Focaccia Sandwich

This focaccia sandwich made with sourdough bread and filled with roasted chicken, red peppers, and creamy pesto is sure to hit the spot! Say good-bye to boring lunches with this bright, flavorful sandwich.

When you’re in a hurry trying to pack lunch, sandwiches can be a quick and easy option. Peanut butter and jelly, ham and cheese, BLT – all classics for sure. But sometimes, even classic sandwiches can get a little boring…

If you’re stuck in a rut with ideas for lunch, you have to try this recipe! With homemade focaccia as a base, this sandwich combines sweet roasted peppers with lemony pesto, roasted chicken, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. You can prepare it the night before, and then look forward to a yummy, colorful lunch the next day.

The secret to this sandwich really is in getting the right focaccia though. It has to have just the perfect balance of salt, olive oil, and springiness. While I’d highly recommend baking your own focaccia (it’s one of the easiest sourdough recipes you can make!), you can also find great options at local bakeries or markets. Seriously, once you’ve made a sandwich with good quality focaccia, you’ll have a hard time going back!

What is focaccia bread good for?

Focaccia bread has lots of flavor and tastes amazing just by itself. If you want to be fancy though, try dipping it in olive oil or pesto or making garlic bread with it. It makes a great accompaniment to your favorite soup or salad. You can also use it for sandwiches like in this recipe!

Do you serve focaccia hot or cold?

Focaccia definitely tastes best hot out of the oven! However, if you have to wait, you can reheat focaccia in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

What to put in focaccia sandwiches

Focaccia makes a great base for all sorts of sandwiches. Deli meats, sautéed or roasted vegetables, cheese, and pesto all make great fillings, but feel free to experiment and find your own favorite combinations! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Classic Italian: Use your favorite combinations of cured meats like prosciutto, salami, pepperoni, and ham. Top with provolone cheese, tomato, red onion, and lettuce and drizzle with a little vinegar.
• Veggie: Try using slices of avocados topped with tomato, red onion, spinach, and a bit of olive oil for a colorful sandwich.
• Melty Mushroom: Spread toasted focaccia with goat cheese and top with wilted arugula and sautéed mushrooms. Drizzle with a little balsamic vinegar and honey for an extra special touch.
• Margherita: Fill the sandwich with slices of mozzarella and tomato, and a little bit of basil for a garnish. You could warm it in the oven so the cheese melts, or enjoy it cold.
• Breakfast Version: Fry an egg, top it with sliced tomato and mozzarella cheese, then warm the sandwich in the oven or a pan for a few minutes so the cheese melts.

Tips for making a focaccia sandwich

• Use the best quality bread you can find! Homemade focaccia would be my top choice, but you can usually find lovely focaccia at local farmers’ markets or bakeries. Sometimes they come with fun toppings like sun-dried tomatoes or parmesan – even better.
• Want to make this sandwich for a crowd? Use a round of focaccia, slice it in half lengthwise, and toast it in the oven. Spread the fillings on one slice, and top with the other, then cut into individual sandwiches. You can serve the sandwiches cold or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
• This makes a great lunch to take to work. You can make this sandwich up to a day ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to pack it!

Tools you will need

You just need a skillet large enough to toast the bread in and a knife.

Ingredients you will need

• 1 slice of focaccia bread – Sourdough focaccia is the best option, but you can also find great focaccia at local bakeries or farmers markets.
• 4 slices rotisserie chicken – You can use sliced deli meat or leftovers from a roast chicken, whatever you have on hand.
• 2 tbsp pesto – Again, you can definitely buy pesto, but it’s also really easy to make your own if you have time!
• 2 tbsp roasted red peppers – If you don’t like peppers, try substituting sun dried tomatoes.
• handful of spinach – Spinach or arugula is perfect for adding a little extra color and flavor to this sandwich.
• balsamic vinegar – Great for adding a bit of sweetness and also acidity.
• olive oil – This is for toasting the bread. You can also use avocado oil, but olive oil fits better with the Italian flavors of this sandwich.

How to make a focaccia sandwich

Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add a bit of olive oil.

Cut the focaccia in half lengthwise and place both halves cut side facing down in the skillet.

Add in the slices of chicken and the roasted red peppers and cook for 3-5 minutes, until the bread is toasted and the chicken and peppers are warmed.

Just before you take everything out of the skillet, add in the handful or spinach and cook for about 30 seconds, until it wilts.

Remove everything from the skillet. Spread pesto on both of the toasted slices of focaccia. On one slice, layer the chicken, peppers, and wilted spinach. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar, then top with the other slice of focaccia.

Looking for more easy lunch ideas?

If so, head over to the Kitchen Counter where you’ll find lots of cooking inspiration! (Plus they all go well with focaccia :)) Here are a few recipes to get you started:

• Peach and Burrata Salad
• Hearts of Palm Salad
• Chickpea “Chicken” Salad
• Sausage and White Bean Soup
• Chicken and Chickpea Soup

If you make these this recipe and enjoy it, let me know in the comments section below! You can also tag me on instagram @oldfashionedinspiration with a picture of your creation.