Ingredients
For the Crunchy Chicken:
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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied and pounded thin)
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- 1 cup all-purpose flour
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- 2 eggs
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- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
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- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
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- ½ teaspoon salt
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- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
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- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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- Olive oil or neutral oil for frying
For the Romesco Sauce:
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- 2 roasted red peppers (jarred or fresh, peeled)
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- ¼ cup toasted almonds
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- 2 cloves garlic
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- 2 tablespoons olive oil
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- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
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- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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- ½ teaspoon salt
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- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
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- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For the Sandwich:
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- 4 crusty sandwich rolls or ciabatta bread
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- 2 cups fresh arugula or mixed greens
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- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing bread)
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- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Romesco Sauce
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- In a food processor, combine roasted red peppers, almonds, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
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- Blend until smooth and creamy.
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- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
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- Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 2: Prepare the Crunchy Chicken
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- Butterfly and pound the chicken to an even thickness for even cooking.
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- Set up three dredging stations:
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- Bowl 1: Flour, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
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- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.
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- Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese.
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- Set up three dredging stations:
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- Dredge each chicken piece in flour, then dip into the eggs, and finally coat with the panko-Parmesan mixture.
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- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
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- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and let it rest.
Step 3: Toast the Bread
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- Slice the sandwich rolls and brush the inside lightly with olive oil.
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- Toast in a hot pan or oven for 2-3 minutes until golden and crisp.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich
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- Spread a generous layer of Romesco sauce on the bottom half of each toasted roll.
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- Place the crispy chicken on top.
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- Add a handful of fresh arugula or mixed greens for a peppery, fresh contrast.
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- Top with the other half of the roll, pressing gently.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
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- Slice the sandwich in half and serve warm.
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- Enjoy the crispy, juicy chicken and rich, smoky Romesco sauce in every bite!
Notes
What to Serve with This Sandwich
This flavor-packed sandwich pairs well with:
- Garlic Parmesan Fries
- A side of tomato soup
- Sweet potato wedges
- Crispy coleslaw
- A light green salad
- Pickled vegetables or jalapeños for extra zing!