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Italian Chicken Pesto Panini Recipe

4.2 from 32 reviews

This Italian Chicken Panini recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a warm, cheesy sandwich packed with flavorful ingredients like pesto, roasted red peppers, and mozzarella. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner, this panini is grilled to perfection for a crispy exterior and melty inside.

Ingredients

Scale

Sandwich Ingredients

  • 4 slices Italian bread, thickly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons pesto
  • 1 chicken breast, cooked and sliced in half lengthwise
  • 2 tablespoons red onion, slivered
  • 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, thinly sliced
  • 4 ounces low moisture, part skim mozzarella, shredded or thinly sliced
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Prepare the bread: Slather two slices of the Italian bread evenly with 2 tablespoons of pesto to infuse the sandwich with rich, herby flavor.
  2. Assemble the sandwich: Top each pesto-coated bread slice with one half of the cooked chicken breast. Evenly divide the slivered red onion, sliced roasted red peppers, and shredded or sliced mozzarella on top. Place the remaining bread slices on top to close each sandwich.
  3. Preheat the panini press: Heat the panini press and lightly coat it with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure an even grill.
  4. Grill the panini: Place the sandwiches in the panini press and grill for 3-4 minutes on each side. Adjust time depending on bread thickness and press heat, until the sandwiches are heated through and the cheese is completely melted.
  5. Serve: Remove the paninis from the press and cut each sandwich in half with a swift cut. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the melty, crispy goodness.
  6. Engage: If you try this recipe, leave a comment or rating to share your experience and help the community.

Notes

  • You can substitute Italian bread with ciabatta or sourdough for a different texture.
  • Use cooked chicken breast leftovers or rotisserie chicken for a quicker assembly.
  • Lightly toasting the bread before adding ingredients will make the panini crispier.
  • The panini press time may vary, so watch closely to avoid burning.
  • For extra flavor, add a few fresh basil leaves inside the sandwich before grilling.

Keywords: Italian chicken panini, grilled sandwich, pesto panini recipe, easy chicken sandwich, mozzarella panini, quick lunch recipe