic vinegar for a perfect balance of savory and tangy notes. Give everything a good stir to combine. Now, add in the grated or thinly sliced carrots and the bell pepper strips. Let the mixture simmer over low heat for about 5 to 6 minutes. This allows the vegetables to soften slightly while soaking up all those delicious juices from the pan. Finally, turn off the heat and gently mix in the thinly sliced cucumber. The cucumber adds a light crunch and freshness to the warm filling.

Make the Sauce

While the filling cools slightly, prepare the creamy Italian sauce. In a small mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of Italian dressing, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Whisk all the ingredients together until the sauce is smooth and creamy. This sauce is the secret weapon of the sandwich it adds richness and that classic Italian deli flavor we all love. Let the sauce sit for a few minutes so it thickens slightly and the flavors can blend together.

Assemble the Sandwich

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Take your Italian sandwich rolls and slice them open lengthwise using a bread knife. Start by layering a few fresh lettuce leaves on the bottom half of each roll. Not only does this add freshness, but it also acts as a barrier to keep the bread from getting soggy. Spoon a generous amount of the warm chicken and veggie mixture on top of the lettuce. Then, drizzle or spread a hearty amount of the creamy Italian sauce over the filling. Feel free to personalize your sandwich with optional toppings like chopped fresh basil, sliced olives, shredded mozzarella, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat. Finally, place the top half of the roll over everything, give it a gentle press, and your Ultimate Italian Sandwich is ready to serve!

Necessary Tools

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Chopping board and knife
• Measuring spoons/cups
• Spoon or spatula
• Bread knife (for slicing rolls)

The Ultimate Italian Sandwich

Recipe by George MendesCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Total time

30

minutes

Ingredients

• For the Sandwich Filling

• 1 lb ground chicken

• 1 tbsp olive oil (or cooking oil of your choice)

• 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth

• 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1/2 cup carrots, grated or thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, sliced into strips

• 1/2 cup cucumber, seeds removed and sliced thin

• 4 Italian sandwich rolls (hoagie or sub rolls work great)

• Fresh lettuce leaves

• For the Creamy Italian Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp Italian dressing

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional Toppings

• Chopped fresh basil or parsley

• Sliced olives

• Shredded mozzarella

• Crushed red pepper flakes (for spice lovers)

Directions

• Cook the Chicken
  Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the ground chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until browned (about 6–8 minutes).
• Add Flavor
  Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Stir well, then add the carrots and bell peppers. Let everything simmer on low for 5–6 minutes so the veggies get soft and soak up the flavor. Turn off the heat and mix in the cucumber.
• Make the Sauce
  In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, Italian dressing, Dijon mustard, Parmesan, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and creamy.
• Assemble the Sandwich
  Slice your sandwich rolls open. Layer in some lettuce first (this keeps the bread from getting soggy). Spoon the warm chicken-veggie mix into each roll, then drizzle with your creamy Italian sauce. Add any of the optional toppings you love!

Notes

• Don’t skip the lettuce layer at the bottom it helps keep your bread from getting soggy.
• Make sure to simmer the filling just long enough so it’s not watery. If it’s too wet, the sandwich might fall apart.
• Let the creamy sauce sit for a few minutes before using it thickens up and tastes even better.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Ultimate Italian Sandwich with:

• A side of crispy potato chips or sweet potato fries
• A fresh fruit salad
• Pickles or olives on the side
• A tall glass of lemonade or iced tea

Want to go extra fancy? Wrap the sandwich in parchment paper and tie it with string like a deli shop would!

Fun Fact

Did you know Italian sandwiches started becoming popular in the U.S. in the early 1900s when Italian immigrants brought their favorite meats, cheeses, and breads with them? That’s why they’re often packed with bold flavors like garlic, olive oil, and tangy vinegar!

Conclusion

And there you have it The Ultimate Italian Sandwich! It’s warm, hearty, and full of flavor. Whether you’re making lunch for the family or impressing your friends at a weekend gathering, this sandwich is a total winner. Try it out, make it your own, and let me know how it turned out. Buon appetito!