Recipes
Big Filled Focaccia Sandwich with Panko Chicken, Romesco Sauce and Creamy Salad
A bold, hearty focaccia sandwich layered with crispy panko chicken, smoky-sweet Romesco sauce, and a creamy salad filling. Perfect for sharing or indulging solo.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
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2 large chicken breasts (about 500g total)
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100g plain flour
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2 medium eggs, beaten
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150g panko breadcrumbs
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Salt, to season
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Freshly ground black pepper, to season
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Neutral cooking oil (for frying)
For the Dressing
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2 tbsp sour cream
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2 tbsp mayonnaise
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25g finely grated Parmesan cheese
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Juice of ½ a lemon
For the Salad Filling
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1 small baby gem lettuce, shredded
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40g rocket leaves
For the Romesco Sauce
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3 large red peppers
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1–2 tbsp olive oil (for roasting)
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2 cloves garlic
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50g almonds (flaked or whole)
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1½ tsp smoked paprika
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1 tbsp red wine vinegar (or sherry vinegar)
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Salt, to taste
For Serving
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Slices of focaccia, cut in two (see our garlic & rosemary focaccia recipe)
Method
Make the Romesco Sauce: Preheat oven to 220°C (fan 200°C / Gas Mark 7). Place peppers whole on a baking tray, coat with olive oil and sea salt. Roast 25–30 minutes until blistered. Steam under cling film or a bowl cover for 10 minutes, peel skins and discard seeds. Blend peppers with garlic, almonds, smoked paprika, vinegar, and salt until smooth. Adjust seasoning.
Prepare the chicken: Slice each breast in half horizontally (4 fillets). Season with salt and pepper. Set up coating station with flour, beaten eggs, and panko. Season each. Dredge chicken in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs.
Shallow fry: Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Fry chicken 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Transfer to tray and bake at 200°C (180°C fan) for 5 minutes until cooked through.
Make the dressing: Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, Parmesan, and lemon juice until smooth.
Prepare the salad: Toss baby gem and rocket with the dressing, season lightly with salt.
Assemble the sandwich: Slice focaccia into base and lid. Spread Romesco sauce on the base, layer on the chicken, pile with creamy salad, then finish with the top slice.
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