Zesty Italian Chicken Panini Recipe: Crispy & Flavorful Joy

Lunch breaks demand something special, and this mouthwatering Italian chicken panini recipe delivers pure deliciousness.

Crisp, golden bread hugs tender, seasoned chicken with melted cheese and vibrant herbs.

Every bite promises a symphony of Mediterranean flavors that dance across your palate.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly to create a sandwich that’s more than just a meal.

Layers of savory chicken, melted provolone, and zesty spreads turn an ordinary lunch into a culinary adventure.

Warm, pressed bread cradles the delectable filling, ensuring each mouthful is packed with incredible taste.

Prepare to transform your midday meal with this simple yet extraordinary panini.

FAQs

• What type of bread works best for this panini?

Ciabatta or sourdough bread are ideal because they’re sturdy and have a nice texture that holds up well when grilled, creating a crispy exterior and soft interior.

• Can I make this panini without a panini press?

Yes, you can use a heavy skillet or griddle pan. Place another heavy pan on top of the sandwich to create pressure, mimicking a panini press, and cook until golden brown and cheese melts.

• How can I ensure the chicken stays moist in the sandwich?

Use pre-cooked, sliced chicken breast and avoid overcooking. If using freshly grilled chicken, let it rest before slicing to retain moisture and prevent dryness.

What Makes Italian Chicken Panini Special

• Whip up this delicious panini in mere minutes with simple ingredients that come together effortlessly.
• Burst of Italian-inspired flavors from pesto, mozzarella, and grilled chicken create a mouthwatering combination that satisfies every craving.
• Ideal for lunch, dinner, or a hearty snack that works great for busy individuals, families, or casual gatherings with friends.
• Swap ingredients or add personal touches to make this panini your own, ensuring a personalized meal every single time.

Everything You Need for Chicken Panini

• Bread: A sturdy white or Italian bread that can hold the rich fillings and withstand grilling.
• Chicken: Cooked or grilled chicken that adds protein and substance to the panini.
• Pesto: A flavorful green sauce made from basil that provides a vibrant herbal spread for the sandwich.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A soft, melty cheese that creates a creamy texture when heated.

• Red Onion, Red Peppers: Fresh vegetables that add crunch, color, and a slight tangy sweetness to the panini.

• Cooking Spray: A light oil coating that helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning on the panini press.

Tools to Create a Great Panini

• Panini Press: Essential for grilling and creating those perfect golden-brown, crispy grill marks.
• Large Knife: Needed for cutting sandwiches in half after grilling.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for layering ingredients.
• Spatula: Helps transfer sandwiches onto the press and handle them safely.
• Cooking Spray: Ensures sandwiches don't stick to the press and helps achieve a nice, crisp exterior.

How to Cook Italian Chicken Panini at Home

Step 1: Prepare Bread and Pesto

Grab two slices of rustic Italian bread.

Generously slather a thick layer of vibrant basil pesto across each slice, ensuring complete coverage from edge to edge.

Step 2: Stack Delicious Layers

• Grilled chicken strips
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Roasted red pepper strips
• Fresh mozzarella cheese

Step 3: Complete Sandwich Construction

Carefully place the second pesto-covered bread slice on top, creating a perfect panini sandwich.

Gently press down to compact the layers.

Step 4: Heat Panini Press

Warm up the panini press and lightly coat the cooking surface with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Grill to Golden Perfection

Carefully transfer the sandwich to the heated press.

Close the lid and grill for 3-4 minutes, watching for a golden-brown exterior and melted cheese inside.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Remove the panini from the press.

Using a sharp knife, cut diagonally to create two triangular halves.

Serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Tips for Panini Perfection Every Time

• Choose fresh, high-quality basil pesto for maximum flavor and vibrant taste in your panini.
• Let mozzarella sit at room temperature before assembling to ensure smoother, faster melting when grilling.
• Use sturdy Italian bread or ciabatta that can withstand pressing without falling apart during cooking.
• Preheat panini press thoroughly to achieve perfect golden-brown crispy exterior and evenly heated interior.
• Swap chicken with grilled turkey, tofu, or roasted vegetables for diverse dietary preferences and exciting variations.

Panini Variations for Chicken Lovers

• Vegetarian Panini: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted eggplant slices for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps instead of traditional bread to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Mediterranean Swap: Substitute pesto with hummus and add feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Replace mozzarella with pepper jack cheese and add sliced jalapeños for extra heat.

Great Ways to Plate Chicken Panini

• Picnic Perfect Lunch: Pack these paninis in a cooler with ice packs for a delightful outdoor meal at the park or beach.
• Appetizer Style Bites: Cut paninis into smaller triangles for easy finger food during game nights or casual gatherings with friends.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the rich pesto and melted cheese with a crisp white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc for a gourmet experience.
• Side Dish Companions: Serve alongside a light arugula salad or crispy roasted vegetable chips to balance the sandwich's hearty flavors.

Chicken Panini Storage for Best Quality

• Store leftover panini in an airtight container for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual panini tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain quality and prevent freezer burn.
• Unwrap frozen panini, place on baking sheet, and warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until crispy and heated through.
• Revive cold panini in a preheated skillet with light butter, cooking 2-3 minutes per side to restore crispness and warmth.

Italian Chicken Panini Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 14 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Savory Italian chicken panini delivers a symphony of Mediterranean flavors between crispy, golden bread slices. Melted cheese, herb-marinated chicken, and zesty condiments create a perfect lunch that transports you to a charming Italian bistro.

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Ingredients

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Base Ingredients:

• 4 slices Italian bread
• 1 chicken breast, cooked and sliced lengthwise in half

Cheese & Filling Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) low moisture, part skim mozzarella
• 2 tablespoons pesto
• 2 tablespoons red onion, slivered
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) roasted red peppers, thinly sliced

Cooking Ingredient:

• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Lavishly coat each bread slice with a vibrant layer of pesto, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Meticulously arrange sliced chicken over the pesto-spread bread, creating an even foundation for the subsequent layers.
3. Distribute crisp red onion slivers and roasted red pepper strips across the chicken, providing a colorful and tangy dimension.
4. Sprinkle generous portions of creamy mozzarella cheese over the vegetables, allowing for optimal melting potential.
5. Carefully place the remaining pesto-coated bread slice on top, creating a complete sandwich structure.
6. Preheat the panini press to 375°F and lightly mist with cooking spray to prevent sticking and promote golden browning.
7. Gently position the assembled sandwich into the heated press, ensuring balanced pressure for uniform toasting.
8. Grill for approximately 4 minutes, rotating halfway through to achieve a perfectly crisp exterior and thoroughly melted interior.
9. Remove when the bread turns golden brown and cheese becomes delightfully molten.
10. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while maintaining maximum temperature and crispness.

Notes

• Choose a high-quality, flavorful pesto for an authentic Italian taste that elevates the entire sandwich.
• Slice chicken thinly and evenly to ensure quick, uniform heating and perfect texture in every bite.
• Grill the panini at medium-high heat to achieve a crispy golden-brown exterior without burning the bread.
• Swap mozzarella with provolone or fontina for different flavor profiles and potential lactose-free options.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 70mg