Crunchy Chicken Romesco Sandwich

Introduction

Summer meals call for something fresh, flavorful, and satisfying, and this Crunchy Chicken Romesco Sandwich fits the bill perfectly. The first time I made this sandwich for my family, the reactions were priceless. The crispy chicken cutlets paired with the vibrant, homemade romesco sauce created a flavor explosion that had everyone asking for seconds. The addition of a refreshing salad made it a well-rounded meal that was both filling and light—ideal for those warm summer days. With each bite, the combination of textures and flavors made it clear that this sandwich would become a regular in our summer recipe rotation.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

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

For the Romesco Sauce:

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

For the Salad:

• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan
• Black pepper, to taste
• 5 gem lettuce leaves, finely chopped
• Handful of arugula/rocket

Other Ingredients:

• 2 sandwich-sized pieces of focaccia bread
• 4 tablespoons butter, room temperature
• 5g parsley, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Parmesan cheese, for grating (lots of it!)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Slice and Coat the Chicken:

• Slice your chicken breasts in half horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets.
• Coat each cutlet in flour, then dip into the whisked egg, and finally press into the panko breadcrumbs to ensure an even coating.

1. Fry the Chicken:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Fry the chicken cutlets for about 4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Once done, place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

Step 2: Make the Romesco Sauce

1. Blend the Ingredients:

• In a blender or food processor, combine the garlic, roasted red bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, almonds, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, paprika, and salt.
• Blend until smooth. If necessary, add more olive oil to achieve your desired consistency. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Salad

1. Mix the Salad Dressing:

• In a bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, grated Parmesan, and black pepper.

1. Assemble the Salad:

• Add the chopped gem lettuce and arugula to the dressing and toss to coat evenly. Set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Focaccia

1. Make the Garlic Butter:

• In a small bowl, mix together the room-temperature butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley.

1. Toast the Focaccia:

• Slice the focaccia in half and spread the garlic butter mixture on both sides.
• Grate Parmesan over the buttered bread until well covered.

1. Grill the Bread:

• Place the focaccia under a broiler or in a grill pan for a few minutes until the butter is melted, the cheese is bubbly, and the bread is slightly golden.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich

1. Layer the Sandwich:

• Spread a generous dollop of romesco sauce on both sides of the focaccia.
• Place the fried chicken cutlets on the bottom half, followed by the salad mixture.

1. Top and Serve:

• Place the top half of the focaccia on the sandwich.
• Wrap it in baking parchment if you want to store it for later, or serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 2 (recipe makes 2 sandwiches)
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 650-700

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and crispy.
• Accompaniments:
• Pair with sweet potato fries or a light potato salad.
• Add a side of pickles or olives for a tangy contrast.
• Beverage Suggestions:
• Serve with a chilled white wine, iced tea, or lemonade for a refreshing complement.

Additional Tips

1. Make It Crunchy:

• For extra crunch, bake or air fry the chicken skin until crispy and add it to the sandwich.

1. Customize the Spice Level:

• Adjust the spice level of the romesco sauce by adding more or less paprika, or even a dash of hot sauce.

1. Use Fresh Herbs:

• Fresh basil or cilantro can elevate the salad and add a burst of flavor.

1. Store Leftover Romesco Sauce:

• Any leftover romesco sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week and used as a dip or dressing.

1. Meal Prep:

• You can prepare the romesco sauce and salad ahead of time to speed up the sandwich assembly when you’re ready to eat.

Recipe Variations

• Different Proteins:
• Substitute chicken with turkey cutlets, or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Add Cheese:
• Melt some mozzarella or gouda on the chicken for an extra cheesy twist.
• Grilled Veggies:
• Add grilled zucchini or bell peppers to the sandwich for a seasonal vegetable boost.
• Spicy Kick:
• Incorporate sliced jalapeños or spicy pepper jack cheese for a spicy version.
• Different Bread:
• Use ciabatta or whole grain bread instead of focaccia for a different texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Salads:
• Serve with a simple cucumber and tomato salad for a refreshing side.
• Chips:
• Pair with kettle-cooked potato chips or homemade veggie chips for extra crunch.
• Dips:
• Serve with a side of hummus or tzatziki for a flavorful dipping experience.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing:
• You can freeze the fried chicken cutlets separately. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Storing Leftovers:
• Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven to maintain crispiness.
• Reheating:
• For best results, reheat in an oven or toaster oven rather than a microwave to keep the bread crunchy.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make the romesco sauce ahead of time?

• Yes, the romesco sauce can be made a few days in advance and stored in the fridge.

1. What if I can’t find roasted red bell peppers?

• You can roast fresh red bell peppers yourself or use a combination of fresh red peppers and additional sun-dried tomatoes.

1. Is this sandwich gluten-free?

• To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and focaccia.

1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

• Yes, you can bake the chicken cutlets at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or until cooked through.

1. How do I know when the chicken is done?

• The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

1. Can I use another type of cheese?

• Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese, such as gouda or feta.

1. What’s the best way to store leftover romesco sauce?

• Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

1. Can I add other veggies to the sandwich?

• Yes! Sliced cucumbers, roasted zucchini, or arugula can all be great additions.

1. How do I make this sandwich spicy?

• Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the romesco sauce for a kick.

1. What can I serve with this sandwich?
   • A light salad or fries make excellent side dishes.

Conclusion

The Crunchy Chicken Romesco Sandwich is a delightful summer meal that is as satisfying as it is flavorful. With the combination of crispy chicken, vibrant romesco sauce, and a fresh salad, this sandwich is perfect for any lunch or light dinner. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and sure to impress family and friends alike. Give it a try, and enjoy the burst of flavors that summer brings!

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