Tomato Chicken Sandwich

Didn't know what to call this one.  It could just as accurately be named "Cheesy Chicken Sandwich with Slightly Spicy Tomato Stuff", but I opted for the shorter option.  My secret with this one is to cook everything in the same pan using the lightly infused olive oil starting from the first step.  The similar flavoring will bind the cooked ingredients together, flavor-wise.  If you don't have pecorino, feel free to use any other cheese you have on hand.  Pecorino just happened to be the most appropriate choice we had in stock.  Another modification that could make this a bit more savory would be to lightly butter the bread and pan fry it to crisp it up a bit.

This recipe yields two sandwiches.

Ingredients

• 1/4 c. extra virgin olive oil
• 1 t. black pepper
• 1 t. red pepper flakes, divided
• 1/8 c. bread crumbs
• 1/8 c. Flour
• 2 chicken breasts, flattened to 1/4"
• 1/4 c. red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 c. tomato sauce
• 1 T ketchup
• 2 oz. pecorino cheese, thinly sliced
• 1 small tomato, sliced
• Small handful mixed greens
• 4 slices bread

Directions

1. Combine the olive oil with half of both the black pepper and red pepper flakes in a small sauté pan on low to medium-low heat.  The key is to gently infuse the pepper flavors with the oil, not to heat the oil to smoking point.
2. On a plate, mix together the bread crumbs, flour and the remaining black pepper and red pepper flakes
3. Dredge the chicken pieces through the dry mix so they are well coated
4. Bring the sauté pan up to medium
5. Place the chicken breasts in the pan.  You may have to do these one at a time, depending on the size of the pan.
6. The chicken will only need a couple minutes on both sides.  Remove from the pan and place on a plate covered in paper towel to absorb the excess oil.
7. Add the onions to the remaining oil and sauté until tender
8. Carefully strain some of the excess oil from the pan (leave some for the sauce)
9. Add the tomato sauce and ketchup to the onions and reduce heat to a simmer
10. Remove the sauce from heat when the desired consistency is achieved (feel free to season to taste during the reduction process)
11. Layer the sandwiches with the chicken, cheese, sauce, tomatoes and mixed greens