Description
Enjoy a flavorful Italian Chicken Panini made with seasoned chicken breasts, fresh mozzarella, spinach, and tomatoes, all pressed between crispy ciabatta or focaccia. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this sandwich is a delightful combination of textures and tastes, enhanced with pesto and optional balsamic glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 slices of ciabatta or focaccia bread
- 4 slices of fresh mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
- 1/4 cup pesto sauce
- Balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Start by preparing the chicken breasts. If they are thick, consider slicing them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes.
- After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the ciabatta or focaccia bread. Slice it horizontally to create a top and bottom half.
- If desired, lightly toast the bread in a toaster or on a grill pan for added texture.
- Spread a generous layer of pesto sauce on the inside of both halves of the bread.
- On the bottom half of the bread, layer the sliced chicken evenly.
- Add the fresh spinach leaves on top of the chicken.
- Place the sliced tomatoes on top of the spinach and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add the slices of fresh mozzarella cheese on top of the tomatoes.
- Close the sandwich with the top half of the bread, pressing down gently.
- Preheat a panini press or a grill pan over medium heat.
- Once the panini press is hot, place the assembled sandwich inside.
- Cook the sandwich for about 3-5 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has melted.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the sandwich from the press or pan and let it sit for a minute before slicing.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the panini in half diagonally for a beautiful presentation.
- If desired, drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the top.
- Serve the panini warm with a side of chips, a salad, or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Enjoy your delicious Italian Chicken Panini!
Notes
- Feel free to customize the ingredients by adding other vegetables like roasted red peppers or artichokes.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes