Recipe: Chicken Parmesan Heroes with Sweet Tomato Sauce (crock pot)

CHICKEN PARMESAN HEROES

"Crispy hero rolls stuffed with chicken, sauce, and cheese are sure to become a family favorite. You can substitute your preferred spaghetti sauce for the Sweet Tomato Sauce if you're in a hurry."

FOR THE SWEET TOMATO SAUCE:
5 pounds ripe plum tomatoes
2 medium carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped
1 large red onion, coarsely chopped
Salt
Extra-virgin olive oil
6 fresh basil leaves, torn into bits

FOR THE CHICKEN PARMESAN:
6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
8 ounces mozzarella, cut into 6 slices
6 fresh basil leaves
6 hero rolls

MAKE THE SWEET TOMATO SAUCE:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the tomatoes a few at a time and cook for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and cool. Repeat with the remaining tomatoes. Slip the skins off the tomatoes, cut them in half lengthwise, and squeeze out the seeds and juice. Coarsely chop the tomatoes.

Combine the tomatoes, carrots, and onion in a slow cooker. Add a pinch of salt.

Cover crock pot and cook on HIGH for 3 hours.

Let the sauce cool slightly. Puree it in a food processor or blender. Pour the tomato sauce back into the cooker. Stir in olive oil and basil.

TO MAKE THE CHICKEN PARMESAN:
Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper and place the pieces, overlapping slightly, in the sauce.

Cover the crock pot and cook on LOW for 3 hours.

Sprinkle the chicken with the Parmigiano-Reggiano and top each piece with a slice of mozzarella and a basil leaf.

Cover crock pot and cook on LOW for 15 minutes more, or until the cheese is melted.

TO SERVE:
Cut the rolls partially open and fill each one with a chicken breast, sauce, and cheese. Cut the sandwiches in half. Serve hot.

Makes 6 servings
Source: The Italian Slow Cooker by Michele Scicolone