Crispy Bacon Chicken Focaccia: A Zesty Pesto Recipe

Crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch to this mouthwatering focaccia sandwich that combines tender roasted chicken and vibrant pesto.

Layers of flavor burst through each carefully crafted bite.

Mediterranean influences shine in this simple yet impressive recipe.

Perfectly golden bread serves as the ideal canvas for these incredible ingredients.

Herbs and seasonings create a complex taste profile that will surprise you.

Juicy chicken paired with salty bacon makes this sandwich irresistibly satisfying.

Come hungry and prepare to experience a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more.

Why Crispy Bacon And Roast Chicken Focaccia With Fresh Pesto Is A Hit

• Savor Flavor-Packed Sandwich: Packed with crispy bacon, juicy shredded chicken, and zesty pesto, this focaccia delivers bold taste in every bite.
• Master Quick Gourmet Meal: Restaurant-quality sandwich assembled in minutes with simple ingredients, perfect for busy home cooks wanting delicious results.
• Customize Your Creation: Flexible recipe allows easy swaps like different herbs, proteins, or bread types to match personal preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleasing Lunch Option: Satisfies various taste buds with its combination of textures and flavors, making it ideal for family meals or casual gatherings.

What You Need For Crispy Bacon And Roast Chicken Focaccia With Fresh Pesto

• Focaccia: A soft, Italian-style bread with a slightly crispy exterior perfect for sandwiches.

• Chicken: Cooked and shredded meat used as the primary protein filling.
• Bacon: Crispy slices that add a smoky and salty flavor to the sandwich.

• Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard, Salt, Pepper: Creamy and tangy condiments that bind the chicken mixture and add depth of flavor.
• Chives: Fresh herbs that provide a mild onion-like taste to the chicken mixture.
• Basil Pesto: A vibrant green sauce made from fresh basil, which adds rich herbal notes to the sandwich.
• Fresh Rocket: Peppery green leaves that bring a crisp and slightly spicy element to the focaccia.

Steps To Cook Crispy Bacon And Roast Chicken Focaccia With Fresh Pesto

Step 1: Shred Chicken Perfectly

Break the cooked chicken into small, tender pieces using two forks, ensuring uniform texture and easy eating.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Chicken Spread

• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Chopped chives
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix ingredients thoroughly to create a creamy, zesty chicken mixture.

Step 3: Toast Focaccia Bread

Warm a skillet over medium heat and place focaccia bread cut-side down. Toast until edges turn golden brown and develop a crispy texture.

Step 4: Spread Vibrant Pesto

Generously coat both focaccia halves with fresh basil pesto, creating a rich, herbaceous base for the sandwich.

Step 5: Layer Delicious Fillings

Spread the prepared chicken mixture on one focaccia half, then layer crispy bacon slices for added crunch and smoky flavor.

Step 6: Add Fresh Greens

Scatter fresh rocket leaves over the bacon, introducing a peppery and crisp element to the sandwich.

Step 7: Complete and Serve

Place the second focaccia half on top, press gently, slice diagonally, and serve immediately while ingredients are warm and fresh.

Simple Tips For Crispy Bacon And Roast Chicken Focaccia With Fresh Pesto

• Toast focaccia carefully to prevent burning, watching for golden-brown edges for perfect crispiness.
• Use room temperature chicken for smoother, more even mixing with mayonnaise and herbs.
• Choose thick-cut bacon for extra crunch and ensure it's cooked until perfectly crisp before assembling sandwich.
• Select fresh rocket leaves with vibrant green color to add peppery flavor and enhance overall sandwich texture.
• Make homemade pesto ahead of time and store in refrigerator for more intense, fresher taste compared to store-bought versions.

Flavorful Ideas For Crispy Bacon And Roast Chicken Focaccia With Fresh Pesto

• Mediterranean Focaccia Fusion: Replace chicken with grilled lamb, swap pesto for tzatziki sauce, add crumbled feta cheese and sliced kalamata olives.
• Spicy Southwest Focaccia: Use shredded pulled pork, swap basil pesto for chipotle mayo, add pepper jack cheese, include pickled jalapeños and cilantro.
• Vegetarian Garden Focaccia: Substitute chicken with roasted zucchini and eggplant, use sun-dried tomato pesto, add fresh mozzarella and spinach leaves.
• Mediterranean Seafood Focaccia: Replace chicken with seared shrimp, use lemon-herb pesto, include sliced cucumber, and top with fresh dill.

What To Eat With Crispy Bacon And Roast Chicken Focaccia With Fresh Pesto

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the rich, savory flavors of the bacon and pesto, cutting through the creamy chicken mixture with its bright, acidic notes.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to echo the peppery rocket in the sandwich and provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty focaccia.
• Match with Craft Beer: Choose a hoppy pale ale or a light wheat beer that can stand up to the bacon's smoky saltiness while refreshing the palate between bites of the robust sandwich.
• Serve with Zesty Pickle Chips: Add tangy, crunchy pickle chips on the side to provide a sharp, acidic counterpoint to the creamy chicken and rich bacon, balancing the overall flavor profile.

Storing And Reheating Crispy Bacon And Roast Chicken Focaccia With Fresh Pesto

• Refrigerator Storage: Place sandwich in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping pesto and chicken mixture separate to maintain crispiness.
• Freezing Option: Wrap individual components (chicken mixture, bacon, focaccia) separately in plastic wrap, then store in freezer bags for maximum 1 month, preventing moisture and sogginess.
• Reheating Technique: Warm focaccia in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness, then reassemble sandwich with fresh rocket after heating.
• Leftover Chicken Tip: Reheat chicken mixture gently in microwave for 30 seconds, stirring midway to ensure even temperature and prevent drying out.

Answers To Crispy Bacon And Roast Chicken Focaccia With Fresh Pesto Questions

• What are the key ingredients needed for this recipe?

The main ingredients include focaccia bread, cooked chicken, bacon, basil pesto, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chives, and fresh rocket leaves.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture and bacon ahead of time, making it quick to assemble when you’re ready to eat.

• Can I substitute any ingredients if I don't have the exact ones?

You can replace rocket with baby spinach, use different herbs instead of chives, or swap focaccia for another type of bread like ciabatta.

• How can I make sure the bacon is extra crispy?

Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until it reaches your desired level of crispness before adding to the focaccia.

Crispy Bacon and Roast Chicken Focaccia with Fresh Pesto Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Succulent roast chicken focaccia marries crispy bacon and zesty fresh pesto in a Mediterranean-inspired sandwich that sings with flavor. Layers of aromatic herbs and savory ingredients promise you a delightful culinary escape with each mouthwatering bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 120 grams (4.2 ounces) leftover roast chicken
• 4–6 rashers streaky bacon

Bread:

• 4 slices focaccia

Condiments and Herbs:

• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons chopped chives
• ⅓ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Basil pesto
• Handful rocket (arugula)
• Salt
• Pepper

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Instructions

1. Methodically tear cooked chicken into delicate, bite-sized fragments using two forks.
2. Combine chicken fragments with creamy mayonnaise, zesty Dijon mustard, finely chopped chives, and season with salt and pepper until thoroughly integrated.
3. Preheat a skillet to medium heat and carefully place focaccia halves face-down, toasting until edges transform into a golden-brown crisp (approximately 2-3 minutes).
4. Lavishly spread vibrant basil pesto across both focaccia surfaces, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Strategically arrange seasoned chicken mixture as the primary layer, followed by crisp bacon strips positioned for maximum flavor and texture.
6. Scatter fresh rocket leaves generously over the bacon, creating a verdant and peppery landscape.
7. Crown the creation by gently pressing the second focaccia half on top, allowing ingredients to meld together.
8. Using a sharp knife, slice diagonally through the focaccia, creating two triangular portions ready for immediate consumption.

Notes

• For a lighter version, swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce calories and add protein.
• Crisp bacon beforehand and let it drain on paper towels to remove excess grease for maximum crunchiness.
• Experiment with herb variations in pesto like adding parsley or mint for unique flavor profiles.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free focaccia or replace with lettuce wrap for a low-carb alternative.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg