If you’re searching for a sandwich that’s easy to assemble yet absolutely loaded with Italian-inspired flavors, look no further than The Ultimate Focaccia Sandwich with Roast Chicken Filling. This hearty, vibrant masterpiece layers juicy roast chicken, creamy mayo, zingy Dijon, roasted peppers, crisp greens, and melty cheese between slabs of fluffy focaccia. Every bite delivers a burst of savory, tangy, and fresh notes, making it perfect for lunch, brunch, or casual gatherings. It’s everything you crave from a deli-style sandwich, only far better because you made it yourself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for The Ultimate Focaccia Sandwich with Roast Chicken Filling is refreshingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role. From the plush focaccia to the savory roast chicken and bright veggies, every component brings something special to the table—flavor, structure, color, and crunch!
- Focaccia loaf: Opt for authentic or bakery-fresh focaccia—it’s the pillowy, herby foundation your sandwich dreams of.
- Shredded roast chicken: Store-bought rotisserie chicken works wonders, but homemade roast chicken adds an extra personal touch.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps hold the filling together, melding all the flavors.
- Dijon mustard: Brings a punch of tangy heat that wakes up the chicken mixture.
- Lemon juice: Just a splash brightens up the filling and balances the richness.
- Garlic powder: A quick way to layer in aromatic depth and savoriness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for drawing out every last note of flavor.
- Baby arugula or spinach: Adds freshness and a satisfying peppery crunch.
- Roasted red peppers: Sweet, tender strips that bring gorgeous color and a mellow, smoky note.
- Provolone or mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and provides that luscious, gooey factor.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a splash of color and a mild bite that cuts through richness.
- Olive oil: Brush on top for an irresistible sheen and extra golden flavor, especially if warming.
How to Make The Ultimate Focaccia Sandwich with Roast Chicken Filling
Step 1: Prepare the Roast Chicken Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine your shredded roast chicken with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture should be creamy and well-coated, perfectly seasoned and fragrant. The tang from the Dijon and lemon wakes up the chicken, while the mayo brings it all together into a filling you’ll want to sneak tastes of!
Step 2: Slice and Layer the Focaccia
Using a large serrated knife, carefully slice your focaccia loaf horizontally to create a sturdy base and lid. Place the bottom half on your cutting board—this is when your kitchen starts smelling irresistible. Spread the chicken filling evenly across the bottom, taking care to cover edge to edge for every bite to be packed with flavor.
Step 3: Build Up Those Dreamy Layers
Top your chicken mixture with a generous handful of baby arugula or spinach. Scatter roasted red peppers over the greens, followed by the cheese slices arranged evenly. Sprinkle on the thinly sliced red onion. Every layer adds color, crunch, and big, bold Italian flavor, making The Ultimate Focaccia Sandwich with Roast Chicken Filling a true showstopper.
Step 4: Finish, Toast, and Serve
Set the top half of the focaccia in place, then brush it with a bit of olive oil for shine and flavor. At this stage, you can either serve your sandwich as is, or slide it into a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes. Warming melts the cheese just right and toasts the bread to a dreamy golden crisp—trust me, it’s a game-changer! Slice into wedges or giant squares and get ready for applause.
How to Serve The Ultimate Focaccia Sandwich with Roast Chicken Filling
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, or even some fresh chopped basil to the top before serving. These little touches not only make The Ultimate Focaccia Sandwich with Roast Chicken Filling look stunning but also emphasize the freshness and flavor in every bite.
Side Dishes
This sandwich is perfectly complemented by crisp, vinegary pickles, a handful of kettle chips, or a light Italian green salad. For a Mediterranean twist, try pairing it with marinated olives or a tangy tomato-cucumber salad—the contrasts are heavenly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or picnic, slice the focaccia into smaller, bite-sized squares and secure each with a colorful toothpick for easy sharing. Or, serve wedges on a wooden board, surrounded by bowls of extra roasted peppers, olives, and mixed greens so everyone can assemble their own dream version of The Ultimate Focaccia Sandwich with Roast Chicken Filling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra sandwich portions, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to one day—after that, the focaccia may start to soften, but the flavors just keep getting better.
Freezing
While you can freeze the assembled sandwich, the texture of the focaccia and veggies may suffer after thawing. For best results, freeze only the chicken filling in an airtight container for up to two months, and assemble fresh when ready.
Reheating
Popped into a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes, refrigerated or thawed sandwiches regain their edge: the bread crisps up and the cheese slides back into melty perfection. If short on time, you can also reheat individual portions in a toaster oven or skillet.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in The Ultimate Focaccia Sandwich with Roast Chicken Filling?
Absolutely! Provolone and mozzarella are classic, but you can get creative with sliced fontina, Havarti, or even a sharp cheddar—each brings its own twist to the cheesy layer.
Is store-bought focaccia good enough?
Definitely! High-quality store-bought focaccia gives wonderful flavor and convenience. If you want to make it extra special, seek out freshly baked loaves from your local bakery—they have the best texture for The Ultimate Focaccia Sandwich with Roast Chicken Filling.
What’s the best way to keep the sandwich from getting soggy?
To keep things crisp, layer greens like arugula or spinach both above and below the chicken mixture, and keep juicy ingredients like roasted peppers toward the center. If you’re assembling ahead, store components separately and build the sandwich just before eating.
Can I make The Ultimate Focaccia Sandwich with Roast Chicken Filling vegetarian?
Yes! For a satisfying meat-free version, replace the roast chicken with grilled vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, and artichoke, or try marinated tofu for awesome protein and texture.
What are some fun topping ideas to customize the sandwich?
Try adding a swipe of pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, or a layer of creamy avocado for new flavor profiles. You can even mix fresh herbs like basil or parsley into the chicken filling for added brightness.
Final Thoughts
Once you create The Ultimate Focaccia Sandwich with Roast Chicken Filling, you’ll find yourself coming back to this epic, crave-worthy combination again and again. It’s easy, customizable, and wildly delicious—perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself to a gourmet moment at home. Give it a try, and let this sandwich become a beloved favorite in your rotation!
