Description
This crispy chicken with Romesco sauce pairs golden, juicy chicken with a rich, smoky Spanish sauce and homemade focaccia. Perfect for a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired meal!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crispy Chicken:
- 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
For the Romesco Sauce:
- 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)
For the Perfect Focaccia:
- 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
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Focaccia Dough
- In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, and salt.
- Gradually add warm 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 1 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 fingers, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with rosemary and flaky sea salt.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes 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 crispy chicken on a serving plate.
- Spoon Romesco sauce generously over the chicken.
- Serve with warm focaccia on the side.
Notes
- Spicy Twist: Add extra red pepper flakes or cayenne to the Romesco sauce.
- Nut-Free: Substitute almonds with sunflower seeds or omit them.
- Herb-Infused: Mix chopped fresh basil or parsley into the Romesco sauce.
- Different Protein: Try with grilled fish or roasted tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: skillet,baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Spanish-Inspired
Keywords: crispy chicken, Romesco sauce, homemade focaccia, Mediterranean dinner, Spanish-inspired meal