Layered Mediterranean Picnic Sandwich (for a Group!)

Season the chicken with salt, pepper and herbes de Provence. Heat the oil in a small pan over medium heat, and sauté the chicken until done through, about 8 minutes to a side. The chicken should be between 160° F and 165° F in the center. Chill thoroughly and keep refrigerated until ready to prepare the sandwich. You may do this step up to one day in advance.

Combine the 2 cheeses and set aside. Slice the chicken into thin medallions.

With a serrated knife, cut the loaf of bread crosswise into 3 layers (like a layer cake) and lay the individual layers out on a work area. Spread the bottom layer with a generous amount of the cheese mixture. Spread a thin layer of pesto on top. Distribute half of the chicken slices evenly over the pesto. Layer up a selection of your other favorite toppings (a thin layer or scattering of each).

Now prepare the second layer. Take the middle slice of bread and spread it with a nice amount of the cheese mixture and top with a little pesto. Place the rest of the chicken slices on top and layer on your other ingredients. Place this layer of bread on top of the bottom one. Place the top slice of bread on your masterpiece.

If you are going to serve it right away, secure the whole thing with skewers, spaced about 1 inch or so apart, and slice it into servings between the skewers. If you are going to transport it, wrap it well and take the skewers with you. Insert them before you slice the sandwich at your location.