Description
Chicken Fat Focaccia is a rich, crispy, and savory bread that uses chicken fat to infuse every bite with a deep golden flavor. This twist on classic focaccia offers a perfect crunchy crust, aromatic herbs, and delightful sea salt, making it ideal as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. Simple pantry ingredients come together to create an impressive homemade bread that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Focaccia Dough
- 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm water (about 100°F / 38°C)
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 ½ tsp salt
Fats & Oils
- 3 tbsp rendered chicken fat, melted
- 1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing and drizzling
Herbs & Seasoning
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves (or substitute with thyme, sage, or oregano)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it activate for 5-10 minutes until frothy. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt, then slowly pour in the yeast mixture along with melted chicken fat and a little olive oil. Stir until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead vigorously for 8-10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. This develops the gluten structure necessary for an airy, chewy texture.
- First Rise: Coat a large bowl with olive oil, place the dough inside, and cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size and becomes fluffy.
- Shape the Focaccia: Gently press the dough onto a well-greased baking sheet or pan, stretching it to fit the shape. Use your fingertips to create dimples all over the surface to hold pools of chicken fat and oil, enhancing flavor and texture.
- Second Rise and Seasoning: Let the shaped dough rest for 20-30 minutes to puff slightly. Drizzle melted chicken fat and olive oil generously over the top, sprinkle fresh rosemary leaves, and finish with a good pinch of coarse sea salt.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy around the edges. Remove and let cool briefly before slicing.
Notes
- Use good quality chicken fat, either rendered yourself or sourced from a trusted butcher, for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the dimples; they hold fat and seasoning, crucial for texture and taste.
- Use warm water below 110°F (43°C) to activate yeast without killing it.
- Allow both rises to ensure an airy crumb and light texture.
- Season generously with herbs and sea salt to layer flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of focaccia)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Chicken Fat Focaccia, Savory Bread, Crispy Bread, Herb Bread, Rosemary Focaccia, Homemade Bread, Appetizer Bread