Air Fryer Copycat Panera Frontega Chicken Sandwich — Indulge in the savory flavors of a beloved Panera favorite without leaving the comfort of your home.
Our Air Fryer Copycat Panera Frontega Chicken Sandwich recipe brings the essence of a café-style meal to your kitchen, complete with tender chicken, smoky bacon, and zesty chipotle mayo, perfectly toasted to golden perfection. Get ready to savor every bite of this homemade delight.
What Is Panera Frontega Chicken Sandwich?
The Panera Frontega Chicken Sandwich is a popular menu item at Panera Bread. It features grilled chicken, smoked Gouda cheese, bacon, tomatoes, and a chipotle mayo spread, all served on focaccia bread. This sandwich is known for its smoky, savory, and spicy flavors, making it a favorite among Panera Bread customers.
Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Panera Frontega Chicken Sandwich
Indulge in the flavors of a beloved Panera favorite with our Air Fryer Panera Frontega Chicken Sandwich recipe.
This sandwich boasts a delightful combination of grilled chicken, smoky gouda, crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and a zesty chipotle mayo spread, all nestled between slices of warm, golden focaccia bread. It’s a delicious homemade take on a restaurant classic that you can easily whip up in your air fryer.
Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.
- Grilled Chicken Breast: Tender and juicy chicken breast is this sandwich’s star, providing a hearty and protein-packed base.
- Smoked Gouda Cheese: Smoked Gouda cheese adds a rich, smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
- Bacon Slices: Crispy bacon slices contribute a satisfying crunch and a hint of smokiness.
- Tomatoes: Fresh tomato slices provide a juicy and refreshing element to balance the flavors.
- Focaccia Bread: Focaccia bread serves as the hearty, rustic vessel for this sandwich, with its soft interior and crisp crust.
- Chipotle Mayo Spread: The chipotle mayo spread adds a spicy and creamy kick that combines all ingredients in delicious harmony.
How To Cook Copycat Panera Frontega Chicken Sandwich In Air Fryer
Indulge in the deliciousness of a homemade Copycat Panera Frontega Chicken Sandwich cooked to perfection in your air fryer. This easy-to-follow recipe will show you how to recreate the iconic Panera taste with a delightful twist.
Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C) for 2-3 minutes.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in the preheated air fryer basket and cook for about 15-18 minutes, flipping them halfway through or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are cooked through.
While the chicken is cooking, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s crispy. Drain excess grease on paper towels and set aside.
Mix the mayonnaise and adobo sauce in a small bowl to create the chipotle mayo spread.
When the chicken is almost done, place a slice of gouda cheese on top of each breast and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts.
Slice the focaccia bread in half and lightly toast it in the air fryer for about 2 minutes.
Assemble your sandwiches by spreading the chipotle mayo on both sides of the toasted focaccia. Place a cheesy chicken breast on the bottom half of each sandwich, followed by two strips of bacon and a couple of tomato slices. Top with the other half of the focaccia.
Serve your homemade Panera Frontega Chicken Sandwiches hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips For Making Copycat Panera Frontega Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Here are some pro tips for making the Copycat Panera Frontega Chicken Sandwich recipe in your air fryer:
- Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken breasts for at least 30 minutes in olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and some lemon juice before air frying. This step infuses the chicken with delicious seasonings.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before cooking the chicken. This ensures that the chicken starts cooking immediately and helps it achieve a crispy exterior.
- Use Parchment Paper: Placing a piece of parchment paper in the air fryer basket can prevent the chicken from sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Flip the Chicken: Flip the chicken breasts halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on both sides. This step helps you achieve a perfectly crispy texture.
- Layer the Sandwich Carefully: When assembling the sandwich, start with the bottom half of the focaccia bread, then add the ingredients in the following order: roasted red peppers, chicken breast, cheese, bacon, and top with the arugula. This layering helps keep the sandwich together and prevents it from becoming soggy.
- Toast the Bread: Before assembling the sandwich, lightly toast the focaccia bread in the air fryer for a minute or two to enhance its texture and flavor.
- Customize the Ingredients: Feel free to customize the sandwich to your taste. Add extras like sliced tomatoes, avocado, or your favorite condiments for a personalized touch.
- Serve Hot: This sandwich is best enjoyed right after assembly while the chicken is still warm and the cheese is melted. Serve it immediately for the ultimate Panera Frontega Chicken Sandwich experience.
These pro tips will help you create a mouthwatering Copycat Panera Frontega Chicken Sandwich that’s bursting with flavor and texture in your air fryer. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I use a different type of bread? You can certainly use your preferred type of bread or roll. However, to achieve a closer match to the Panera Frontega Chicken Sandwich, it’s recommended to use focaccia bread or a similar artisan-style roll.
Can I customize the ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the sandwich with your favorite ingredients. You can add or remove items like vegetables and condiments or even change the type of cheese to suit your taste.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? To reheat leftover sandwiches, use your air fryer again set at a lower temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) to avoid overcooking. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, which may make the bread slightly softer.
Can I make this sandwich vegetarian? You can make a vegetarian version by substituting the chicken with a meatless chicken patty or using grilled vegetables as the main filling.
How can I make the sandwich spicier? To add some heat, consider spreading a spicy mayo or hot sauce on the bread or incorporating sliced jalapeños or pepperoncini peppers.
What side dishes go well with this sandwich? Popular side dishes that pair nicely with this sandwich include a simple garden salad, sweet potato fries, or a cup of soup for a hearty meal.
Can I prepare the ingredients in advance? Yes, you can prepare some of the ingredients, like marinating the chicken or slicing vegetables, in advance to save time when assembling the sandwiches.
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Air Fryer Copycat Panera Frontega Chicken Sandwich
Description
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, or boneless-skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 large lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices of focaccia bread, or sandwich bread
- 1/2 cup roasted red pepper strips
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon
- 1 cup fresh arugula
- 2 tablespoons chipotle mayonnaise, optional, for serving
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and place them in the preheated air fryer basket. Cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and have a crispy, golden exterior.
- While the chicken is cooking, you can lightly toast the slices of focaccia bread in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes, if desired.
- Once the chicken is done, assemble your sandwiches. Start with the bottom half of each focaccia slice and layer with roasted red pepper strips, a cooked chicken breast, a slice of provolone cheese, two slices of bacon, and a handful of fresh arugula.
- If you like a bit of heat, you can spread a thin layer of chipotle mayonnaise on the top half of the focaccia bread before adding it to the sandwich.
- Place the top half of the focaccia over the assembled ingredients to complete the sandwich.
- Serve your Air Fryer Copycat Panera Frontega Chicken Sandwich immediately while it’s warm, and enjoy!
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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