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CRUNCHY CHICKEN ROMESCO SANDWICH


  • Author: Mark's Recipe
  • Total Time: 35 mins

Description

This Crunchy Chicken Romesco Sandwich is packed with bold flavors—crispy, golden chicken cutlets, smoky and nutty romesco sauce, and a fresh, tangy salad, all tucked into a buttery, garlicky grilled focaccia. A perfect balance of textures and flavors!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 2 chicken breasts, sliced horizontally into 4 cutlets
  • 50g all-purpose flour
  • 50g panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg, whisked
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Romesco Sauce

  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 jarred roasted red bell peppers
  • 4 sun-dried tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp almonds
  • ½ tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 4 tbsp olive oil (add more if needed)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 tsp kosher salt

For the Salad

  • 2 tbsp sour cream
  • 1 tbsp mayonnaise
  • ½ lemon, juiced
  • 1 tbsp grated Parmesan
  • Fresh black pepper, to taste
  • 5 gem lettuce leaves, finely chopped
  • Handful of arugula (rocket)

For Assembly

  • 2 focaccia loaves (or sandwich-sized pieces)
  • 4 tbsp butter, room temperature
  • 5g fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Parmesan (for grating, as much as you like)

Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets. Dredge each piece in flour, then dip in whisked egg, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.

2️⃣ Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook each cutlet for about 4 minutes per side until crispy and golden brown. Set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.

3️⃣ Make the Romesco Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine garlic, roasted red bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, almonds, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, paprika, and salt. Blend until smooth, adding more olive oil if needed for a creamy consistency. Set aside.

4️⃣ Prepare the Salad: In a bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Parmesan, and black pepper. Toss the finely chopped lettuce and arugula in the dressing until well coated.

5️⃣ Prepare the Focaccia: In a small bowl, mix the butter with minced garlic and parsley. Slice the focaccia loaves in half and spread the garlic butter mixture on both cut sides. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan. Toast in a pan or under a broiler until golden and bubbly.

6️⃣ Assemble the Sandwich: Spread a generous layer of romesco sauce on both sides of the grilled focaccia. Place two crispy chicken cutlets on the bottom half, then top with the dressed salad. Place the top half of the focaccia over the filling.

7️⃣ Serve: Wrap the sandwich in parchment paper for easy handling, slice in half, and enjoy!

Notes

  • Make Ahead: The romesco sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
  • Extra Crispy Chicken: Double-coat the chicken by dipping in egg and panko a second time.
  • Bread Options: Ciabatta or a crusty baguette also work great if focaccia isn’t available.
  • Serving Suggestion: Pair with crispy fries or a light tomato salad for a complete meal.
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins