Grilled: Blackened Chicken Sandwiches

Instructions:

1. Place the trimmed chicken breast in a large bowl. Season with Zatarain's blackened seasoning, Zatarain's blackened seasoning (big and zesty blend), garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, beer, and olive oil. Allow the chicken to marinate for about 30-60 minutes to absorb the flavors.

2. Thinly slice the onions and place them in a medium-sized pan. Add olive oil (specified for cooking the onions) but do not start cooking yet.

3. Arrange sub or hoagie rolls, cut and opened, on a baking sheet. Spread softened unsalted butter evenly on the inside of each roll.

4. Preheat the grill to medium/high. Grill the marinated chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 178 degrees Fahrenheit (about 81 degrees Celsius). Monitor the grill as you proceed with the next steps.

   • Grilling Chicken: For optimal flavor and texture, aim for pronounced grill marks or char on both sides of the chicken. Once achieved, lower the heat to medium/low to finish cooking. This method ensures the chicken is cooked through without losing moisture.

5. While the chicken grills, set the oven to broil on low. Broil the buttered rolls until lightly toasted, then remove them from the oven. Place slices of Swiss cheese on the open faces of the rolls, ensuring even coverage. Return the rolls to the oven and broil until the cheese is bubbly. Then, take them out of the oven.

   • While grilling, don't discard the marinade. Instead, use it to brush onto the chicken occasionally. This enhances the flavor and keeps the chicken moist during the cooking process.

6. Cook the sliced onions over medium/high heat, stirring occasionally. When the onions are nearly done, add Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking until the onions are slightly charred and softened to your liking. Remove from heat.

   • Lemon Juice: After grilling, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and drizzle lemon juice over both sides.

7. After grilling, lightly drizzle the chicken with lemon juice. Carefully slice each chicken breast lengthwise to half its thickness, ensuring the pieces are still sizable but thinner for easier eating. Arrange the sliced chicken on the cheesy toasted rolls, then generously top with the sautéed onions to preference. Serve.

   • Resting Time: Allow the chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Resting helps the chicken reabsorb its juices.