Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Basil Pesto Aioli:

1 cup fresh basil leaves

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 cup mayonnaise

Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Assembly:

4 ciabatta buns, toasted

Arugula or mixed salad greens

Sliced heirloom tomatoes

Red onion, thinly sliced

Avocado slices (optional)

Crispy bacon strips (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat.

Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and dried thyme.

Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts and rub the seasoning evenly.

Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side or until fully cooked and has nice grill marks. Let it rest for a few minutes before assembling.

2. Make the Basil Pesto Aioli:

In a food processor, combine fresh basil, grated Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, minced garlic, lemon juice, and mayonnaise.

Process until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

3. Assemble the Sandwich:

Spread a generous amount of the Basil Pesto Aioli on the toasted brioche buns.

Place a grilled chicken breast on the bottom half of each bun.

Add a layer of arugula or mixed salad greens on top of the chicken.

Place sliced tomatoes, red onion, and avocado (if using) on the greens.

Optionally, add crispy bacon strips for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Top with the other half of the toasted brioche bun.

4. Serve:

Serve the world-class chicken sandwiches immediately, perhaps accompanied by a side of sweet potato fries or a light salad.

Optional Tips:

For an additional flavor boost, marinate the chicken breasts in buttermilk with a touch of hot sauce for a few hours before grilling.

Consider adding a slice of your favorite cheese (such as provolone or Swiss) to melt over the grilled chicken.

Experiment with different heirloom tomato varieties for a burst of color and flavor.