Name: Savory Crispy Chicken with Romesco Sauce – Perfect Focaccia
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs or breasts; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp fresh thyme; 1 cup roasted red peppers, drained; ¼ cup almonds; 2 cloves garlic; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 3 tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 ¼ tsp yeast; 1 cup warm water; 3 tbsp olive oil, plus more for drizzling; 1 tsp salt; 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped; 1 tsp flaky sea salt

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish combines the best of bold Mediterranean flavors with a satisfying crunch. The crispy chicken delivers a golden, crackling skin while staying juicy inside. The Romesco sauce, a rich and slightly smoky Spanish condiment, brings a delicious balance of nuttiness and tanginess. Pairing it with homemade focaccia elevates the meal, offering a soft, chewy base to soak up all the vibrant flavors. Whether for a special dinner or a casual gathering, this dish is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the crispy chicken:

Chicken thighs or breasts
Olive oil
Garlic
Smoked paprika
Salt
Black pepper
Fresh thyme

For the Romesco sauce:

Roasted red peppers
Almonds
Garlic
Tomato paste
Red wine vinegar
Smoked paprika
Olive oil
Salt
Black pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional)

For the perfect focaccia:

All-purpose flour
Yeast
Water
Olive oil
Salt
Fresh rosemary
Flaky sea salt

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Focaccia Dough

In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, and salt.
Gradually add water and olive oil, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Cover and let rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Bake the Focaccia

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Transfer the dough to a greased baking sheet, spreading it evenly.
Dimple the surface with your fingers, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with rosemary and flaky salt.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

Step 3: Prepare the Romesco Sauce

Blend roasted red peppers, almonds, garlic, tomato paste, red wine vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a food processor until smooth.
Slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending to create a rich, emulsified sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Crispy Chicken

Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and fresh thyme.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken skin-side down until golden and crisp, about 5–7 minutes.
Flip and cook the other side until fully cooked through.
Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Slice the focaccia into pieces.
Place the crispy chicken on a serving plate.
Spoon Romesco sauce generously over the chicken.
Serve with warm focaccia on the side.

Variations

Spicy Twist: Add extra red pepper flakes or cayenne to the Romesco sauce for a spicier kick.
Nut-Free: Substitute almonds with sunflower seeds or leave them out entirely.
Herb-Infused: Mix chopped fresh basil or parsley into the Romesco sauce for added freshness.
Different Protein: Try this dish with grilled fish or roasted tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian option.

Servings and Timing

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4

Storage/Reheating

Chicken: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Romesco Sauce: Keep in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir before use.
Focaccia: Wrap in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat in a warm oven to restore texture.

FAQs

How do I get the crispiest chicken skin?

Pat the chicken dry before cooking, and cook skin-side down in a hot skillet without moving it for a few minutes to develop a golden crust.

Can I make Romesco sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Romesco sauce can be made a few days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

What can I use instead of almonds in Romesco sauce?

Try walnuts, hazelnuts, or even sunflower seeds for a different texture and flavor.

Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the pieces.

What other breads pair well with this dish?

Ciabatta or a crusty baguette work well if you don’t have focaccia.

Can I freeze Romesco sauce?

Yes, freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

How do I keep focaccia from drying out?

Store it in an airtight container or wrap it well to maintain freshness.

Is Romesco sauce spicy?

It has a mild heat, but you can adjust it by adding more or less red pepper flakes.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but be mindful that breasts can dry out more easily—cook until just done.

What side dishes go well with this meal?

A simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a light soup complement the dish perfectly.

Conclusion

This savory crispy chicken with Romesco sauce and perfect focaccia is a winning combination of textures and flavors. The rich, smoky sauce enhances the crispiness of the chicken, while the homemade focaccia ties everything together. Whether you’re making this for a cozy dinner or entertaining guests, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it out and enjoy an incredible homemade meal!

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