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Monday, May 23, 2016

Greek Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

Steaming chicken doesn't mean bland, flavorless chicken, especially when done in the Instant Pot electric pressure cooker. The pressure cooker steaming function infuses these chicken breasts with flavor, while keeping them moist and juicy. You can turn this into a main dish salad as well, and serve it with toasted pita triangles or garlic bread, but I went for sandwiches, because my guys like a handheld meal when they're watching the game on t.v.

Greek Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
by Diana
Serves 4

1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken breasts
1 1/2 Tablespoons Greek seasoning (You can substitute lemon pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried mint and a bit of onion powder)
Salt to taste
1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup olive oil
1 lemon, sliced
4 cloves garlic, not peeled
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1/4 cup crumbled feta
2 teaspoons finely chopped capers (optional)
4 ciabatta rolls or pita rounds, lightly toasted
Sandwich fixin's, such as romaine lettuce, sliced tomato, sliced cucumber, roasted red pepper strips, sliced red onion, sliced pepperoncini

Rub the chicken breasts with the seasoning mixture and salt to taste, set aside, This may be done for up to 12 hours in advance in the refrigerator.

Pour the chicken broth and olive oil into the bottom of the Instant Pot liner. Place the steamer rack insert in and then place a stainless steel steamer basket on top of the rack. Scatter half of the lemon slices on the steamer basket bottom and place the chicken breasts on top of the lemon slices. Top the chicken breasts with the remaining lemon slices and garlic cloves. Close the top of the Instant Pot and make sure the vent is set to sealed. Push the steamer button and adjust the time to 7 minutes. When the time is up, immediately do a quick release to release the pressure and stop the cooking. Carefully remove the chicken breasts to a plate and let them cool until easily handled.

While the chicken is cooling, remove the garlic cloves, and reserve. Remove the steamer basket and steamer rack insert and discard the lemon slices. Turn on Instant Pot saute setting and reduce the liquid in pot by one half and then turn on the Keep Warm setting.

While the liquid reduces, make the dressing in a small bowl by combining the mayonnaise, yogurt or sour cream, vinegar, feta, and the reserved garlic cloves (peeled and crushed). Add the finely chopped capers, if desired. Chill until ready to assemble the sandwiches.

Take a couple of forks or use your hands to pull the slightly cooled chicken breasts into chunks. Once the chicken is all pulled into chunks, add them back into the now reduced and warm steaming liquid along with any juices that may have collected on the plate while cooling. Stir, and keep warm in the Instant Pot on the warm setting until ready to assemble and serve the sandwiches.

To assemble, spread a bit of dressing on each of the rolls/pita rounds, top with chicken and desired sandwich fixin's and drizzle on a bit more dressing if you would like.

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