MUHAMMARA CHICKEN SANDWICHES

Muhammara Chicken Sandwiches image

Provided by Yewande Komolafe

Time 25m

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 15

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (5 to 6 ounces each)
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1 dried bay leaf
2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
Kosher salt (Diamond Crystal)
1 (12-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained (1 cup)
1 1/2 cups raw walnuts
1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or other hot red-pepper flakes
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon pomegranate molasses
Kosher salt (Diamond Crystal)
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
8 slices country white or sourdough bread, or 4 squares ciabatta, split and toasted
2 cups baby arugula

Steps:

Poach the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a medium saucepan, add enough water to cover by 1 inch and turn the heat to medium-high. Add the peppercorns, bay leaf and garlic, and season with salt. Bring to a boil, skim and discard foam, and reduce heat to maintain a low simmer. Cover and simmer chicken until tender and cooked through, 12 to 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the muhammara: In a food processor, combine the roasted red peppers and walnuts. Pulse for about 30 seconds to coarsely chop. Add the Aleppo pepper, cumin, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses and 1 teaspoon salt. Puree until smooth, about 1 minute. Keep the processor running and pour in the olive oil in a thin stream. Process until incorporated, and add more salt if necessary. Transfer to a bowl or airtight container and cover. Muhammara will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Transfer chicken to a cutting board and discard the poaching liquid. When cool enough to touch, thinly slice the chicken against the grain at an angle.
To assemble the sandwiches, generously spread the muhammara on each piece of the bread. (Save any leftovers to enjoy as a dip or spread.) Divide the chicken slices among the bread bottoms. Top with the arugula, cover with the bread tops and press down slightly to adhere. Serve immediately, or wrap and chill to serve up to 4 hours after assembly.