Classic Club Sandwich (A.K.A. “The Clubhouse”)

Ingredients

• 6 celery stalks
• 2 onions
• 4 sprigsfresh parsley
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 2 lb. chicken or turkey pieces (breast and thigh)
• 1 c. mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp. green onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp. fresh tarragon leaves, chopped
• 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 8 slices bacon
• 12 slices white bread, toasted
• 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
• 4 lettuce leaves

Instructions

1. Cook the chicken: Cut 3 celery stalks and the onions into large pieces. In a 4-quart saucepan, combine 2 quarts water, celery pieces, onions, parsley, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, add chicken, and simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 25 minutes. Remove chicken and allow to cool.
2. Make the chicken salad: Remove the chicken meat from the bone and discard the skin and bones. Chop or shred the chicken into bite-size pieces. Dice the remaining celery into 1/4-inch pieces. In a medium bowl, combine chicken, mayonnaise, green onion, tarragon, diced celery, lemon juice, and remaining salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
3. Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon until crisp and brown, 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel to drain.
4. Assemble the sandwiches: On a work surface, place 4 slices of toasted bread and spread 1/2 cup of chicken salad on each. Add another slice of toast and place 2 slices bacon, 2 slices tomato, and a lettuce leaf on each sandwich. Place the remaining slices of toast on top of sandwiches, cut into quarters, and secure with a toothpick.