Chicken schnitzel, kimchi, bacon and anchovy mayo sandwiches

Enjoy an epic sandwich packed with textures and bold flavours where crispy chicken schnitzel, smoky bacon, and punchy kimchi meet a rich anchovy mayo. Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of crunchy, savoury, and tangy, wrapped in rustic ciabatta with fresh watercress for a peppery edge.

From Saturday Kitchen Recipes
Original recipe from BBC Saturday Kitchen Live.

This sandwich scores a Nutri-Score of C, reflecting its balance of protein from chicken and healthy oils from olive oil, offset by indulgent bacon and mayo. It’s a flavour-packed treat best enjoyed as an occasional meal rather than daily fare.

Method

1. Prepare the schnitzel coating: Season the flour with salt and pepper in a wide flat bowl. Beat two eggs in another bowl and spread breadcrumbs in a third. Dredge the flattened chicken breast in flour, dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs. Set aside.
2. Fry the chicken: Heat olive and vegetable oils together in a frying pan. When hot, add the chicken breast and fry until golden and crispy on both sides. Drain on kitchen paper and keep warm.
3. Cook the eggs and bacon: Crack the remaining two eggs into the pan and fry until crisp, then remove and set aside. Fry the bacon rashers until crisp—about 2 minutes—and keep the rendered fat for later.
4. Mix kimchi and roasted peppers: In a small bowl, combine the kimchi and chopped roasted peppers for a punchy flavour mix.
5. Make anchovy mayonnaise: Blend egg yolks and Dijon mustard in a food processor. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending to emulsify. Add the reserved bacon fat, chopped anchovies, crushed garlic, and a splash of white wine vinegar. Blend until silky smooth.
6. Assemble the sandwich: Spread the anchovy mayo generously on both slices of ciabatta. Layer chicken schnitzel, kimchi and pepper mix, crispy bacon, fried eggs, and watercress between the bread slices. Wrap snugly in greaseproof paper and cut in half to serve.

Tips

• Double the mayo recipe to use as a dip or extra sandwich spread.
• For an added kick, add a few drops of hot sauce to the kimchi mix.
• Pound the chicken evenly for consistent cooking and crunch.

Suggested Wine Pairing

For this bold chicken schnitzel sandwich with anchovy mayo and kimchi, look for wines with bright acidity and a bit of personality to cut through the richness and complement the tangy kimchi.

• Chablis Petit Chablis — Crisp minerality and citrus notes balance the chicken’s richness and complement the kimchi’s spice.
• Albariño — Fresh and zesty with tropical fruit flavours that brighten the tangy and smoky elements.
• Rosé from Provence — Light and dry with berry fruit flavours that pair wonderfully with the bacon and anchovy mayo.

What can you serve with this

1. Crispy sweet potato fries — Add sweetness and crunch that contrast with the savoury sandwich.
2. Pickled cucumber slices — Bring a refreshing, acidic snap that cleanses the palate.
3. Simple coleslaw — Creamy and crunchy, softening the bold flavours.
4. Light green salad — Helps to balance the sandwich’s richness.
5. Cold pilsner or lager beer — A refreshing drink to cut through the fat and spice.

FAQs for Chicken Schnitzel, Kimchi, Bacon and Anchovy Mayo Sandwiches

• Can I prepare the schnitzel in advance? Yes, you can bread the chicken earlier and refrigerate; fry just before serving for best crunch.
• Is kimchi essential? It adds great flavour punch, but you can substitute with sauerkraut or pickled vegetables.
• Can I make the anchovy mayo without a food processor? Yes, whisk the ingredients by hand, slowly drizzling in oil to emulsify.
• What type of bread works best? Ciabatta is ideal for its crusty texture, but a sturdy sourdough or baguette are good alternatives.
• Can I swap chicken breast for thighs? Thighs are juicier and work well but may need longer cooking.
• Is this sandwich suitable for kids? The anchovy mayo is quite savoury; consider omitting or reducing anchovies for children.
• Can I freeze leftovers? Assemble sandwiches fresh; freezing may affect texture.
• Are there vegetarian alternatives? Use fried halloumi or breadcrumbed tofu instead of chicken for a meat-free version.

Nutri-score Health Check

Rating: C

This sandwich’s Nutri-Score of C is based on high-protein chicken and nutrient-rich kimchi balanced with fats from bacon, mayonnaise, and oils. It provides a satisfying meal with some indulgent elements, better enjoyed occasionally.

Positive Factors

• Chicken: Lean protein source
• Kimchi: Provides probiotics and vitamins
• Vegetables (peppers, watercress): Add fibre and micronutrients

Negative Factors

• Bacon and mayonnaise: High in saturated fats
• Use of oils: Adds calories and fats
• White bread: Lower fibre content

This score is automatically calculated from the ingredients and serves as a guide for dietary considerations.