It all began as a delightful discovery during a family vacation in Greece. My daughter fell head over heels for the classic Club Sandwich, and what started as an amusing vacation ritual, ordering it repeatedly at different restaurants, has since transformed into our beloved comfort food at home.

While the traditional recipe calls for turkey, we've made a flavorful adaptation by substituting chicken thighs. The rich, succulent texture of dark meat brings an exceptional depth of flavor that elevates this simple sandwich to something truly special.

The secret to perfect chicken

I've discovered a game changing technique for preparing the chicken: coating the thighs with a mixture of flour and salt before pan frying. This simple step creates a beautifully textured exterior while sealing in the juices.

To enhance the flavor profile even further, I incorporate paprika seasoning into this flour mixture. After extensive experimentation, I've found that hand picked Hungarian paprika delivers superior results. Unlike cheaper alternatives, premium Hungarian paprika maintains its complex flavor profile even when exposed to high heat during cooking.

A culinary lesson worth noting

My journey with paprika has taught me an important cooking lesson: quality ingredients make a significant difference. When using lower quality paprika, I found it nearly impossible to achieve that perfect golden brown Maillard reaction without developing an unpleasant burnt flavor. The premium Hungarian variety, however, allows the chicken to develop that coveted caramelization while maintaining its sweet, smoky notes. (Supposedly due to «when hand picking paprika the stem is removed»)

What began as a vacation novelty has evolved into a cherished family tradition and a journey of culinary refinement. Sometimes the most meaningful food experiences come from the simplest beginnings.