This ultimate focaccia sandwich features golden, crispy focaccia with a soft interior, filled with roast chicken, baby potatoes, roasted lemon aioli, Calabrian chili, and a fresh herb salad. Perfect for a hearty lunch or a picnic treat, it’s a delicious combination of textures and flavors that’s sure to impress.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the sandwich:

• 1 slab of focaccia (enough for 2 large sandwiches)
• 2 Tbsp Calabrian chili paste (optional)

For the roasted chicken:

• 2 chicken leg quarters (or leftover roasted chicken)
• 200g baby potatoes (or leftover roasted potatoes)
• Olive oil (for drizzling)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the lemon aioli:

• 1 lemon (sliced)
• 4 garlic cloves
• 80g (heaped ¼ cup) mayonnaise
• 1 tsp honey

For the salad:

• ½ red onion (thinly sliced)
• 10g parsley (a handful)
• 6g mint (a handful)
• 6g rocket (a handful)
• 3g dill (a small handful)
• 4 radishes (sliced)

For the salad dressing:

• 1 tsp honey
• 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp olive oil

Directions

1. Prepare the potatoes and chicken:

   • Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender (10-15 minutes).
   • Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
   • Arrange lemon slices on a baking tray. Place chicken on top, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
   • Cut the boiled potatoes in half and add them to the tray along with garlic cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat.
   • Roast for 20 minutes until the chicken skin is crispy and potatoes are golden.

2. Make the lemon aioli:

   • After roasting, peel the garlic cloves. Blend mayonnaise, 3-4 slices of roasted lemon, roasted garlic, and honey until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Prepare the salad:

   • In a bowl, combine red onion with the salad dressing ingredients. Let it marinate while preparing other components.
   • Toss parsley, mint, rocket, dill, and radishes with the marinated onion.

4. Shred the chicken:

   • Remove the chicken skin and crisp it in the oven or air fryer for 5-10 minutes at 160°C (320°F) for extra crunch (optional).
   • Shred the chicken using two forks and discard the bones.

5. Assemble the sandwich:

   • Slice the focaccia in half and lightly toast if desired.
   • Spread a generous layer of lemon aioli on the bottom half.
   • Add chili paste for extra heat (optional).
   • Layer with shredded chicken, roasted potatoes, salad mix, and crumbled crispy chicken skin.
   • Top with the other half of the focaccia, wrap, and slice in half.

6. Serve and enjoy:

   • Serve immediately while fresh and warm.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~600 kcal
• Protein: ~45g
• Carbohydrates: ~55g
• Fat: ~25g
• Fiber: ~6g

Enjoy this savory and flavorful focaccia sandwich—perfect for lunch or a satisfying meal on the go!

What Makes This Focaccia Sandwich Unique?

Unlike your everyday sandwich, this focaccia creation brings together a medley of carefully crafted components. Each element adds depth and a burst of taste, making every bite a delightful experience. The crispy exterior of the focaccia contrasts beautifully with the moist and savory roasted chicken. Meanwhile, the roasted lemon aioli introduces a creamy, tangy richness that enhances the overall profile. Fresh herbs and crisp vegetables balance the indulgence, providing a refreshing crunch and burst of freshness. This sandwich is not just a meal—it’s an adventure for your taste buds.

The Perfect Bread: Why Focaccia?

Focaccia is an excellent choice for a sandwich base due to its unique texture and rich flavor. Its airy crumb absorbs sauces beautifully without becoming soggy, while the crispy crust provides a satisfying crunch. A well-made focaccia is seasoned with olive oil and herbs, which adds another layer of taste. When lightly toasted, it becomes the ideal vessel to hold the sandwich’s hearty fillings while maintaining its structural integrity.

Elevating the Flavor with Roasted Chicken and Baby Potatoes

The roasted chicken in this sandwich is cooked to perfection with a crispy skin and succulent meat. Roasting the chicken on a bed of lemon slices infuses it with a bright, citrusy aroma that pairs wonderfully with the creamy aioli. The baby potatoes, roasted alongside the chicken, become golden and caramelized, adding a tender and earthy contrast. This combination of protein and starch ensures that the sandwich is both filling and satisfying.

The Magic of Roasted Lemon Aioli

One of the standout features of this sandwich is the roasted lemon aioli. This creamy spread is a twist on traditional mayonnaise, elevated with the sweet and tangy notes of roasted lemon and the savory richness of roasted garlic. Blending these ingredients together results in a velvety sauce that enhances every layer of the sandwich. It adds moisture, brightness, and a subtle hint of sweetness, perfectly balancing the savory chicken and potatoes.

A Spicy Kick with Calabrian Chili

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, Calabrian chili paste is a must-have addition. This Italian chili paste offers a smoky, fruity spiciness that enhances the savory components of the sandwich without overpowering them. Its gentle heat complements the richness of the aioli and the umami flavors of the roasted chicken. If you prefer a milder version, you can adjust the amount or omit it entirely, but the touch of spice takes this sandwich to the next level.

Freshness from a Vibrant Herb Salad

A fresh herb salad provides the perfect counterpoint to the rich and savory elements of the sandwich. The combination of parsley, mint, rocket, and dill brings a variety of flavors, from peppery to refreshing. Thinly sliced radishes and red onions add a crisp texture and sharp bite, while a light honey and apple cider vinegar dressing ties it all together. This salad not only adds a burst of color but also cuts through the richness, providing balance and freshness in every bite.

The Art of Assembly: Crafting the Perfect Bite

Assembling this sandwich is an art in itself. Each layer is carefully arranged to ensure an even distribution of flavors and textures. The focaccia is sliced and toasted to enhance its crispness. A generous layer of lemon aioli is spread on the bread to provide a creamy foundation. The shredded chicken and roasted potatoes are layered next, ensuring a hearty filling. For added crunch and indulgence, the chicken skin is crisped separately and crumbled over the top. Finally, the herb salad is piled high before the sandwich is sealed with the other half of the focaccia.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This focaccia sandwich is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and beverages. Consider serving it with a crisp green salad, a bowl of soup, or a selection of marinated vegetables. For drinks, a chilled glass of white wine, sparkling lemonade, or an Italian soda complements the sandwich’s bold flavors. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this sandwich is a versatile and crowd-pleasing option.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

While this sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare several components in advance to save time. Roast the chicken and potatoes a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. The lemon aioli can be made up to three days in advance and kept in an airtight container. Assemble the sandwich shortly before serving to maintain the crispness of the bread and the freshness of the salad. If you have leftovers, wrap the sandwich tightly in parchment paper and store it in the refrigerator for up to one day.

Nutritional Benefits of This Sandwich

Beyond its incredible taste, this focaccia sandwich offers a range of nutritional benefits. The roasted chicken provides a high-quality source of protein, essential for muscle maintenance and overall health. Baby potatoes offer complex carbohydrates and fiber, providing sustained energy. The fresh herbs and vegetables contribute vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Additionally, the olive oil used throughout the recipe is a source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. While indulgent, this sandwich is a balanced and nourishing choice when enjoyed in moderation.

Customization Ideas and Variations

This focaccia sandwich is easily adaptable to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant. Swap the lemon aioli for a vegan mayonnaise alternative to make it plant-based. Add slices of fresh mozzarella or burrata for a creamy twist. You can also experiment with different herbs or add pickled vegetables for extra tang. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor the sandwich to your liking.

Why This Focaccia Sandwich Stands Out

What sets this sandwich apart is the attention to detail in each component. From the perfectly roasted chicken and potatoes to the zesty aioli and fresh herb salad, every element is designed to deliver maximum flavor and texture. The use of high-quality ingredients and careful preparation transforms a simple sandwich into a gourmet experience. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual lunch or a special occasion, this sandwich is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Conclusion: A Sandwich Worth Savoring

In conclusion, the ultimate focaccia sandwich is a culinary masterpiece that brings together bold flavors, diverse textures, and a harmonious balance of savory, spicy, and fresh elements. It’s a versatile and satisfying option suitable for various occasions, from a simple lunch to a celebratory meal. By following this recipe and paying attention to the details, you can recreate this delicious sandwich at home and impress anyone who takes a bite. Whether enjoyed immediately or packed for a picnic, this focaccia sandwich promises an unforgettable eating experience. Try it today and elevate your sandwich game to new heights!