Panino Cotoletta (Italian Chicken Cutlet Sandwich) a wonderfully breaded, tender, moist chicken cutlet laid on a warm rustic ciabatta, sandwiched between beautiful fresh layers of ripe tomato and crisp lettuce. Oh, and that is not all, to spike the flavor just a few notches, a wonderful slathering of robust pesto mayo. Now that's an Italian sandwich!
Song of the day: "Wild Horses" by Gino Vannelli
A childhood favorite
Cotoletta is a word in my childhood that always had my undivided attention. I loved them. This breaded proteins fried to sheer perfection, crispy, so flavorful, I just could not have enough of them.
I remember sprinting home for lunch from school, a good 1 km run, just to get home in enough time to munch on cutlets. My mom would tell me in the morning that she was making them for lunch and everything I was supposed to learn that morning was gone and all I could think of was those tender morsels of heaven! I think that would classify me as a true foodie at such a young age!
Actually, I think if you talk to any Italians about cotoletta you will see a sudden spike in passion and excitement.
Even Nicoletta, who never liked meat, would be enticed by her grandma's thin and crispy cotoletta. That says something, doesn't it!
A fun and a great time for kids
I still remember to this day how much I loved helping to make the cutlets when I was young. My favorite part was the breading, however, the egg dipping and frying my mom or dad did, and I was okay with that. I was always amazed at how the bread just created this wonderfully textured surface that would turn golden and crispy after being cooked.
This recipe is a great time to pull the family together and make a wonderful meal that everyone will enjoy. The job list is something like this:
- Meat pounder
- Egg beater
- Egg washer
- Meat breader
- Fryer
- Tomato cutter
- Lettuce washer
- Pesto mayo mixer
- Sandwich assembler
Plenty of tasks for everyone!
Hey, wait, I forgot something, everyone in the car, we are going to The Italian Centre Shop. Believe it or not, I can remember going there when I was quite small. There was this aroma of deli meats, cheeses, and these huge dolls in extravagant dress, plus all the winemaking equipment along with the huge hanging mortadella and provolone cheese.
I have to say Frank Spinelli always made you feel like you were a somebody, his handshake, the way he looked at you and his passion for the store. Talk about destiny! Today Teresa runs the show and she has done an amazing job building on the legacy her father left. Well done, Teresa!
Cast Iron all the way!
I have to say I love my seasoned cast iron pan, especially for frying. A kitchen without a cast iron pan is similar to a cook without a knife. Unheard of!
I like using one because it keeps the heat nice and even, however, you have to be careful because the handle gets hot too! Even after, it takes a bit of time to cool, so watch the kids around the pan!
Time to put this bad boy together
The bread is always better toasted. That crispy crust and billowy inside compliments the freshness of the lettuce and those wonderful crunchy edges of the cotoletta. We need a condiment, however, it would be delicious just the same without.
We opted for some and added a wee bit of Italian flair to a simple plain mayo. Yes, PESTO!
Get that cool crisp lettuce on, then the cotoletta, a topping of tomato some more pesto mayo, just because......... and on goes the topper ciabatta and that my friends mean only one thing. It is time to EAT! Yeah!!!!!!!!!
If sounds tell a story
You are going to love the symphony of silence and crunching that will go on at the table. The smiles with remnants of the mayo in the corner of the mouths and those familiar moans of delight. The best part is that everyone took part, hence pats on the back for all of you!
Hey, who took a bite!
Oh, wait, that was me. I told you cotoletta make me do crazy things. I couldn't help myself. Plus I had to taste it or how am I going to tell you about this Panino Cotoletta (Italian Chicken Cutlet Sandwich).
Finally tried and tasted
I love the crispy chewiness of this rustic ciabatta. Gotta love the bakery at The Italian Centre Shop. Always fresh, always rustic, and textured.
That lettuce is perfect to awaken the taste buds getting them ready for that golden-fried breaded chicken.
Oh wow, that crunch and all that flavor coming alive in my mouth are sensational and the way that pesto mayo seduces my senses is magical. The tomato is rich sweet juicy and is a perfect companion to all the other components of this panino.
As I am eating this, I see that little boy running chanting cotoletta......cotoletta. What a sweet motivated imaginative passionate little boy!
Final words
If you have never tried this Panino Cotoletta (Italian Chicken Cutlet Sandwich) I think it is time you did. Gather the gang, go to the Italian Centre Shop, get all the ingredients and assign tasks. Then relax, sit at the table, and take a moment to be pleased with yourself for creating something so beautiful and delicious.
Now Eat!
Enjoy!
Song of the day: "Wild Horses" by Gino Vannelli.
PrintPanino Cotoletta (Italian Chicken Cutlet Sandwich)
Panino Cotoletta (Italian Chicken Cutlet Sandwich) a wonderfully breaded tender moist chicken cutlet laid on a warm rustic ciabatta sandwiched between beautiful fresh layers of ripe tomato and crisp lettuce. Oh, and that is not all, to spike the flavor just a few notches a wonderful slathering of robust pesto mayo. Now that's an Italian sandwich!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: serves 2-4 people
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
- You can also use beef or pork for the cutlet, same prep required. For the beef, rouladen works the best, for pork, a good tender roast filleted works well too.
- Remember, if using the cast iron pan for frying be careful because the handle gets quite hot, also never pot the hot cast pan in cold water after using it, it can explode into pieces. Let it cool, wipe it off, then wash lightly.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: meat
- Method: frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: panino, cotoletta, tomato, lettuce, pesto mayo, cutlet, sandwich, Italian, snack,
[This post is sponsored by The Italian Centre Shop. We’ve been compensated but -as always- all opinions are our own.]
When I am not cooking, I enjoy playing musical instruments, singing, writing. I have learned over the years to live in gratitude and enjoy the moment.
Marisa says
Panino cotoletta reigns supreme...in my so humble opinion! Looks delicious!
I agree Marisa. I love this panino, brings so many childhood fond memories back. I remember even raiding the fridge at night eating these cold!
Thanks again.
Ciao
Loreto
'
Loreto Nardelli says
Thank you!
I agree with you. Love this sandwich I could be terribly full however could have another bite of this!
Sabrina says
What fun and fond memories ???? ????????This sandwich sounds like such a delicious crowd pleaser, I can’t wait to try it next time I have company. Thanks!
★★★★★
You are very welcome Sabrina, your guests are going to love these! Thanks for reading the post and commenting.
Cheers!
Loreto
marilyn @family food around the clock says
What a treat! The whole combination is just perfect. Can't wait to share 🙂
★★★★★
Thank you! Really appreciate it. I really enjoy this panino every time I make it and always make lots of cotoletta so I have left overs. Midnight snack, lol!
Cheers!
Lillian Tse says
yum yum and more yum!
Now will have to wait for chicken to go on sale again so I can go make these!
how will do these do cold...like can I make some and it lasts long enough for Dan's lunch the next day?? How would you prevent them from getting soggy? ooh, maybe he can just assemble it at work!
★★★★★
Hi Lilian so nice to hear from you. As far as them cold. If you keep them in a Tupperware out of the bread and vegetables. Then just assemble when you are ready to eat them again, it works out pretty good. i love eating them cold just the way they are! Let me know how you make out.
Say hi to Dan. Really look forward to seeing you guys again!
Have a wonderful day!
Ciao Loreto
Denise@urbnspice says
This is one panino that I must try very soon, Loreto. The combination of crispy, crunchy and creamy textures are sure to be epic in my opinion. Thank you for the perfectly descriptive and very enticing recipe.
★★★★★
Thank you Denise, such a wonderful compliment. I love food and the passion I feel for dishes comes out in such an elaborate way! I can't wait or you to try these. You were spot on in describing the textures.
Happy cooking!
Ciao Loreto!
Kristen says
This reminds me so much of one of my childhood friends and eating at her house. Can’t wait to make this recipe.
★★★★★
Hi Kristen, it is always nice to have different cultural friends and you can experience a bit of a different world. I know my friends were always curious and some to this day say your moms and dads cooking was amazing. I can't wait for you to try this panino. I am sure when you do it will be a go to for sure!
Happy cooking!
Loreto
Terri says
OMG I think I'd sprint 1km + for this sandwich too (even at my age :))! It looks absolutely scrumptious. We have an AMAZING Italian store here in Calgary, just down the street from my work, but when I'm in Edmonton, I'll be sure to check out this one !
★★★★★
Hi Terry, it is amazing what food makes you do or not do. I know the few Italian stores in Calgary and they are fantastic. I have been to The Italian Centre Shop there and it is a wonderful store/deli/restaurant. Also Spoloumbo's incredible deli and very good sausages! Have fun making this one, and more so sit down slow down time and truly enjoy all the wonderful flavors!
Happy cooking!
Loreto