Crispy Chicken Romesco

Featured in Delicious Main Dish Recipes for Every Occasion.

Quick gourmet sandwich with breaded chicken, tangy sauce, and greens. Serves 2, ready in half an hour!
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Updated on Sun, 27 Apr 2025 10:42:45 GMT
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This Crispy Chicken Romesco Sandwich turns an ordinary chicken sandwich into something truly memorable. After tweaking this dish many times, I've found that the real wow factor comes from the interplay between the super crunchy chicken and the thick, nutty romesco sauce, all complemented by a bright, tangy salad mix.

I brought these to an outdoor gathering recently, and everyone couldn't believe how the romesco totally transformed a basic chicken sandwich. What's the trick? Taking care with the chicken coating process and giving the romesco time to develop its full flavor profile.

Key Ingredients and What They Do

  • Panko crumbs: They give you way better crunch than standard breadcrumbs
  • Roasted red peppers: They create the romesco foundation with their sweet, rich taste
  • Focaccia: Its puffy texture and olive oil flavor works perfectly with the fillings
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: They pack intense flavor into the sauce
  • Fresh herbs: They add brightness to everything
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Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Chicken Done Right
Flatten chicken to make it cook evenly. Add salt and pepper to your breadcrumbs. Keep one hand for wet stuff and one for dry during coating. Don't put too many pieces in the pan when you're frying.
Getting Romesco Just Right
Lightly brown the nuts before blending for richer taste. Pour in liquid bit by bit for the perfect texture. Keep tasting and tweaking seasonings. Let the sauce sit so flavors can mingle.
Putting It All Together
Get your bread toasted right before you build the sandwich. Stack ingredients in the right order for a stable sandwich. Put the greens on top to keep them crisp. Wrap in paper for clean eating.
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Through lots of testing, I've learned that making more romesco sauce than you need is always smart. It goes great with just about anything from roasted veggies to grilled meat.

This sandwich hits all the right notes. The way the crunchy chicken works against the smooth romesco while the fresh salad brings brightness creates something that's both down-to-earth and fancy at once.

Prepping Components Ahead

Set up the parts for easy sandwich building:
Make your romesco up to 5 days in advance
Mix up garlic butter and keep it in the fridge
Cook chicken earlier and warm in the oven to bring back the crunch
Clean and dry your greens beforehand

Fixing Common Problems

After making tons of these sandwiches, here's what works:
For chicken that's not crunchy enough: Apply two layers of breadcrumbs
For romesco that's too thick: Add a bit more olive oil
For soggy bread: Toast it longer
For wilting greens: Only add dressing right at serving time

Great Side Dish Ideas

Round out your meal with these options:
Crunchy potato wedges with garlic dip
Mediterranean pasta salad
Seasoned olive mix
Fennel slaw with citrus dressing

Ways To Mix It Up

Adjust based on what you like:
Mediterranean style: Throw in grilled eggplant and feta cheese
Heat lovers: Add some pickled jalapeños and smoky mayo
Fresh garden version: Stack with cucumber slices and radishes
Italian twist: Top with prosciutto and fresh mozzarella

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Easy Crunchy Chicken Romesco Sandwich | chefmelt.com

This Crispy Chicken Romesco Sandwich isn't just food. It's a whole experience. Whether you're taking it on a picnic or having it at home, the mix of crunchy chicken, rich romesco, and fresh veggies creates something you'll remember.

Great sandwiches don't happen by accident. From properly seasoned chicken to well-toasted bread, every part matters. The way the romesco works with the crispy chicken while the salad adds freshness makes every bite perfectly balanced between flavors and textures.

This dish shows that sandwiches can be both comforting and fancy. Combining familiar elements with the unique romesco creates a lunch option you'll want to make again and again.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prep romesco earlier?
Yep, it keeps in the fridge for 3 days.
→ What bread works instead of focaccia?
Sturdy bread like sourdough or ciabatta is a great swap.
→ Can I skip breading my own chicken?
Totally! Use pre-made breaded chicken to save time.
→ How long will these last?
Tastes best fresh, but okay to refrigerate up to a day.
→ How can I make romesco without nuts?
Use sunflower seeds instead of almonds, and you're good!

Chicken Romesco

Tender crispy chicken with zesty romesco sauce and fresh greens on soft garlicky focaccia.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Main Dish Recipes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American-Italian

Yield: 2 Servings (2 servings of sandwiches)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Chicken Prep

01 4 chicken cutlets, made by halving 2 breasts horizontally
02 3.5 tablespoons panko crumbs
03 1 whisked egg
04 3.5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
05 A small amount of olive oil, about 2 tablespoons

→ Romesco Blend

06 2 roasted red peppers from a jar
07 A teaspoon of paprika
08 2 pieces of sun-dried tomatoes
09 2 garlic cloves
10 2 teaspoons of coarse salt
11 4 tablespoons of olive oil
12 1 tablespoon almond nuts
13 Half a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar

→ Salad Mix

14 Freshly squeezed juice of half a lemon
15 A handful of arugula leaves
16 5 small leaves of gem lettuce, finely diced
17 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
18 2 tablespoons of sour cream
19 1 tablespoon regular mayonnaise

→ To Build

20 3 finely minced garlic cloves
21 Softened butter, 4 tablespoons
22 Focaccia bread, 2 loaves
23 A sprinkle of grated parmesan for topping
24 Chopped parsley, about 5 grams

Instructions

Step 01

Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally, dip in flour, then egg, and finally panko. Heat olive oil, and fry each side for a few minutes till it’s crispy and golden.

Step 02

Toss every sauce ingredient into a blender and mix until it’s smooth. If it feels thick, drizzle in some extra olive oil.

Step 03

Combine the sour cream, mayo, freshly squeezed lemon juice, cheese, and chopped lettuce and arugula in a bowl. Give it a toss to evenly coat.

Step 04

Mix the garlic, parsley, and softened butter together. Spread over focaccia slices, add generous parmesan, and brown it under a grill.

Step 05

On one focaccia piece, spread the romesco mix. Lay the cooked chicken and salad on top, then cover with the second slice. Wrap snugly in parchment if taking to-go.

Notes

  1. Feel free to store leftovers in the fridge if made ahead
  2. Double the amounts for bigger groups
  3. Tastes best eaten as soon as it's prepped

Tools You'll Need

  • A blender or food processor
  • A pan for frying
  • Grill or toaster
  • Medium-sized mixing bowls

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes nuts like almonds
  • Has dairy products
  • Contains egg
  • Contains wheat flour

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 1216
  • Total Fat: 67 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 88 g
  • Protein: 74 g