A smoky chicken flatbread is not only utterly delicious for the tastebuds, but it's utterly good for the body, as well; it's like getting a little something extra, something “above and beyond” what you expected, which is truly a welcomed thing these days.
These days, it seems quite rare for us to get more than we bargain for, in a good way.
So much of the time, it seems that things seldom get done right the first time, or we get less than what we thought we would get in terms of the quality of something, or an experience.
We work hard for our money, and while the price of life seems to be going up, we seem to be getting less for those hard-earned dollars, so when we experience those amazing moments when the quality of something is greater than we expected, or we end up with more “bang for our buck” than we imagined, it leaves a great impression, and creates hope that there's still a level of care and good pride left in what is offered out there.
It becomes a reminder that there are still people, really, that understand that it's the little gestures, the little “extras” that are offered, that truly make a difference in our daily experience, and make things that much brighter.
Hope is an amazing thing—it provides us with a feeling that there is something to look forward to, that all is not lost.
It creates an optimistic perspective, an eagerness to go out and live and see what's around the corner; it inspires us to find some generosity within ourselves, and offer it up more freely for others to experience and find pleasure and joy in, as well.
And that's a wonderful thing to have in life, for certain. It is a type of fuel.
And so when we have those precious, albeit seemingly-fleeting, moments in life where our hope in things is indeed renewed, it is something worth celebrating, and taking a moment to reflect upon and even search out in future experiences.
Even food often provides us with those little “extras”, those little bonuses, in regards to what it offers us.
A smoky chicken flatbread stuffed with fresh, ripe avocado, juicy tomatoes, crisp bacon, plus a tangy-savory sun-dried tomato mayo is not only flavorful and pleasurable to the senses, but it's also beneficial to one's health because of the fresh ingredients and that little bit of extra care put in during the preparation of it which is oh-so wonderful for the soul and one's well-being!
It's that little something “more” than just the taste of it, but also what it does for someone within.
When I experience these moments—these little “tastes”—of something above and beyond, of something more than what I had hoped for, my heart is indeed warmed and reinvigorated, and my own appetite awakened, that I too would like to be one that goes above and beyond what's expected and anticipated.
That perhaps I too could be one that inspires a little hope in humanity, and offers up a little something extra for others to take some comfort in, that they may know that there are still people that do care about the state of things, and that long to be a part of making them better.
Taste what's good and pass it on.
Ingrid
Smoky Chicken Flatbread with Crispy Bacon, Avocado, and Sun-Dried Tomato Mayo
by Ingrid Beer
Yield: Makes 4 flatbreads
Ingredients:
• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut through the center length-wise to create 4 thinner cutlets
• Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon granulated onion
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon liquid smoke seasoning (typically found in the spices/seasoning section of your market)
• 4 flatbreads, warm
• Sun-dried Tomato Mayo (recipe below)
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced avocado
• 8 strips crispy-cooked bacon, cut in half to make 16 smaller strips
Preparation:
-Place the 4 chicken cutlets into a bowl, and add in about 1-2 tablespoons of the olive oil, along with the rest of the ingredients up to and including the liquid smoke, and toss to combine; allow the chicken to marinate for at least 20 minutes, or even overnight if doing ahead.
-When ready to grill, place a grill pan over medium-high heat, add in a tiny drizzle of oil, and grill the cutlets for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden-brown; set aside and once cool enough to handle, slice into strips on the bias; keep warm.
-To make the sandwiches, spread a generous amount of the Sun-dried Tomato Mayo on the flatbread, and onto half of it, add a few slices of the tomato, followed by some of the grilled chicken strips, then some of the avocado slices, then about 4 of the smaller strips of bacon; fold the other half over to create a flatbread sandwich, and enjoy.
Sun-dried Tomato Mayo Ingredients:
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup julienned sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped (not oil-packed, preferably; however, you can dry the off the oil with paper towels if those are the only ones you can find)
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Preparation:
-Place all ingredients into a small bowl, and carefully whisk together (or use a fork) just until well-combined; use immediately, or keep in covered container in fridge.
Meghan | Fox and Briar
This looks so good! I love bacon and avocado, and that sundried tomato mayo looks amazing.
The Cozy Apron
Hi Meghan, thanks so much!
Rose
I definitely want to make this sandwich. What kind if flatbread did you use?
The Cozy Apron
Hi Rose! If you happen to have a Trader Joe's near you, they have a wonderful Middle Eastern flatbread. But if not, find something similar to pita bread—nice and thick, and that should work. 🙂
Vera Ladtkow
What lovely kind sentiments. Hope at times seems hard to reach, but it is those around us with encouraging words and deeds lift us up enough to see the hope that springs from loving God and Loving others. Thank you for sharing your heart and your culinary gifts. Have a wonderful day.
The Cozy Apron
Sweet Vera, let me tell you that your words of kindness came at a much needed time; I truly appreciate you being one of "those around us" that encourages and lifts others up, because there's so much heaviness apparent right now. I share the sentiments in my written posts that I do in order that visitors such as yourself who are looking for a little "light" and uplift receive that; and it's so nice to get the feedback that you've been touched. Thank you. May you be blessed and encouraged!
Courtney
Just made this for my fam! Absolutely LOVED it! The seasoning on the chicken was perfect! I did have to use freshly minced garlic instead but it was perfect!
The Cozy Apron
Wonderful, Courtney! Thanks so much for taking a moment to share your experience with me! Glad you all enjoyed. 🙂
Becca
I love your site! You have excellent pictures and instructions--i especially like how you include recipes for the sauces or dips as well. Can't wait to get cooking 🙂
The Cozy Apron
Hi Becca, thank you so much for that! My personal opinion is that the sauces, dips, and dressings are what can really take a recipe over the top with flavor, so I always include them. Happy cooking to you, and I hope you enjoy!
Pamela
Yum! How many calories per serving .-.
The Cozy Apron
Hi Pamela, there are 883 calories per flatbread (using 2 tablespoons of the sun-dried tomato mayo). Hope you enjoy!
Gretchen
I am making this for dinner tonight. I don't have liquid smoke so I will use balsamic to add flavor
The Cozy Apron
Perfect, Gretchen! Hope you enjoy this with your little tweak!
Melissa
Ingrid, we've been making this for years...very much enjoy this recipe. The only thing I change is to omit the liquid smoke if we use the grill outside with some apple wood chips. I've had to use tortillas before (more of a "wrap" in that case) when I couldn't get good flatbreads/pitas. In any case, we've enjoyed leftover two times this week, and we'll finish 'em up tonight. Love, Melissa
The Cozy Apron
Glad you're enjoying the recipe Melissa! 🙂