Rachael's Daytime Talk Show
Chicken and Pepperoni Super Subs -- 02/11/11

Chicken and Pepperoni Super Subs

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil plus additional for shallow frying of cutlets
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 to 4 cloves garlic, very thinly sliced
  • 1 small Fresno chili pepper, very thinly sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • Salt and pepper
  • A few leaves of fresh basil, torn
  • 4 small pieces boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • Flour, for dredging
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup, 2 handfuls, freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
  • A handful chopped flat-leaf parsley
  • 4 Italian-style bread hoagie/sub rolls, 8 inches
  • 1/4 pound deli-sliced pepperoni from the deli counter
  • 8 slices provolone cheese from the deli counter

Yields: Serves 4 – well!

Preparation

Step

In a saucepot, heat 1 tablespoon EVOO, a turn of the pan, over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, chili pepper, oregano and soften 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add tomato paste and stir to combine, 1 minute. Add stock and tomatoes, season with a little salt and stir in a couple of leaves of torn basil. Simmer to thicken, 30 minutes.

Step

Season cutlets with salt and pepper, and dredge in flour then eggs then breadcrumbs combined with Parm and parsley. Heat a thin layer of olive oil in large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Cook cutlets in batches, a few minutes on each side until deeply golden. Transfer to racks.

Step

Turn broiler on. Split rolls open, leaving them hinged at back. Top each with some sauce, a layer of pepperoni and sliced provolone. Place under broiler to melt cheese. Top with cutlets and serve, passing extra sauce at table.