Panko Chicken Sandwich with Tomato-Mozzarella Relish Recipe

These Milanese-style chicken breasts are punched up by the use of a California Common in the batter, although any beer with a hoppy punch could be used in this recipe. We also use a little in the relish to help offset the balsamic vinegar and fat in the fresh mozzarella.

Active preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Serves: 2

Tomato-Mozzarella Relish

2 Roma tomatoes, diced
1 Tbs garlic, minced
2 Tbs (30 ml) balsamic vinegar
1 Tbs basil, chiffonade
1 tsp oregano, chopped fine
4 oz (113 g) fresh mozzarella, diced
2 Tbs (30 ml) olive oil
2 Tbs (30 ml) California Common
Salt
Black pepper

Combine the tomatoes, garlic, vinegar, basil, oregano, fresh mozzarella, oil, beer, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a mixing bowl and mix well. Refrigerate and reserve for serving.

Panko Chicken Sandwich

½ cup (118 ml) canola oil
1 egg
2 Tbs (30 ml) California Common
Two 6 oz (170 g) chicken breasts, pounded thin
Salt
1 cup flour
2 cup panko bread crumbs
½ cup (118 ml) mayonnaise
2 Kaiser rolls or Telera buns (a Mexican sandwich roll)
1 cup (237 ml) Tomato Mozzarella Relish

Heat the canola oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. In a shallow bowl, whip together the egg and beer. Season the chicken breasts liberally with salt. Dredge the chicken breasts in flour and knock off any extra. Dip the chicken breasts in the egg-beer mixture, then place the breasts in the panko bread crumbs, making sure to cover the entire chicken breast with bread crumbs. Pan-fry the chicken 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and drain on the paper towels.

Halve the rolls and toast lightly. Spread 2 Tbs (30 ml) mayonnaise on each half of bread. Place the chicken on the bottom half. Top with about ½ cup each (118 ml) of the tomato mozzarella relish.

Beer Suggestions: Anchor Steam’s Anchor Steam Beer (San Francisco, California) is the original California Common. Also try Dorothy’s New World Lager from Toppling Goliath Brewing Company (Decorah, Iowa) or Widmer Brothers Columbia Common (Portland, Oregon).

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PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER CINA