Description
This Grilled Chicken Panini Sandwich combines juicy, seasoned chicken, melted cheese, fresh greens, and zesty pesto between crispy golden bread. It’s a quick and flavorful meal that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner, offering a satisfying mix of textures and Italian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 1 large breast halved)
4 slices ciabatta, sourdough, or focaccia bread
4 slices mozzarella or provolone cheese
1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
½ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Handful of fresh spinach or arugula
2 tbsp pesto (store-bought or homemade)
1 tbsp olive oil (for grilling chicken)
1 tbsp butter or olive oil (for panini press or skillet)
For Chicken Seasoning:
Salt and pepper to taste
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Pound chicken breasts to ½-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (165°F/74°C). Rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Spread pesto on one side of each bread slice. Layer cheese, chicken, tomato, red onion (if using), and spinach or arugula on two slices. Top with the remaining bread slices, pesto side down.
- Grill the panini: Preheat a panini press or skillet over medium heat. Lightly butter the outside of each sandwich. Grill for 3–5 minutes, or until golden and the cheese has melted. If using a skillet, press down with another heavy pan, flipping halfway through.
- Serve: Slice in half and serve hot with chips, salad, or soup.
Notes
Use leftover grilled chicken for an even quicker prep.
Ciabatta and focaccia hold up best under the heat of a panini press.
For a spicy twist, add sliced jalapeños or sriracha mayo.
Swap pesto for sun-dried tomato spread or roasted red pepper hummus for variation.
To avoid soggy bread, use a light layer of pesto and drain tomatoes well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
