Chicken Pesto Panini An ItalianAmerican Classic

Chicken Pesto Panini An Italianamerican Classic

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Preparation time:10 Mins

Cooking time:10 Mins

Servings:2 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 ciabatta rolls (or focaccia/baguette), halved horizontally
• 1 cup (150g) cooked chicken breast, sliced
• 4 tablespoons (60ml) pesto
• 4 slices (100g) fresh mozzarella cheese
• 1 medium tomato, sliced (optional)
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil or softened butter
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 handful (30g) baby spinach or arugula (rocket, optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat panini press according to manufacturer's instructions. If using a skillet, preheat over medium heat.
• Brush the outer sides of the ciabatta rolls with olive oil or softened butter.
• Spread pesto evenly on the inside of each roll half.
• Layer chicken slices on one half of each roll.
• Top with mozzarella slices, tomato (if using), and optional spinach/arugula.
• Season lightly with salt and pepper.
• Close the sandwiches.
• Place the assembled sandwiches in the preheated panini press. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. If using a skillet, place a heavy pan or weight on top of the sandwiches. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
• Carefully remove the panini from the press or skillet. Slice in half (optional) and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:550 kcal

Fat:30g

Recipe Info

Category:Lunch

Cuisine:Italian-American

Recipe Introduction: Get Ready for a Panini Party!

Fancy a lunch that's both dead easy and utterly delicious? Based on that, let's get this keyword party started, shall we? This chicken pesto panini recipe is about to become your new go-to.

It's packed with flavour and seriously satisfying. Think juicy chicken, vibrant pesto and melty mozzarella Alright !

This isn't just any sandwich. It's a taste of Italy right in your own kitchen. The humble pesto panini recipe .

The panini originates from Italy, a simple and satisfying meal enjoyed for generations. This recipe is super simple. It takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.

This recipe makes 2 amazing paninis.

Main Benefits of the Chicken Pesto Panini

Honestly, the best thing? This easy panini recipe is quick and versatile. It's perfect for a speedy lunch or even a light dinner.

Plus, you get a good dose of protein and healthy fats. The Italian panini recipe is fantastic for a working-from-home lunch.

It will really feel like a treat. What makes this chicken panini recipe so special? Well, it's the perfect combo of flavors.

Oh my gosh You know? It's the perfect balance of rich pesto and creamy mozzarella.

Chicken Pesto Panini Recipe : Gear Up & Grub On!

Alright, let's get this Chicken Pesto Panini recipe party started, shall we? Before you dive headfirst into panini heaven, let's make sure you've got all the bits and bobs you need.

Trust me, a little prep goes a long way!

The Starring Roles: Main Ingredients

• Ciabatta Rolls: You'll want 2 beauties, about 6-8 inches long. Look for a slightly crusty outside and a soft, airy inside. Focaccia or even a baguette works too.
• Cooked Chicken: 1 cup (150g) sliced, diced, whatever floats your boat. Leftover roast chicken is AMAZING here. Think about it - it is an easy panini recipe you can make in a minute. Quality? If you're buying pre-cooked, check for that "cooked today" sticker. Honestly.
• Pesto: 4 tablespoons (60ml) . Store-bought is fine, but homemade basil pesto? Oh my gosh! It is next-level delicious and makes it such an Italian panini recipe .
• Mozzarella: 4 slices (100g) fresh mozzarella. The good stuff, okay? Or 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella. This is a mozzarella pesto panini and you need the quality.
• Tomato (Optional): 1 medium, sliced. Adds a bit of juicy zing.
• Olive Oil (or Butter): 1 tablespoon (15ml) for brushing the bread.
• Baby Spinach/Arugula (Rocket - Optional): A small handful, say 30g .
• Salt & Pepper: To taste. Obvs.

Spice It Up: Seasoning Notes

Pesto's the star, no doubt. But a little salt and pepper goes a long way. Red pepper flakes can give it a kick.

I once accidentally used sun-dried tomato pesto and, honestly, it was a revelation. Quick lunch ideas often involve mistakes, but are those the most amazing?

The Toolbox: Equipment Needed

• Panini Press: The obvious choice.
• Skillet (and Heavy Pan): If you haven't got a press. A cast-iron skillet is ideal! You could add to it a pot that you can use to press.
• Knife: A decent one.
• Cutting Board: Don't be a savage.

Now you're prepped. Let's make some magic.

Let's Get This Chicken Pesto Panini Recipe Party Started, Shall We?

Based on that Chicken Pesto Panini recipe, and thinking about what folks are actually searching for, here are 10 to make your site shine brighter than a freshly pressed panini:

1. Chicken pesto panini
2. Pesto panini recipe
3. Easy panini recipe
4. Italian panini recipe
5. Chicken panini recipe
6. Grilled chicken pesto panini
7. Mozzarella pesto panini
8. Ciabatta panini recipe
9. Quick lunch ideas
10. Homemade panini recipes

Okay, Alright, let's dive in. There’s something seriously comforting about a grilled sandwich, isn’t there? Especially when it’s oozing with cheese.

We are talking a Proper Chicken Pesto Panini that could satisfy! It's a step up from a basic cheese toastie!

Prep Like a Pro

Before we even think about grilling, mise en place is key. That means having everything prepped and ready. Slice your cooked chicken (leftover roast chicken is fantastic here!), grab your pesto, mozzarella, and tomatoes (if you're using them), and get your bread ready.

This time-saving organization will make the whole process much smoother. Also, when slicing, always curl your fingers in so that you do not cut yourself.

Step-by-Step Panini Perfection

Here’s the simple rundown:

1. Preheat your panini press. If you don’t have one, a skillet works just fine!
2. Brush the outside of your ciabatta rolls with olive oil. This makes them golden and crispy.
3. Spread pesto generously on the inside of each roll. Don’t be shy!
4. Layer chicken, mozzarella, and tomato (if using) on one side.
5. Close the sandwich and grill for 4- 5 minutes in the panini press (or 3- 4 minutes per side in a skillet) until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Slice it in half and enjoy!

My Top Tips for a Next-Level Panini

Honestly, the Chicken Pesto Panini recipe is pretty straightforward, but a few things can elevate it.

• Don't overload your panini! Too much filling will squish out.
• Press it good! A nice, even press ensures that the cheese melts evenly. You need the right pressure!
• The bread is key for the perfect Ciabatta panini recipe .
• For a quick lunch idea, you can prepare the filling components ahead of time. You can assemble the sandwiches just before grilling. This makes for a super-fast weekday lunch.

Enjoy your lunch !

Recipe Notes for the Perfect Chicken Pesto Panini

Alright, let's get this keyword party started! I wanted to share some extra tips and tricks. This chicken pesto panini recipe is pretty straightforward.

But these notes will take it from good to "Oh my gosh!" level. You know?

Plating and Presentation: Panini Perfection

First off, presentation matters! Slice that grilled chicken pesto panini in half on a diagonal. This makes it look extra inviting.

Serve it with the cut side up. It shows off all the delicious layers. A sprig of basil on the plate adds a touch of elegance.

Think about a side. A small mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette is perfect. Or some crunchy kettle chips, if you're feeling cheeky. To drink? Ice-cold lemonade is always a winner.

Storing Your Italian Panini

So, you've made too much? It happens! Honestly, a fresh panini is best. But you can keep leftover chicken in the fridge for up to three days.

Keep it in an airtight container. If you want to prep ahead, assemble the panini. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.

Then, keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just don't grill it until you're ready to eat.

I don't suggest freezing a cooked pesto panini recipe . The bread will get soggy. Reheat in a panini press or skillet until heated through.

Recipe Variations: Keep It Fresh!

Want to mix it up? Try swapping the chicken for grilled portobello mushrooms. That way you get a great vegetarian pesto panini .

To make it even more seasonal, use sun-dried tomato pesto in the autumn. Add roasted butternut squash. In the summer, fresh basil pesto with ripe heirloom tomatoes is amazing.

For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto.

Nutrition Basics: Fuel Your Body

Here's the lowdown on the nutrition. Each easy panini recipe serving contains roughly 550 calories. It has around 40g of protein, 30g of fat, and 35g of carbs.

It's a good source of protein. It also contains some healthy fats from the pesto and cheese. It's a delicious and satisfying lunch.

Plus, it's way better than a boring sandwich.

This Chicken pesto panini recipe is a winner. It's a quick lunch idea that's packed with flavor. Based on that "Chicken Pesto Panini" recipe, and thinking about what folks are actually searching for.

It's something quick and easy to prepare. So go on, give it a go! You'll be chuffed you did.