Homemade Panera Frontega Chicken Sandwich: Smoky, Creamy, and Never Discontinued

The first time I bit into a Panera Frontega Chicken Sandwich, I was immediately captivated by the perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and fresh flavors. During a busy lunch hour, I was desperately searching for something satisfying yet not too heavy. One bite of this masterpiece, and I knew I had found my new go-to sandwich. When Panera temporarily removed it from their menu a while back, I was determined to recreate this magical combination at home – and the result was even better than the original!

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What is the Panera Frontega Chicken Sandwich?

The Frontega Chicken Sandwich is one of Panera Bread’s most beloved menu items, featuring smoked pulled chicken, crispy bacon, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, red onions, fresh basil, and a zesty chipotle sauce, all nestled between slices of black pepper focaccia bread. Originally served as a panini, Panera now simply toasts it in the oven, but either preparation method delivers incredible flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation – Ready in just 20 minutes for a satisfying meal
• Restaurant-Quality at Home – Create the same flavors for a fraction of the price
• Perfectly Balanced Flavors – Experience the ideal combination of smoky, creamy, and fresh elements
• Customizable – Easily adjust ingredients to suit your preferences
• Menu Security – Never worry about Panera removing it from their menu again

Ingredients For a Toasted Frontega Chicken Sandwich

To make the chipotle mayo sauce, you’ll need:

• Mayonnaise 
• Tabasco Chipotle Pepper Sauce

To make a Frontega Chicken Sandwich Panera style, you’ll need:

• Black pepper focaccia bread – Provides a flavorful, sturdy foundation with perfect texture and subtle peppery notes that complement the fillings
• Fresh basil leaves – Adds bright, aromatic freshness that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients
• Smoked chicken – Delivers the signature smoky flavor that defines this sandwich and provides satisfying protein
• Bacon – Contributes additional smokiness, savory depth, and a delightful crispy texture contrast
• Tomato – Offers juicy freshness and slight acidity that balances the rich components
• Small red onion – Provides a sharp, pungent flavor and crisp texture that adds complexity
• Salt and pepper – Enhances all the flavors and brings out the natural taste of each ingredient
• Avocado – Creates a creamy, buttery element that complements the smoky flavors
• Mozzarella cheese – Adds a mild, melty component that binds the sandwich together
• Mayonnaise – Serves as the creamy base for the chipotle sauce
• Tabasco Chipotle Pepper Sauce – Delivers the signature smoky heat that ties all flavors together

Ingredient Notes

If you can’t find black pepper focaccia bread, feel free to substitute another type of focaccia or focaccia rolls. You can also use ciabatta bread or any bread you prefer.

Panera uses a smoked pulled chicken that most stores don’t sell. If you are not up to smoking chicken just for this recipe, you can use easier-to-find smoked sliced chicken as an alternative in this recipe. 

Fresh mozzarella cheese is best, but deli-style cheese is acceptable.

Preparing a Panera Frontega Chicken Sandwich

To make the chipotle sauce:

1. In a small bowl mix ingredients for the chipotle sauce until combined. 
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and store the chipotle mayonnaise in the fridge until needed. The sauce will last up to five days in the refrigerator. 

To assemble the sandwich:

1. Move an oven rack to the top position and preheat the broiler.
2. Put the loaf focaccia bread on a cutting board. Place one hand on top of the bread and use a serrated knife to cut the bread in half parallel with the cutting board. Then cut the sliced bread in half from the top. 
3. Place the bread cut-side up on a baking tray. You can spray the tray with nonstick spray or line it parchment paper.
4. Use a rubber spatula or knife to spread about 2 teaspoons sauce into a thin layer on the cut side of both the top and bottom slices of bread. 
5. Layer the ingredients on the bottom half of the bread in the following order: basil, bacon, chicken, and mozzarella cheese. 
6. Place the tray in the oven and broil until the cheese melts and the bread gets crispy. Don’t walk away because it won’t take too long. 
7. Remove the sandwich from the oven. 
8. Put the red onion slices and tomatoes on top of the melted cheese.
9. Cover with the top slice of bread and serve the hot sandwich.

What To Serve With This Toasted Frontega Chicken Sandwich

Adding a side of your favorite potato chips, a simple salad, Panera mac and cheese, or a cup of broccoli cheddar soup will make this sandwich a more well-rounded meal.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Prepare components ahead: Cook bacon, slice vegetables, and make the chipotle sauce up to 2 days in advance
• Pack for lunch: Store tomatoes separately to prevent sogginess, apply extra chipotle sauce to both bread slices as a moisture barrier, and wrap in parchment paper instead of plastic
• Reheating: For best results, disassemble and reheat bread and meat components separately before reassembling

More Panera Copycat Recipes

• Barbecue Chicken Salad
• Black Bean Soup
• Green Goddess Salad Recipe
• Mediterranean Grain Bowl
• Panera Autumn Squash Soup
• Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe
• Steak Panini

Favorite Sandwich Recipes

• Arby’s Chicken Pecan Salad Sandwich
• Chicken Fil A Grilled Chicken Sandwich
• Jalapeno Poppers Sandwich
• Patty Melt Sandwich
• Steak n Shake Frisco Melt
• Taco Bell Taco Sandwich

Check out more of my tasty sandwich recipes and the best copycat Panera recipes on CopyKat!