Savory Crispy Chicken with Romesco Sauce on Focaccia Recipe

The Sizzling Savory Crispy Chicken Romesco Focaccia Recipe

Crafting a delectable crispy chicken sandwich with romesco sauce can turn an ordinary meal into a culinary adventure.

Bold flavors dance across your palate with each carefully constructed bite.

Mediterranean influences shine through this rustic preparation, blending Spanish-inspired elements into a mouthwatering creation.

Tender chicken meets a vibrant, nutty sauce that promises complex taste sensations.

Focaccia provides the perfect canvas for this gourmet sandwich, offering a robust foundation for layered ingredients.

Crisp textures and rich, smoky notes will make you the hero of your kitchen.

Let’s explore how simple techniques can elevate a classic sandwich into something truly extraordinary.

Why Savory Crispy Chicken With Romesco Sauce On Focaccia Works

  • Craft a Crispy Culinary Adventure: Transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality sandwich with exciting textures and bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors that elevate your meal experience.
  • Master Quick Gourmet Cooking: Learn a simple technique to create a sophisticated dish that looks impressive but requires minimal professional cooking skills, perfect for home chefs wanting to explore new recipes.
  • Customize Your Flavor Journey: Easily adjust ingredients like adding extra spices to panko or modifying romesco sauce to suit personal taste preferences, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable for different palates.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare components ahead of time and assemble sandwiches quickly, making it ideal for busy weekdays, weekend lunches, or casual gatherings with friends and family.

Stuff You’ll Use For Savory Crispy Chicken With Romesco Sauce On Focaccia

Chicken Protein:
  • Chicken Cutlets: Tender meat that forms the main protein of the sandwich and provides a crispy, golden exterior when breaded.
Breading Ingredients:
  • Flour, Egg Wash, Panko Breadcrumbs: Create a crunchy and flavorful coating that helps seal in the chicken's moisture and adds texture to the sandwich.
Sauce and Dressing Components:
  • Romesco Sauce Ingredients: Blend of roasted peppers, nuts, and olive oil that provides a rich, smoky flavor profile to the sandwich.
  • Sour Cream, Mayonnaise, Lemon Juice, Black Pepper: Create a tangy and creamy dressing that enhances the salad's taste.
Salad Elements:
  • Lettuce, Rocket: Fresh greens that add crisp texture and a peppery note to the sandwich.
Bread and Topping Ingredients:
  • Focaccia: Soft Italian bread that serves as the base for the sandwich.
  • Butter, Garlic, Parsley: Aromatic mixture that adds flavor and richness to the grilled bread.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty flavor and helps create a golden crust when grilled.
Additional Components:
  • Olive Oil: Used for frying chicken and potentially adjusting sauce consistency.
  • Parchment Paper: Used for wrapping and serving the sandwich.

Steps To Make Savory Crispy Chicken With Romesco Sauce On Focaccia

Step 1: Prepare Flavorful Chicken Cutlets

Gather chicken cutlets and create a three-step coating process. Dredge each cutlet through flour, dip into egg wash, then generously coat with panko breadcrumbs.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place coated cutlets into the pan, cooking for 4 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust and become delightfully crispy.

Step 2: Blend Vibrant Romesco Sauce

Combine fresh ingredients in a blender:
  • Roasted red peppers
  • Almonds
  • Garlic cloves
  • Tomatoes
  • Olive oil
  • Smoked paprika

Pulse and blend until the mixture reaches a smooth, rich consistency. Add extra olive oil if needed to achieve the perfect sauce texture.

Step 3: Create Creamy Salad Mixture

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Sour cream
  • Mayonnaise
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Grated parmesan
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Toss crisp lettuce and peppery rocket leaves into the creamy mixture, ensuring each leaf is beautifully coated.

Step 4: Prepare Cheesy Garlic Focaccia

Mix softened butter with minced garlic and chopped parsley.

Generously spread this aromatic mixture across both halves of fresh focaccia. Sprinkle a lavish amount of grated parmesan over the buttered surface.

Grill until the edges turn golden and the cheese becomes bubbly and irresistible.

Step 5: Assemble Mouthwatering Sandwiches

Spread a generous layer of romesco sauce on both grilled focaccia halves.

Layer crispy chicken cutlets and the creamy dressed salad. Place the top half of the focaccia to complete each sandwich.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Wrap each sandwich in parchment paper for a perfect portable meal. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later enjoyment.

Kitchen Tips For Savory Crispy Chicken With Romesco Sauce On Focaccia

  • Ensure chicken cutlets are evenly coated with flour, egg wash, and panko for maximum crispiness and golden-brown color.
  • Control oil temperature when frying to prevent burning and achieve perfect crispy texture without greasy residue.
  • Adjust romesco sauce consistency by adding olive oil gradually for smooth, spreadable texture that complements the chicken.
  • Experiment with different herbs in the parmesan-sour cream salad dressing to add unique flavor profiles and freshness.
  • Use fresh, high-quality focaccia bread and grill until edges are crispy and parmesan is melted for enhanced taste and texture.

Tasty Twists For Savory Crispy Chicken With Romesco Sauce On Focaccia

  • Mediterranean Fusion Chicken: Replace romesco with tzatziki sauce, add cucumber slices and kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired version.
  • Spicy Southwest Chicken: Swap romesco for chipotle mayo, include pickled jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
  • Herb Garden Chicken: Create a fresh herb pesto instead of romesco, incorporate arugula, basil leaves, and fresh mozzarella for an aromatic herbaceous sandwich.
  • Asian Fusion Chicken: Substitute romesco with sriracha-sesame aioli, add pickled carrots, cilantro, and crispy wonton strips for an Asian-inspired take.

Pairings For Savory Crispy Chicken With Romesco Sauce On Focaccia

  • Pair Crispy Chicken Romesco Sandwich with
  • – Bold Spanish Red Wine Companion: Serve a robust Tempranillo or Rioja to complement the smoky romesco sauce and crispy chicken, matching the Mediterranean flavors with a rich, medium-bodied Spanish wine that enhances the sandwich's complex taste profile.
  • – Bright Citrus Mocktail Refresher: Create a zesty lemon-thyme spritzer with sparkling water, fresh lemon juice, muddled thyme, and a touch of honey to cut through the richness of the fried chicken and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
  • – Crunchy Mediterranean Salad Side: Prepare a quick cucumber, tomato, and kalamata olive salad dressed with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and fresh herbs to add brightness and texture that balances the hearty sandwich.

Saving Savory Crispy Chicken With Romesco Sauce On Focaccia

  • Refrigerate: Store assembled sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss.
  • Deconstructed Storage: Keep chicken, sauce, salad, and focaccia separately in sealed containers. Refrigerate components for 3-4 days to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
  • Reheating Chicken: Warm chicken cutlets in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to restore crispiness without drying out.
  • Sandwich Revival: Reassemble sandwich components after reheating chicken. Briefly toast focaccia to refresh bread's texture. Add fresh salad just before serving to maintain crispness.

FAQs On Savory Crispy Chicken With Romesco Sauce On Focaccia

  • What makes the romesco sauce unique?

The romesco sauce blends roasted red peppers, almonds, garlic, and olive oil creating a rich, nutty, and slightly tangy flavor profile that complements the crispy chicken perfectly.

  • Can I use a different type of breadcrumbs for the chicken?

Yes, you can substitute panko with regular breadcrumbs or even crushed cornflakes for a similar crispy texture, though panko provides the best crunch.

  • Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace the wheat flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to create a celiac-friendly version of the dish.

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Savory Crispy Chicken with Romesco Sauce on Focaccia Recipe

Savory Crispy Chicken with Romesco Sauce on Focaccia Recipe


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4.8 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Crispy chicken meets Spanish-inspired romesco sauce in this mouthwatering Mediterranean delight. Rustic focaccia serves as the perfect canvas for layers of flavor, inviting you to savor each incredible bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 chicken breasts (sliced horizontally into 4 cutlets)

Breading Ingredients:

  • 50 grams (1.8 ounces) flour
  • 1 egg (whisked)
  • 50 grams (1.8 ounces) panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Romesco Sauce Ingredients:

  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 2 jarred roasted red bell peppers
  • 4 sun-dried tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons almonds
  • 0.5 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt

Salad Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 0.5 lemon (juiced)
  • 1 tablespoon grated parmesan
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 5 gem lettuce leaves (finely chopped)
  • 1 handful rocket (arugula)

Bread Ingredients:

  • 2 focaccia loaves (sandwich-sized)
  • 4 tablespoons butter (room temperature)
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 5 grams (0.18 ounces) parsley (finely chopped)
  • Grated parmesan

Instructions

  1. Season chicken cutlets with salt and pepper, then meticulously dredge through flour, dip in whisked eggs, and thoroughly coat with panko breadcrumbs for maximum crispiness.
  2. Warm olive oil in a skillet at medium-high temperature (around 350°F), carefully frying chicken cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Create romesco sauce by blending roasted red peppers, almonds, garlic, tomatoes, sherry vinegar, and olive oil until achieving a silky, uniform consistency with balanced texture.
  4. Whisk together tangy sour cream, creamy mayonnaise, zesty lemon juice, grated parmesan, and freshly cracked black pepper to create a vibrant dressing for the salad greens.
  5. Gently toss crisp lettuce and peppery rocket leaves with prepared dressing, ensuring each leaf is elegantly coated while maintaining structural integrity.
  6. Melt butter with minced garlic and chopped parsley, then generously brush onto focaccia halves, sprinkling abundant parmesan cheese across surface.
  7. Grill focaccia under broiler for 2-3 minutes until edges turn golden and cheese becomes bubbly and slightly caramelized.
  8. Spread generous layer of romesco sauce on toasted focaccia, layer crispy chicken cutlets, dressed salad greens, and complete sandwich assembly.
  9. Optionally wrap in parchment paper to preserve warmth and structural integrity for immediate serving or potential transportation.

Notes

  • Customize coating thickness by adjusting panko breadcrumb layer for extra crunchiness or lighter texture.
  • Substitute panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly and accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Enhance romesco sauce depth by roasting bell peppers and tomatoes before blending for more intense, smoky flavor profile.
  • Create vegetarian version by replacing chicken with crispy portobello mushroom or eggplant cutlets while maintaining similar preparation technique.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 740
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 970mg
  • Fat: 40g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 30g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

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