Welcome, bread enthusiasts and sandwich lovers! 👋 We’re thrilled to kick off our September baking challenge with a recipe that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds and showcase the quality of King Arthur Flour. Get ready to sink your teeth into our Grilled Chicken and Pesto Focaccia Sandwiches!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These sandwiches are the perfect blend of flavors and textures. Imagine biting into a crispy, homemade focaccia bread, slathered with fresh pesto, and filled with juicy grilled chicken, melty mozzarella, and ripe tomatoes. It’s a taste of Italy right in your kitchen!
Plus, making your own focaccia with King Arthur All-Purpose Flour is easier than you might think. The result? A bread that’s leagues above anything you’d find in a store.
For the Pesto:
- 60g (2 cups) fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 30g (¼ cup) pine nuts
- 60g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- 120ml (½ cup) olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
The Recipe
Ingredients
For the Focaccia Bread:
- 500g (4 cups) King Arthur All-Purpose Flour
- 350ml (1 ½ cups) warm water
- 7g (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 2 tsp sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- 60ml (¼ cup) olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary (optional)
- Sea salt flakes for sprinkling
For the Sandwiches:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 200g (7oz) mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- Fresh arugula or baby spinach leaves
- Additional pesto for spreading
Instructions
- Prepare the Focaccia Bread:
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine King Arthur All-Purpose Flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a soft, sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
- Punch down the risen dough and spread onto a greased baking sheet, forming a 1-inch thick rectangle.
- Press dimples into the surface, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with rosemary and sea salt flakes.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Pesto:
- In a food processor, combine basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan. Pulse until finely chopped.
- With the processor running, slowly add olive oil until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Brush chicken with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature 75°C/165°F).
- Rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Slice the cooled focaccia horizontally into sandwich-sized pieces.
- Spread pesto on the bottom half of each focaccia slice.
- Layer with grilled chicken, mozzarella, tomato slices, and greens.
- Spread additional pesto on the top half of the focaccia and place over the fillings.
Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (active), plus 1-2 hours rising time
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours
- Servings: Makes 4-6 sandwiches
Nutrition (Approximate per Serving)
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
Tips for Success
- Don’t rush the focaccia rising time. A slow rise develops better flavor!
- For an extra crispy focaccia, brush the top with olive oil before baking.
- Customize your pesto by swapping pine nuts for walnuts or almonds.
- Grill extra chicken for meal prep throughout the week.
Wrapping Up
There you have it, folks! A delicious, restaurant-quality sandwich that you can make right at home. The star of the show? That beautiful focaccia made with King Arthur Flour. Its perfect texture and flavor provide the ideal canvas for our grilled chicken and homemade pesto.
We can’t wait to see your creations! Don’t forget to share your sandwich masterpieces with us using #BakingGreatBread. Happy baking and bon appétit! 🍽️👨🍳👩🍳
