Chicky Sandwich

Chicken Meatball, Charred Onions, Bulgarian Feta, Arugula, Smoked Paprika Mayonnaise, Seeded Bun

Chef Dria Atencio of Salty Lunch Lady | Queens

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Adapted by StarChefs  |  January 2025  |  Photo: Alexander Zeren

INGREDIENTS

Chicken Meatball:
Yield: 30 meatballs
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 large Spanish onions, diced
100 grams kosher salt
2 heads garlic, minced
10 pounds ground chicken
1 cup chopped parsley
⅓ cup chopped thyme
2 quarts panko breadcrumbs
7 eggs, beaten

Smoked Paprika Mayonnaise:
Yield: 6 cups
6 cups mayonnaise
⅓ cup red wine vinegar
3½ tablespoons smoked paprika

Charred Onions:
Neutral oil
5 onions, sliced into rings
Kosher salt

To Assemble and Serve:
Yield: 1 serving
Neutral oil
Seeded bun, halved
2½ tablespoons Bulgarian feta
⅓ cup arugula

METHOD

For the Chicken Meatball:
In a sauté pan over medium flame, heat oil. Add onions and season with salt. Sweat until onions are soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook an additional 1 minute. Remove from heat and let cool. Once cooled, transfer to a large mixing bowl. Mix in remaining ingredients. Once combined, portion into 5½-ounce balls. Transfer balls to a nonreactive container and refrigerate.

For the Smoked Paprika Mayonnaise:
In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.

For the Charred Onions:
In a cast iron pan over medium-high flame, heat oil. Add onions and cook 3 minutes, or until onions are slightly charred. Season with salt. Remove from heat and let cool.

To Assemble and Serve:
Heat oven to 375°F. In a cast iron pan over medium flame, heat oil. Add 1 Chicken Meatball. Using your hand, flatten Chicken Meatball until ¾-inch thick. Sear 3 minutes, or until golden brown. Flip and cook an additional 2 minutes, or until cooked through. Set aside. On a work surface, spread 3 tablespoons Smoked Paprika Mayonnaise on both sides of the bun. On the bottom bun, pile feta, arugula, and Chicken Meatball. On the top bun, add desired amount of Charred Onions. Close sandwich and transfer to a serving plate. Slice in half and serve.

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