Spicy Rotisserie Chicken Pressed Sandwich: Your Guide to an Epic Picnic Lunch
Elevate your outdoor dining experience with a Spicy Rotisserie Chicken Pressed Sandwich – the epitome of sophisticated picnic fare! This vibrant sandwich layers succulent rotisserie chicken, sharp cheddar cheese, crisp red onion, and fresh spinach, all brought together with a delightful spicy kick from our homemade Samurai sauce. Say goodbye to mundane lunches and hello to an effortlessly gourmet meal.
Disclosure: This post is proudly sponsored by Tony’s Market! While I received compensation and products for this feature, rest assured that all opinions expressed and the recipe shared are authentically my own. Your support for the brands that champion Cake ‘n Knife is greatly appreciated!
Embracing the Joy of Summer Picnics
Summer in Colorado, much like in many beautiful locales, ignites a universal desire to be outdoors. There’s an undeniable allure to basking in the sunshine, feeling the gentle breeze, and enjoying the company of loved ones amidst nature. For me, this collective yearning always translates into a longing for picnics. Despite my personal disdain for actual bugs, I wholeheartedly embrace the opportunity to spread a cozy blanket, unpack a carefully curated basket of delights, and simply savor the moment.
Picnics aren’t just about eating; they’re an experience, a mini-escape from the everyday. They provide the perfect excuse to indulge in those special treats you might not typically enjoy at home. Whether it’s a spontaneous gathering with friends or a thoughtfully planned romantic picnic date, I believe every outdoor meal deserves to be treated as a significant event. It’s a chance to create cherished memories and enjoy exceptional food in a relaxed, beautiful setting.
Crafting the Perfect Picnic with Tony’s Market
When it comes to sourcing the finest ingredients for an extraordinary picnic, my go-to destination is always Tony’s Market. This local gem in Denver is renowned for its commitment to quality, offering everything from prime cuts of meat to a diverse selection of everyday groceries. Tony’s Market truly excels in providing gourmet solutions for any meal, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner, a backyard grilling session, or, in this case, a magnificent picnic spread.
Their extensive inventory boasts incredible options like gourmet burger patties, convenient kebabs, a vast pantry selection, freshly baked goods, and a varied deli section. This abundance of choices ensures that you can effortlessly assemble the most impressive picnic basket, regardless of the occasion or the number of guests you’re feeding. Their commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients truly makes a difference in the final taste of your meal.
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My Epic Picnic Basket Essentials
When I shared my picnic idea with my partner, affectionately known as “The Man,” he was incredibly enthusiastic. Tony’s Market holds a special place in his heart, so he was eager to help make this picnic extra special. I was pleasantly surprised when he offered to pack the basket and even scout out the perfect picnic spot! Given his love for Tony’s Market, it all made sense. With such an array of tantalizing options, who wouldn’t want to dig into this feast?
Here’s a glimpse into the delicious spread we put together:
- Spicy Rotisserie Chicken Pressed Sandwiches: The undeniable star of our picnic, featuring a savory and spicy kick (recipe below!). For an alternative, consider my Mango Chicken Salad Sandwiches.
- Prosciutto, Melon and Marinated Mozzarella Mini Skewers: These elegant and refreshing skewers were assembled in mere seconds, adding a touch of sophistication.
- Tony’s Market Spinach Dip: A rich and creamy dip, perfect for sharing.
- Artisan Crackers: The ideal accompaniment to our spinach dip.
- Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies: A sweet and crumbly treat to satisfy any dessert craving.
- Sparkling Lemonades: Refreshing beverages to complete the summer vibe.
This array truly makes for an amazing spread to enjoy on a leisurely afternoon in the park. It’s no wonder The Man was so eager to participate!
The Star of the Show: Spicy Rotisserie Chicken Pressed Sandwich
The real highlight of our picnic basket, and the recipe I’m thrilled to share with you today, is the Spicy Rotisserie Chicken Pressed Sandwich. You simply won’t believe how incredibly easy these sandwiches are to assemble, yet they deliver such an impressive depth of flavor. The magic begins with a perfectly cooked rotisserie chicken from Tony’s Market – any delicious flavor will do, saving you precious prep time. This succulent chicken is then layered with generous slices of sharp cheddar cheese, thinly shaved red onion for a bite, and fresh spinach for a touch of greens. But the true game-changer? The homemade Samurai sauce.
What is Samurai Sauce? A Culinary Discovery!
For those unfamiliar, you might be asking, “what exactly *is* Samurai sauce?” This incredible condiment was one of my most delightful culinary discoveries during a trip to Belgium. In Belgium, where fries are a culinary institution, they offer an astonishing variety of sauces to accompany them. Among these, Samurai sauce quickly became a personal favorite. At its heart, Samurai sauce is a spicy Asian mayonnaise, and it is absolutely *phenomenal*. Its creamy texture and fiery kick make it incredibly versatile and addictive.
I instantly knew this sauce would be the perfect complement to a sandwich, and I particularly wanted it to shine in this pressed chicken masterpiece. The robust yet simple flavors of the rotisserie chicken, cheddar, and fresh vegetables create an ideal canvas, allowing the creamy, spicy notes of the Samurai sauce to truly stand out. The pressing technique allows all these incredible flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a harmonious and intensely satisfying bite. I wholeheartedly promise that once you taste this sauce, you’ll want to slather it on everything – and yes, you *must* try it with fries. It’s an absolute game-changer!
A Picnic to Remember: More Than Just Food
Once our exquisite picnic basket was packed, The Man and I (yes, I’m the “Maid” in this story, for now!) embarked on our park adventure. With our basket in hand and the perfect spot selected, it was time to capture the beauty of the moment. There I was, engrossed in taking photos of the serene park scenery…
(Don’t judge my intense camera face, by the way… LOL)
Taking a moment to appreciate the lush greenery and overall beauty of the park, something truly unexpected happened…
Out of the blue, I received the biggest surprise of my entire life – I wasn’t destined to be just a “Maid” forever…
There he was, my partner, on one knee, asking me to spend the rest of my life with him. Cue all the happy tears!
I was absolutely floored. I’ve been wearing a wide grin all week, desperately wanting to share this incredible story with you all. The meticulously planned picnic, the serene park setting, and my dear friend Bridget (who captured every emotional moment – engagement photo credit to the amazing Bridget Marie Images) secretly documenting it all… It truly felt like a fairy tale moment, one that I will forever hold dear.
I AM GETTING MARRIED!!!
There’s a lot of happy dancing happening over here, so please excuse my overflowing joy. Even if your summer plans don’t include a stealthily executed secret proposal like The Man so brilliantly orchestrated, simply planning a special picnic date with someone you cherish can work wonders for your soul (and certainly for your taste buds!). Take the time this summer to create a memorable afternoon with the one you love. And yes, I am currently a big, mushy ball of love, and it’s not going away anytime soon. So, deal with it! 😉
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This Recipe’s Must-Haves
- Oval Willow Basket with Red White Plaid Lining and Handles: This charming and sturdy basket is not just for looks; it’s incredibly practical, easily holding all the picnic delights listed above and more, making transportation a breeze.
- Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet: Essential for any kitchen, a reliable sheet pan is indispensable. It’s perfect for preparing ingredients or even holding your sandwich while it presses.
- Le Creuset Signature Iron Handle Skillet: While it’s my trusted pan for everyday cooking, its substantial weight makes it an ideal tool for pressing down this sandwich overnight, ensuring those flavors meld perfectly.
Don’t forget to Pin this Spicy Rotisserie Chicken Pressed Sandwich recipe for your future culinary adventures!
Spicy Rotisserie Chicken Pressed Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 loaf ciabatta
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1 1/2 cups hand-torn rotisserie chicken store-bought for convenience, or roast your own for a unique twist, like my Berbere Roasted Chicken!
- 3-4 oz sharp cheddar cheese thinly sliced for even distribution
- 1/2 red onion very thinly sliced to minimize sharpness
For the Samurai Sauce
- 1/4 cup high-quality mayonnaise
- 3 tsp sambal oelek adjust to your desired spice level
Instructions
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Prepare the Samurai Sauce: In a small bowl, thoroughly whisk together the mayonnaise and sambal oelek until well combined and smooth. Start with 3 teaspoons of sambal oelek, as it provides a good level of heat, but feel free to add more if you prefer a spicier kick. Set aside.
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Assemble the Sandwich Layers: Carefully slice the ciabatta loaf in half horizontally, creating a top and bottom. On the bottom half of the loaf, evenly layer the hand-torn rotisserie chicken. Next, add a thick, even layer of sliced sharp cheddar cheese, followed by the thinly sliced red onion, and finally, a generous bed of fresh spinach leaves.
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Apply the Sauce and Close: Spread the prepared Samurai sauce generously over the inner side of the top half of the ciabatta loaf. Carefully place the top half of the ciabatta onto the layered bottom, gently pressing down to combine the ingredients.
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Wrap and Prepare for Pressing: Tightly wrap the entire sandwich loaf with plastic wrap. Ensure it’s sealed well to hold its shape and keep air out. Place the wrapped sandwich on a flat plate or a sheet pan that is large enough for the sandwich to lay completely flat.
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Press the Sandwich: Transfer the plate with the wrapped sandwich to the refrigerator. Place a heavy object, such as a large skillet (like a Le Creuset Signature Iron Handle Skillet) or another heavy plate, directly on top of the sandwich. This pressing action helps to compress the layers and meld the flavors. Allow it to press in the refrigerator for a minimum of 6 hours; for the best results, press it overnight.
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Slice and Serve: When you’re ready to serve or pack your sandwiches for a picnic, unwrap the pressed loaf. Carefully trim the crusty sides to create a neat, rectangular shape. Then, cut the large rectangle into four individual sandwiches (refer to the images above for an approximate size guide). Serve immediately for optimal freshness, or keep them chilled until you’re ready to eat and enjoy the perfect picnic bite!