Sizzling Crispy Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Smoky Romesco Recipe

Crafting the perfect crispy grilled chicken sandwich becomes an art of flavor and texture.

Layers of smoky romesco sauce promise a culinary adventure that breaks traditional sandwich boundaries.

Mediterranean influences dance through this recipe, bringing vibrant complexity to each bite.

Marinated chicken transforms into a crisp, golden masterpiece that challenges ordinary lunch options.

Robust spices and carefully selected ingredients create a harmony of tastes sure to impress.

Fresh herbs and the rich, nutty romesco sauce elevate this sandwich from simple to spectacular.

You’ll want to savor every carefully constructed layer of deliciousness.

Dive into this recipe and unleash your inner gourmet chef.

FAQs About Crispy Grilled Chicken Sandwich With Smoky Romesco Sauce

• Is the chicken guaranteed to be crispy?

The key to achieving crispy chicken is using panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, which creates a crunchy exterior when fried and then baked in the oven.

• Can I make the Romesco sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Romesco sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

• What makes the Romesco sauce unique?

The combination of roasted red peppers, almonds, smoked paprika, and red wine vinegar creates a complex, smoky, and slightly tangy flavor profile that elevates the chicken sandwich.

Why Crispy Grilled Chicken Sandwich With Smoky Romesco Sauce Tastes Amazing

• Unlock Gourmet Flavor: Transform a classic sandwich into a restaurant-worthy meal with the rich, smoky romesco sauce that elevates every single bite.
• Master Crispy Perfection: Create a golden, crunchy chicken coating using a three-step breading technique that guarantees maximum texture and irresistible crispiness.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like bread types, add different greens, or adjust sauce intensity to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Impress without Stress: Achieve professional-level cooking results with simple steps that make you look like a culinary expert without complicated techniques.

All Ingredients For Crispy Grilled Chicken Sandwich With Smoky Romesco Sauce

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts: Fresh chicken breasts that will be the star of the crispy sandwich.

• Sandwich Rolls, Ciabatta Buns: Soft bread that serves as the foundation for the sandwich.

Coating Ingredients:

• Flour, Salt, Black Pepper: A seasoned base that helps the egg and breadcrumb coating stick to the chicken.
• Panko Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Crunchy coating that provides a golden and crispy exterior for the chicken.

• Eggs: Binding agent that helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken.

Sauce and Garnish:

• Roasted Red Peppers, Almonds, Garlic, Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar, Smoked Paprika, Salt: A smoky, nutty sauce that adds rich flavor to the sandwich.

• Arugula, Tomato Slices: Fresh ingredients that add crisp texture and brightness to the sandwich.

Cooking Ingredients:

• Olive Oil: Used for frying the chicken and adding flavor to the dish.

How To Make Crispy Grilled Chicken Sandwich With Smoky Romesco Sauce

Step 1: Whip Up The Flavor-Packed Romesco Sauce

• Roasted red peppers
• Almonds
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Smoked paprika
• Salt

Blend everything until silky smooth and set aside for later.

Step 2: Prepare The Chicken For Maximum Crispiness

Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create thin, even fillets.

This helps them cook quickly and evenly.

Step 3: Create Your Crispy Coating Station

• First bowl: Flour mixed with salt and black pepper
• Second bowl: Beaten eggs
• Third bowl: Panko breadcrumbs combined with Parmesan cheese

Step 4: Coat And Dredge The Chicken

Dip each chicken fillet first in flour, then eggs, and finally roll in the panko-Parmesan mixture.

Ensure each piece is completely covered for ultimate crunchiness.

Step 5: Fry To Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Fry chicken fillets until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, about 3 minutes per side.

Step 6: Finish In The Oven

Transfer fried chicken to a baking sheet and pop into a preheated oven at 375°F.

Bake for 8-10 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 7: Toast And Spread The Buns

Lightly toast sandwich rolls or ciabatta buns.

Generously spread the prepared romesco sauce on both sides of each bun.

Step 8: Assemble Your Epic Sandwich

• Fresh arugula
• Crispy fried chicken
• Juicy tomato slices
• Extra romesco sauce

Top with the second bun half and serve immediately while everything is warm and crispy.

Simple Tips For Crispy Grilled Chicken Sandwich With Smoky Romesco Sauce

• Swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives like almond meal or cornmeal to make the sandwich celiac-friendly. Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exact internal temperature without overcooking. Pat chicken breasts completely dry before coating to help breading stick perfectly and create extra crispy exterior. For added flavor variation, experiment with different nuts in romesco sauce like walnuts or pistachios instead of traditional almonds. Keep oil temperature consistent while frying to prevent chicken from absorbing excess grease and maintain optimal crunchiness.

Fresh Takes On Crispy Grilled Chicken Sandwich With Smoky Romesco Sauce

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Sandwich: Replace panko with herbed breadcrumbs using dried oregano, thyme, and basil for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Spicy Jalapeño Romesco Sandwich: Add diced jalapeños to the romesco sauce and mix crushed red pepper flakes into the breading for a fiery kick.
• Pesto Chicken Fusion Sandwich: Swap romesco sauce with homemade basil pesto and add fresh mozzarella slices for an Italian-style transformation.
• Southern Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich: Marinate chicken in buttermilk before breading and use cornmeal in the coating for a crispy southern-style texture.

Great Pairings For Crispy Grilled Chicken Sandwich With Smoky Romesco Sauce

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enjoy a chilled sauvignon blanc or albariño to complement the smoky romesco sauce and cut through the richness of the crispy chicken.
• Match with Zesty Craft Beer: Select a hoppy IPA or wheat beer with citrus notes that will enhance the sandwich's crispy texture and bright arugula flavor.
• Create a Mediterranean-Inspired Side: Serve with a light Greek salad featuring cucumber, feta, and kalamata olives to echo the romesco sauce's Spanish roots and add refreshing contrast.
• Elevate with Tangy Pickle Accompaniment: Add homemade quick-pickled vegetables or dill pickle spears to provide a sharp, acidic balance against the creamy, crispy chicken sandwich.

How To Keep Crispy Grilled Chicken Sandwich With Smoky Romesco Sauce Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 2 days, separating the bun from the chicken to prevent sogginess.
• Freezing: Wrap individual crispy chicken fillets in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month, keeping sauce separately.
• Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken on a wire rack, and warm for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwave to maintain crunchiness.
• Toasting Buns: Quickly refresh bread by lightly toasting in a skillet or toaster oven before reassembling the sandwich, ensuring a crisp texture and warm bread.

Crispy Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Smoky Romesco Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy grilled chicken sandwich with smoky romesco sauce delivers Mediterranean flair on a perfectly toasted bun. Crunchy chicken meets bold Spanish-inspired sauce, creating a mouthwatering harmony that elevates your sandwich game with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Coating Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce and Sandwich Components:

• 1 cup romesco sauce
• 4 sandwich rolls or ciabatta buns
• 1/2 cup arugula or mixed greens
• 4 slices of tomato
• Olive oil for frying

Romesco Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)
• 1/4 cup almonds
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant romesco sauce by pulverizing roasted red peppers, almonds, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, smoked paprika, and salt into a silky, aromatic blend. Reserve the sauce at room temperature.
2. Calibrate the oven to 375°F (190°C) for precise chicken finishing.
3. Transform chicken breasts into thin, uniform fillets by slicing horizontally, creating four equal portions.
4. Establish three distinct coating stations: seasoned flour, whisked eggs, and a mixture of panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan.
5. Meticulously dredge each chicken fillet through the flour, ensuring complete coverage, then submerge in beaten eggs, and finally encase with the panko-Parmesan mixture.
6. Sear chicken in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat until achieving a golden, crisp exterior, approximately 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking sheet and roast for 8–10 minutes, confirming internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Lightly toast sandwich rolls or ciabatta buns, then lavishly spread romesco sauce across both interior surfaces.
8. Construct sandwiches by layering peppery arugula, crisp chicken, juicy tomato slices, and an additional drizzle of romesco sauce. Crown with the complementary bun half and serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and crispness.

Notes

• Customize breading by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor complexity.
• Ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature using a meat thermometer to prevent undercooking.
• Make romesco sauce ahead of time and refrigerate, allowing flavors to intensify and develop deeper richness.
• Swap panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs to create a celiac-friendly version of the sandwich.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg