Name: Crunchy Chicken Romesco Sandwich - Easy Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts; 1 cup flour; 2 eggs, beaten; 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 ciabatta rolls; 1 cup arugula; 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ cup roasted red peppers; 2 tbsp almonds; 1 garlic clove; 1 tbsp sherry vinegar; 3 tbsp olive oil (for sauce); Salt to taste

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Let’s talk crunch—because if your sandwich doesn’t crunch when you bite into it, are you even living right? This Crunchy Chicken Romesco Sandwich hits all the right notes: toasted ciabatta, golden breaded chicken, and a smoky, rich romesco sauce that’s bold enough to demand a second (okay, third) bite. I’ve always had a thing for sauces, and this one’s got that roasted peppery kick that takes an already-good sandwich to a place where napkins are no longer optional. Messy? Maybe. Worth it? Absolutely. Whether you’re meal prepping or throwing this together because the fridge looked at you funny, this sandwich has your back. It’s hearty, packed with texture, and honestly? It just makes you feel like you’ve got your life together.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Crunchy Chicken Romesco Sandwich Recipe
3) Ingredients for Crunchy Chicken Romesco Sandwich
4) How to Make Crunchy Chicken Romesco Sandwich
5) Tips for Making Crunchy Chicken Romesco Sandwich
6) Making Crunchy Chicken Romesco Sandwich Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Crunchy Chicken Romesco Sandwich
8) Try these chicken recipes next!
9) Crunchy Chicken Romesco Sandwich Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This sandwich brings together crispy chicken, fresh greens, and bold romesco sauce.
Perfect for meal prep, picnics, or an easy lunch with big flavor.
Pairs beautifully with crunchy ciabatta bread or your favorite rustic loaf.
Great way to use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken.

2) Easy Crunchy Chicken Romesco Sandwich Recipe

The name says it all. Crunchy chicken. Romesco sauce. On bread. This recipe is all about texture and taste coming together in a glorious, handheld bundle of joy. I tried it once at a local pop-up, and I’ve been chasing the memory ever since. Eventually, I just gave up and made my own version. Now it lives rent-free in my kitchen rotation.

This crunchy chicken romesco sandwich uses breaded chicken that bakes up crisp in the oven without deep-frying. Add to that a generous slather of rich, smoky romesco sauce and peppery arugula. Stack it between toasted ciabatta, and what you get is a flavor-packed chicken sandwich recipe that’s ready in under 45 minutes.

The best part? The romesco sauce makes enough to store for another meal. So it’s kind of like cooking twice for the price of once. I won’t say this chicken sandwich recipe will fix your life, but it might fix your lunch.

3) Ingredients for Crunchy Chicken Romesco Sandwich

Chicken Breasts Boneless, skinless, and pounded to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.

Flour For the first coat in our breading station. It helps the egg stick to the chicken and adds structure to the crunch.

Eggs Whisked until smooth. These help the breadcrumbs stay glued to the chicken and add a golden hue when baked.

Panko Breadcrumbs These are key to the crunch factor. Panko stays light and crispy even after baking.

Paprika Adds a little smokiness and color to the breading mix. I like smoked paprika for extra flavor.

Salt and Pepper A solid base seasoning for everything. Don’t skip it. It’s simple, but important.

Ciabatta Rolls Sturdy enough to hold the fillings and still offer a chewy bite. Toasting them makes a big difference.

Arugula Peppery and fresh, it balances out the richness of the sauce and the crispiness of the chicken.

Olive Oil Used for toasting the rolls and blending into the sauce. Use the good stuff if you’ve got it.

Roasted Red Peppers Sweet and smoky, these are the base of the romesco sauce. You can use jarred or roast your own.

Almonds They give the sauce body and a slight crunch. Toasting them first adds depth.

Garlic Clove Raw garlic packs a punch here. One clove goes a long way.

Sherry Vinegar It adds acidity and brightness to the romesco. If you don’t have sherry vinegar, red wine vinegar works too.

Salt To finish the sauce and balance the flavors. Taste and adjust as needed.

4) How to Make Crunchy Chicken Romesco Sandwich

Step 1 Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment or foil and set it aside.

Step 2 Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Dredge in flour, dip into beaten eggs, then coat in panko breadcrumbs. Press the crumbs in so they really stick.

Step 3 Place the breaded chicken on the prepared tray. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once, until the coating is golden and the chicken is cooked through.

Step 4 While the chicken bakes, toast your almonds in a dry pan until fragrant. Blend the almonds, roasted red peppers, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil until smooth. Add salt to taste.

Step 5 Slice and lightly oil your ciabatta rolls. Toast them in a pan or under the broiler until crisp and golden on the cut sides.

Step 6 Assemble the sandwich. Spread romesco sauce on both halves of each roll. Layer on the arugula and sliced crispy chicken. Close the sandwich and give it a gentle press.

5) Tips for Making Crunchy Chicken Romesco Sandwich

Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to get the chicken to the same thickness. This helps it cook fast and evenly. Thicker parts take longer, and you might end up with dry spots.

Don’t skimp on seasoning the chicken or the sauce. The salt brings out all the natural flavors. If it tastes flat, a pinch of salt usually fixes it.

Make extra romesco sauce. It keeps for a few days in the fridge and goes great on pasta, roasted veggies, or even eggs. You won’t regret having leftovers.

6) Making Crunchy Chicken Romesco Sandwich Ahead of Time

You can bake the chicken ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven to bring the crunch back. The romesco sauce keeps well for up to 5 days. Stir it before using again to bring it back together.

If you’re toasting the rolls ahead of time, wrap them in foil and keep them at room temp. Assemble everything just before serving for best results.

This chicken sandwich recipe is meal-prep friendly. You can even pack all the components separately and assemble at lunch or dinner time.

7) Storing Leftover Crunchy Chicken Romesco Sandwich

If you’ve got leftovers, keep the sandwich components separate. The chicken stays crisp longer if not sandwiched between bread. Store the romesco sauce in a small jar or container and the arugula dry in a separate bag.

<pWhen ready to eat, reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer to crisp it up. Toast the roll, assemble, and eat. This helps avoid soggy bread and limp greens.

Leftover romesco also works as a spread or dip. Don’t toss it. It’ll rescue a boring piece of toast or bring life to your next breakfast sandwich.

8) Try these chicken recipes next!

9) Crunchy Chicken Romesco Sandwich Recipe