Roasted Chicken Focaccia Sandwich with Goat Cheese, Red Onion Jam, and Herb Aioli

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Introduction

When it comes to a perfect sandwich, you want something that is not only delicious but also offers a satisfying combination of textures and flavors. The Roasted Chicken Focaccia Sandwich with Goat Cheese, Red Onion Jam, and Herb Aioli is just that – a vibrant, hearty, and flavorful meal. This sandwich brings together juicy roasted chicken, the tangy creaminess of goat cheese, the sweet depth of red onion jam, and the refreshing zing of herb aioli, all served on soft, fluffy focaccia bread. It’s a savory treat that feels indulgent yet comforting and is perfect for a cozy lunch, dinner, or a special gathering.

In this article, we will explore why this sandwich is a must-try, provide detailed instructions on how to make it, and share tips and variations to suit your taste. Whether you’re a fan of roasted chicken, enjoy the creaminess of goat cheese, or just love a good sandwich, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich in Flavor: Each component of this sandwich brings something unique to the table. The roasted chicken adds a savory depth, while the goat cheese offers a creamy tang that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the red onion jam.
• Perfect Combination of Textures: The focaccia bread is soft with a slightly crispy crust, offering a sturdy yet fluffy base. The chicken is juicy and tender, and the aioli adds a smooth, herbaceous finish that ties all the elements together.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences. You can swap goat cheese for feta, add extra greens, or even add a spicy kick with some arugula or hot sauce.
• Halal-Friendly: This sandwich is made with halal chicken, meaning it’s suitable for those who avoid pork and bacon. The recipe also uses no wine, making it ideal for various dietary preferences.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (15 minutes for prep, 1 hour for roasting, and 15 minutes for assembling)
• Servings: This recipe makes 4 servings, but it can easily be adjusted to serve more or fewer people.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving):
  Calories: 550
  Protein: 35g
  Carbs: 45g
  Fat: 25g

Ingredients

Roasted Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Red Onion Jam:

• 2 large red onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup honey
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Herb Aioli:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Assembling the Sandwich:

• 4 pieces of focaccia bread
• 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
• Fresh arugula or spinach (optional, for added freshness)
• 1 medium tomato, sliced (optional, for extra juiciness)
• Extra olive oil (for drizzling)

Step-by-Step

Preparation

FIRST STEP: ROAST THE CHICKEN

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will ensure that the chicken gets perfectly roasted, juicy, and tender.
2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture over both sides of the chicken breasts. Squeeze the lemon juice over the chicken to add brightness and enhance the flavors.
3. Roast the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes. Slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces, ready to assemble the sandwich.

SECOND STEP: MAKE THE RED ONION JAM

1. Sauté the Onions: While the chicken is roasting, heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced red onions and sauté for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and golden brown.
2. Add the Sweeteners: Add the balsamic vinegar and honey to the onions. Stir well to combine. Continue cooking the mixture for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the vinegar to reduce and the jam to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cool: Once the red onion jam has reached a thick, syrupy consistency, remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature. This jam will add a rich, sweet contrast to the savory elements of the sandwich.

THIRD STEP: PREPARE THE HERB AIOLI

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in the freshly chopped parsley and basil to give the aioli a bright, herbaceous flavor. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can blend the mixture with a hand blender or food processor.
3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the aioli and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add a little more lemon juice for tanginess or more mustard for a sharp flavor.

FOURTH STEP: ASSEMBLE THE SANDWICH

1. Prepare the Focaccia Bread: Slice the focaccia bread into even pieces. If desired, you can lightly toast the slices in the oven or on a grill pan for extra crunch and flavor. Drizzle a little olive oil on the bread for added richness.
2. Spread the Herb Aioli: Spread a generous layer of the herb aioli on the bottom half of each focaccia slice. The creamy, tangy aioli will act as the perfect base for all the other ingredients.
3. Layer the Chicken: Place a few slices of roasted chicken on top of the aioli. The warm chicken will pair beautifully with the aioli and the other components.
4. Add the Red Onion Jam: Spoon a portion of the red onion jam over the chicken. The sweet, caramelized onions will complement the savory chicken and the richness of the goat cheese.
5. Add Goat Cheese and Greens: Crumble the goat cheese over the chicken and onion jam. Top with a handful of fresh arugula or spinach if desired. The greens will add a nice peppery bite and freshness to balance the richness.
6. Finish and Serve: Place the top piece of focaccia bread on the sandwich and press gently to compact everything. Slice the sandwich in half and serve immediately, or wrap it up for a take-along lunch.

How to Serve Roasted Chicken Focaccia Sandwich with Goat Cheese, Red Onion Jam, and Herb Aioli

This sandwich is perfect for various occasions, whether you’re hosting a casual lunch, enjoying a weekend picnic, or looking to make a filling meal for a special gathering.

1. As a Hearty Lunch

This sandwich makes an excellent lunch choice, offering a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. Serve it with a side of mixed greens, potato chips, or a light soup for a complete meal.

2. Pair with a Side Salad

For a lighter meal, pair the sandwich with a simple side salad. A cucumber and tomato salad with a light vinaigrette or a mixed green salad with a tangy dressing complements the rich flavors of the sandwich.

3. Ideal for Meal Prep

This sandwich is also great for meal prepping. Roast the chicken and make the red onion jam and herb aioli in advance. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble the sandwich and enjoy. It’s perfect for packed lunches or busy weeknight dinners.

4. For Special Occasions

This sandwich also works wonderfully for gatherings like brunches, picnics, or casual dinner parties. Its hearty nature and bold flavors are sure to satisfy guests and leave them asking for the recipe.

Additional Tips

1. Make the Red Onion Jam Ahead of Time: You can make the red onion jam up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will be ready to use when you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches.
2. Toast the Bread: For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast the focaccia before assembling the sandwich. This adds a slight crunch and enhances the overall texture.
3. Chicken Variations: If you prefer dark meat, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for a juicier option. Simply roast them in the same way as the chicken breasts, but adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through.
4. Herb Aioli Substitutes: If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can substitute dried herbs or use a store-bought aioli for convenience.

Recipe Variations

While the Roasted Chicken Focaccia Sandwich with Goat Cheese, Red Onion Jam, and Herb Aioli is delicious as written, here are some ideas for making the recipe even more unique:

1. Swap the Cheese

If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, try using feta, brie, or even a sharp cheddar. Each type of cheese will bring its own flavor profile to the sandwich, giving you new variations to try.

2. Add Heat

For those who love a bit of spice, add a handful of sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the sandwich. The heat will pair beautifully with the sweetness of the onion jam and the richness of the aioli.

3. Vegetarian Version

To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant. The goat cheese and red onion jam will still work wonderfully with these flavors.

Freezing and Storage

If you have leftovers, you can store the components of this sandwich separately. The chicken can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The red onion jam and aioli can also be stored in the fridge for up to a week. The bread is best consumed fresh, but you can toast or reheat it slightly if you need to serve it later.

Special Equipment

You don’t need any special equipment to make this sandwich, but a few tools will make the process easier:

• Roasting Pan: For roasting the chicken in the oven.
• Skillet: To cook the red onion jam.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing the focaccia and chicken.
• Whisk: For mixing the herb aioli.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought focaccia?

Yes, store-bought focaccia works perfectly fine if you don’t have the time or inclination to make it from scratch.

2. Can I make the sandwich gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free focaccia bread or another gluten-free sandwich bread.

3. Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare all the components ahead of time and assemble the sandwich when ready to serve.

4. How do I store leftover red onion jam?

Store leftover onion jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can reheat it gently on the stove if needed.

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Conclusion

The Roasted Chicken Focaccia Sandwich with Goat Cheese, Red Onion Jam, and Herb Aioli is the epitome of a perfect sandwich—packed with bold, balanced flavors and a variety of textures. The combination of tender roasted chicken, creamy goat cheese, sweet and tangy red onion jam, and herby aioli makes every bite an unforgettable experience. Whether for a weeknight dinner, a lunch on the go, or a meal for special occasions, this sandwich is sure to impress. Try it today, and savor the delicious flavors that come together in this hearty and satisfying dish.