Chicken

7 Ways to Use Deli-Sliced Chicken Breast (Beyond a Basic Sandwich)

We’re talkin’ salads, soups, and so much more.

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May 25, 2023
Photo by Julia Gartland. Prop Stylist: Megan Hedgepeth. Food Stylist: Ericka Martins.

We've teamed up with Boar's Head to share allll the ways you can use their new FireSmith™ Flame Grilled Chicken Breast. That means your next trip to your grocery store deli counter can be part of meal prep for many meals to come.


There’s no question that chicken is one of the most beloved (and consumed) animal proteins. Its versatility, flavor, and affordability make it an unparalleled option. We love chicken roasted with aromatics and lemon, brined in buttermilk and fried to perfection, braised with olives, and stirred into soup with homemade matzo balls. When it comes to ease, we opt for Boar’s Head FireSmith™ Flame Grilled Chicken Breast. No longer relegated to deli-style sandwiches—though those certainly still have a place in our hearts—slices of Boar’s Head chicken breast are a versatile and easy upgrade for so many dishes. Here are a few of our favorite ways to use deli-style sliced chicken breast…

Photo by Julia Gartland. Prop Stylist: Megan Hedgepeth. Food Stylist: Ericka Martins.

1. Chicken Pesto Panini

Okay, so a panini is technically a sandwich, but griddling is also an instant way to upgrade your meal when you’re making lunch (or dinner) at home. We love pairing Boar’s Head FireSmith™ Flame Grilled Chicken Breast with herby pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, peppery arugula, and mozzarella for a classic flavor combo. Layer the ingredients on two pieces of fluffy focaccia and place on the griddle until the bread is golden brown and the mozz is melty. If you don’t have a panini press, don’t worry. You can still make a panini by placing your sandwich in a cast-iron or stainless steel pan and weighing it down with a grill press or another pan.

2. Chicken & Radicchio Salad With Pickled Raisins and Walnuts

This salad is all about the crunch. Chicories are roughly torn and paired with a tower of tender herbs, walnuts, and a lemon vinaigrette. The punchiness factor here comes from pickling golden raisins in a mixture of Champagne vinegar and honey. While the recipe calls for whole chicken breasts, we like to take a shortcut by using sliced chicken breast. It’s easy enough to make for a weekday lunch, but impressive enough to serve at a dinner party.

3. Loaded Chicken Pitas

Pita is so much more than just a vehicle for dips like hummus (though it really is great for that). This Mediterranean-inspired pita features sliced Boar’s Head FireSmith™ Flame Grilled Chicken Breast along with creamy tzatziki, za’atar-seasoned vegetables, and crisp romaine lettuce. It’s the perfect combination of crunchy, creamy, and flavorful.

4. Chicken Caesar Salad With Anchovy-Caesar Vinaigrette & Garlic-Parmesan Croutons

Is there anything more classic than a chicken Caesar salad? This version boasts a lighter dressing without any eggs, making it the perfect dish. Crunchy romaine lettuce gets lightly dressed and topped with fried bread and shards of Parmesan. Cut down on time by swapping the whole chicken breasts for sliced chicken breast.

5. Chopped Salad With Chicken, Peach & Goat Cheese

This protein-packed salad combines romaine lettuce with the season’s best tomatoes, peach slices, tangy goat cheese, and cukes. To finish, thinly sliced Boar’s Head FireSmith™ Flame Grilled Chicken Breast and a smattering of perfectly salty Boar’s Head Bacon gets showered over top.

6. Pozole With Chicken

This traditional Mexican soup has a storied history that dates back to the pre-Hispanic era of the Aztecs. Today, pozole is often eaten during holidays in Mexico as a celebratory dish, but here in the U.S. it’s easy to find year-round. This aromatic dish gets its flavor from chiles and aromatics, and rather than using whole chicken breast, you can take a shortcut by shredding sliced chicken breast right into the soup.

7. Stuffed Peppers With Chicken & Rice

Stuffed peppers bring up a real sense of nostalgia for us. While they’re not as popular as they were in, say, the ‘90s, they’re a great dish to satisfy all your cravings in one. Here, red bell peppers are stuffed with Boar’s Head FireSmith™ Flame Grilled Chicken Breast, seasoned rice, and zucchini before getting broiled to perfection. Top it off with a dollop of sour cream, and you’ve got dinner in no time.


What’s your favorite way to use sliced chicken breast? Tell us in the comments!

Our friends at Boar's Head have been producing high-quality meats, cheeses, condiments, and more for over 115 years. As master craftsmen in their industry, Boar's Head uses time-honored recipes as well as innovative takes on classics, like their new FireSmith™ Flame Grilled Chicken Breast. Ready to get cooking? Find Boar's Head near you by visiting their site.

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Alexis deBoschnek is a freelance recipe developer, cook, and video host based in the Catskills.

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