Bistro Chicken and Eggplant Sandwiches

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Photo: Maria Bacarella / Istock

A simple yet flavorful sandwich that's perfect for any day of the week.

SERVINGS
4

INGREDIENTS
1 small eggplant (3/4 pound)
1 medium-size red onion
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
Balsamic vinegar
Olive oil
Salt
Coarsely ground black pepper
2 teaspoons all-purpose unbleached flour
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
4 medium skinless, boneless chicken-breast halves (about 1 1/4 pounds)
1 large round loaf crusty bread
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard

PREPARATIONS
1. Preheat oven to 500 degrees F. Spray 15 1/2" by 10 1/2" jelly-roll pan with nonstick cooking spray. Cut eggplant lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Cut red onion crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Arrange eggplant and onion slices in 1 layer in jelly-roll pan.

2. In cup, mix basil with 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon oil, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Brush half of balsamic-vinegar mixture over vegetables.

3. Roast vegetables 10 to 12 minutes, turning them once and brushing with remaining balsamic-vinegar mixture, until tender and they begin to brown.

4. Meanwhile, on sheet of waxed paper, mix flour, parsley flakes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; use to coat chicken-breast halves. In 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, in 1 tablespoon hot oil, cook chicken until golden brown on both sides and juices run clear when pierced with a knife, turning chicken once, about 7 minutes. Hold knife almost parallel to the work surface and cut each breast half into 3 slices.

5. To serve, from center of loaf of bread, cut four 3/4-inch-thick slices (reserve remaining bread for use another day). Top bread with eggplant slices, slightly overlapping, onion slices, separated into rings, and chicken.

6. In cup, mix Dijon mustard with 1 1/2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar; drizzle over chicken.

SERVING SUGGESTION

Enjoy with Sweet Potato Fries and Baby Greens With Grapefruit Vinaigrette.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (based on individual servings)
Calories: 530
Total Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 96 mg
Sodium: 1,554 mg
Carbohydrates: g
Fiber: g
Protein: g

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