Chicken Sandwich With Zucchini Ricotta Food

LEMON HERB CHICKEN WITH ZUCCHINI PASTA AND RICOTTA

Steps:

• Place chicken, garlic, lemon zest, chives, thyme, oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1/4 cup olive oil in a resealable plastic bag; toss to coat chicken and refrigerate for 3 hours or up to overnight.
• Heat a large skillet over medium heat; cook and stir chicken with marinade until chicken is no longer pink at the center and juices run clear, about 8 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Remove chicken from pan; set aside to keep warm.
• Drizzle about 1 teaspoon oil into the same skillet over medium-high heat; stir in zucchini and red pepper flakes and cook until zucchini is warm, about 3 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Stir ricotta cheese and basil into zucchini; cook until heated through, about 2 minutes.
• Return chicken to pan with zucchini mixture; stir to combine. Remove pan from heat, squeeze lemon juice over entire dish, and garnish with diced tomatoes.

ROASTED CHICKEN, ZUCCHINI, AND RICOTTA SANDWICHES ON FOCACCIA

Steps:

• Mix zucchini and salt in medium bowl. Transfer to colander; set over bowl. Let stand 15 minutes to drain liquid from zucchini. Rinse and drain zucchini. Squeeze zucchini to remove liquid.
• Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini and sauté 2 minutes. Cool slightly. Add ricotta, Parmesan and lemon peel to zucchini. Stir to blend. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be made 8 hours ahead. Cover; chill.)
• Preheat broiler. Arrange focaccia pieces cut side up on baking sheet. Broil focaccia just until lightly toasted. Spread ricotta mixture generously over 8 focaccia pieces. Broil until ricotta mixture is heated through and beginning to brown in spots, about 4 minutes.
• Top 4 focaccia pieces with tomato slices, then with chicken slices, dividing equally. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover with remaining 4 focaccia pieces, ricotta-mixture side down. Cut sandwiches diagonally in half and serve.

ZUCCHINI AND RICOTTA STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS

Steps:

• Butterfly chicken breast.
• In a bowl, combine zucchini, egg, bread crumbs and both cheeses.
• Place a heaping amount of filling on one half of the chicken breast.
• Fold other half over the stuffing.
• Place on a light greased baking sheet.
• Brush lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Bake in a preheated 450 degree oven for 10 minutes.
• Reduce heat to 375 and continue baking for 25-35 minutes.

CHICKEN AND MARINATED-ZUCCHINI SANDWICH

Steps:

• Slice 1 zucchini into ribbons with a vegetable peeler. Combine with 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced, 1 tablespoon thinly sliced lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons each fresh lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and let stand 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, season 1 pound chicken cutlets with salt and pepper and broil until cooked through. Let cool, then shred and add to marinated zucchini along with a handful of chopped toasted almonds and fresh parsley. Cut 1 loaf Italian bread in half horizontally and hollow out. Make a sandwich with chicken mixture (including juices) and romaine lettuce leaves.

ZUCCHINI RICOTTA PASTA SKILLET (COOKING FOR 2)

Steps:

• In 10-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add zucchini; cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until zucchini begins to brown. Add garlic; cook and stir 30 seconds. Remove from skillet.
• Add pasta and broth to same skillet; heat to boiling. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer 11 to 13 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente. (There will be a little liquid left in the skillet.)
• Stir in ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper and sautéed zucchini. Cook 2 to 3 minutes or until heated through. Remove from heat; stir in lemon juice and basil. Transfer to serving bowl; garnish with more chopped basil, if desired. Serve with more Parmesan cheese on the side, if desired.