Tangy Crunchy Chicken Romesco Sandwich Recipe for Lunch Joy

Sandwiches reach new heights with this incredible chicken romesco sandwich that blends rich Spanish flavors and irresistible textures.

romesco sauce brings a smoky, nutty complexity to tender grilled chicken nestled between crusty bread slices.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crunch and creamy sauce that will tantalize your taste buds.

Roasted red peppers and toasted almonds create a vibrant base for this robust sauce that elevates the humble sandwich.

Fresh herbs and a hint of garlic add depth to every mouthwatering layer.

Crisp vegetables provide an extra snap that complements the succulent chicken.

You won’t be able to resist this Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece that turns an ordinary lunch into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Crunchy Chicken Romesco Sandwich Flavor Factor

• Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy sandwich that impresses with complex flavors and professional-level presentation.
• Pan-fry chicken cutlets to golden perfection using a simple three-step breading method that guarantees crispy exterior and juicy interior.
• Blend Mediterranean-inspired romesco sauce and fresh salad to turn a basic sandwich into a vibrant, multi-dimensional dining experience that breaks culinary monotony.
• Adapt ingredients based on personal preference or available pantry items, making this recipe flexible for different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Crunchy Chicken Romesco Sandwich

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, thin-cut cutlets that form the main protein of the sandwich.
• Eggs: Used for coating the chicken to help breadcrumbs adhere.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides initial dry coating for chicken.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy, golden exterior for the chicken.

• Focaccia: Serves as the sandwich base with a soft, flavorful texture.

• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps blend the sauce smoothly.

• Lettuce, Arugula: Fresh greens that provide crunch and peppery flavor.

• Sour Cream, Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the salad dressing.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and tanginess to the dressing.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty flavor to both salad and focaccia.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden crust.
• Garlic, Parsley: Provide aromatic flavor to the focaccia.

• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and enhances overall flavor.

Tools for Crafting the Romesco Sandwich

• Blender: Essential for creating smooth romesco sauce.
• Large skillet: Perfect for pan-frying chicken cutlets evenly.
• Cutting board: Needed for slicing chicken and chopping salad ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Crucial for precise chicken and vegetable preparation.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for preparing salad dressing and coating chicken.
• Grater: Helps grate parmesan for salad and focaccia topping.
• Tongs: Great for handling and flipping chicken during cooking.
• Parchment paper: Ideal for wrapping finished sandwich.
• Whisk: Helps mix salad dressing ingredients smoothly.

Steps to Chicken Romesco Sandwich Greatness

Step 1: Prepare Crispy Chicken Cutlets

Slice chicken breasts into thin, even cutlets.

Create a three-stage coating process by first dredging each cutlet in flour, then dipping in egg wash, and finally coating with panko breadcrumbs.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and pan-fry the cutlets until they turn a beautiful golden brown, cooking about 4 minutes on each side.

Step 2: Whip Up Romesco Sauce

Grab your blender and combine all romesco sauce ingredients.

Blend until the mixture reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.

If the sauce seems too thick, drizzle in additional olive oil to achieve the perfect texture.

Set the sauce aside for later use.

Step 3: Craft Fresh Salad Dressing

• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Lemon juice
• Grated parmesan
• Freshly ground black pepper

Toss the creamy dressing with chopped lettuce and peppery arugula leaves until evenly coated.

Step 4: Transform Focaccia

Mix softened butter with minced garlic and chopped parsley.

Split the focaccia bread and generously spread the herbed butter mixture on all sides.

Sprinkle grated parmesan over the buttered surfaces.

Grill the bread until it becomes bubbly and develops a golden, crispy exterior.

Step 5: Build Your Sandwich Masterpiece

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

Layer the crispy chicken cutlets on the bottom slice, then top with the dressed salad greens.

Complete the sandwich by placing the second focaccia slice on top.

Wrap the entire creation in parchment paper for a professional touch and easy handling.

Romesco Sandwich Tips from the Pros

• Cut chicken breasts horizontally for even, thin cutlets that cook quickly and stay juicy.
• Press panko firmly onto chicken to create an extra-crispy, golden coating that won't fall off while eating.
• Add olive oil gradually when blending romesco to control thickness and achieve perfect spreadable texture.
• Watch focaccia closely when grilling to prevent burning, aiming for golden edges and melted parmesan.
• Use parchment paper to keep sandwich intact and make it easy to transport or pack for lunch.

Fun Variations for Crunchy Chicken Romesco Sandwich

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace panko breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free cornflakes or almond flour for a crispy chicken coating suitable for celiac diets.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or crispy tofu cutlets, maintaining the same breading and cooking technique for a plant-based version.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add harissa paste to romesco sauce and sprinkle red pepper flakes on chicken for an extra kick of heat and bold Mediterranean flavors.
• Low-Carb Option: Use large lettuce leaves instead of focaccia, creating a wrap-style sandwich that reduces carbohydrate content while preserving the original recipe's core elements.

Serving Your Chicken Romesco Sandwich

• Mediterranean Picnic Delight: Pack this sandwich with some crispy kettle chips and a small side of olives for a perfect outdoor lunch.
• Brunch Elegance: Slice sandwich in half diagonally, serve alongside a fresh mimosa or sparkling water with lemon for a sophisticated weekend meal.
• Dinner Party Appetizer: Cut sandwich into smaller bite-sized portions, arrange on a wooden board with extra romesco sauce for dipping during cocktail hour.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Choose a crisp white wine like Albariño or a light Sauvignon Blanc that complements the rich romesco and crunchy chicken flavors.

How to Keep Chicken Romesco Sandwich Fresh

• Store sandwich components separately in airtight containers. Keep chicken, romesco sauce, and salad in different sealed containers for up to 3 days. Prevents soggy bread and maintains crispy texture.
• Wrap breaded, cooked chicken cutlets individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Prevents freezer burn and preserves quality.
• Warm cutlets in preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwave to maintain crispiness. Place on wire rack for even heating and restored crunchiness.
• Remove chilled components, briefly warm chicken, spread fresh romesco, rebuild sandwich with crisp lettuce. Quickly grill or toast focaccia for renewed freshness.

FAQs

• What makes the romesco sauce unique?

Romesco is a traditional Spanish sauce originating from Catalonia, using roasted red peppers, tomatoes, almonds, and garlic, which creates a rich, nutty, and slightly smoky flavor profile that elevates the sandwich’s taste.

• Can I use a different bread if focaccia is unavailable?

Yes, you can substitute focaccia with ciabatta, sourdough, or a crusty Italian bread. The key is to choose a bread that can hold up to the sauce and chicken while providing a nice crispy texture when grilled.

• Is the chicken coating technique difficult for home cooks?

Not at all. The three-step coating process (flour, egg wash, panko) is straightforward and helps create a crispy, golden exterior. Just ensure even coating and maintain medium heat while frying to get perfect results.

Crunchy Chicken Romesco Sandwich Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Romesco sauce elevates this crunchy chicken sandwich to Mediterranean culinary heights. Crisp bread, tender chicken, and nutty romesco create a harmonious Spanish-inspired meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced horizontally into 4 cutlets
• 50 grams (1.8 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 50 grams (1.8 ounces) panko breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, whisked
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Romesco Sauce:

• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 jarred roasted red bell peppers
• 4 sun-dried tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons almonds
• 1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 4 tablespoons olive oil, plus more if needed
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

Salad and Assembly:

• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1 tablespoon grated parmesan
• Fresh black pepper
• 5 gem lettuce leaves, finely chopped
• Handful of arugula/rocket
• 2 focaccia loaves (or sandwich-sized pieces)
• 4 tablespoons butter, room temperature
• 5 grams (0.2 ounces) fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Plenty of parmesan for grating

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Instructions

1. Carefully slice chicken breasts into thin, even cutlets to ensure uniform cooking and crispy texture.
2. Create a breading station with flour, whisked eggs, and panko breadcrumbs for coating the chicken.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium temperature (375°F) and cook chicken cutlets for 4 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown crisp exterior.
4. Combine romesco sauce ingredients in a blender, processing until achieving a smooth, consistent texture with a drizzle of olive oil if needed.
5. Whisk sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, parmesan, and black pepper to create a zesty dressing for the salad mixture.
6. Gently toss chopped lettuce and arugula with the prepared creamy dressing, ensuring even coating.
7. Mince fresh garlic and parsley, then blend with softened butter to create a fragrant spread.
8. Slice focaccia bread horizontally and generously brush all interior surfaces with the garlic-herb butter mixture.
9. Sprinkle grated parmesan over buttered bread surfaces and grill until edges turn golden and cheese melts.
10. Generously spread romesco sauce on both focaccia bread surfaces for maximum flavor absorption.
11. Layer crispy chicken cutlets and dressed salad on bottom bread slice, then crown with top slice.
12. Wrap the completed sandwich in parchment paper to maintain warmth and structural integrity.

Notes

• Slice chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and crispy coating.
• Use fresh panko breadcrumbs for maximum crunchiness and lighter texture.
• Pat chicken dry before breading to help breading adhere better and prevent sogginess.
• For gluten-free version, substitute wheat flour with almond or rice flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Adjust romesco sauce thickness by gradually adding olive oil for perfect spreadable consistency.
• Make extra romesco sauce as it’s delicious for dipping or as a condiment for other dishes.
• Toast focaccia briefly to enhance bread’s flavor and prevent sandwich from becoming too soft.
• Prepare salad just before assembling to keep greens crisp and prevent wilting.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Spanish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 120mg