Julius Recipe

Make marinade

In a small bowl whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper until combined.

Prepare chicken

If using whole cooked chicken breast, slice into 1/4-inch thick strips or shred into bite-sized pieces totaling 10 oz. Place chicken in a shallow dish or bowl and pour the marinade over it; toss to coat thoroughly. Let rest for 10–15 minutes to absorb flavors (if chicken is hot, allow to cool slightly before marinating).

In a small bowl combine 3 tablespoons mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons finely diced pepper havarti (if you don’t have diced cheese, stir in 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper for peppery flavor), 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional), and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix until smooth and taste; adjust salt or hot sauce as desired. Refrigerate until assembly.

Toast ciabatta

Halve the ciabatta rolls horizontally. Brush cut sides lightly with 1 teaspoon olive oil or spread 1 tablespoon softened butter on each cut side. Heat a skillet over medium heat and toast cut sides 1–2 minutes until golden and slightly crispy. Remove from heat.

Warm chicken (optional)

If you prefer the chicken warm, reheat the marinated chicken in the same skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until heated through, stirring so the marinade coats evenly. Do not overcook if already cooked — just warm.

Assemble

Spread a generous layer (about 1.5 tablespoons) of the pepper havarti mayo onto both cut sides of each toasted ciabatta half. Layer the bottom halves with half of the warmed zesty chicken (about 5 oz each), then place 2 slices of pepper havarti cheese on top of the chicken. Add 3–4 slices of ripe tomato on top of the cheese, and a small handful (about 1/4 cup) of mixed greens or arugula if using. Close with the top ciabatta halves.

Finish (melt cheese)

If you want melty cheese, return assembled open sandwiches (without the top halves) to the skillet over low heat, cover for 1–2 minutes until the cheese softens and slightly melts. Then place the top halves on and press gently.

Serve

Cut sandwiches in half if desired and serve immediately. Provide extra pepper havarti mayo on the side if desired.