This Italian Chicken Panini is a warm, tasty sandwich filled with juicy chicken, fresh basil, and gooey cheese, all pressed to crispy perfection. It’s a hearty and comforting meal!
Making these paninis is super simple! I love adding a side of chips or a salad for extra crunch. Plus, I can’t resist that melted cheese—it’s totally worth every bite! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe because they cook quickly and evenly. If you prefer, you can use turkey breasts or even grilled vegetables for a vegetarian option.
Olive Oil: This adds a nice richness to the chicken. If you’re looking for a change, try avocado oil; it has a similar flavor but is a bit milder.
Italian Seasoning: This mix gives lovely, herby notes. If you don’t have it, try combining dried oregano, basil, and thyme. It’s a simple substitute that still delivers great flavor!
Fresh Mozzarella: I love using fresh mozzarella because it melts beautifully. If it’s hard to find, you can use shredded mozzarella or even provolone cheese as a substitute.
Ciabatta Rolls: These have a wonderful crust and airy texture. You can swap them for focaccia or any crusty bread you love if ciabatta isn’t available.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Grilled Chicken?
Cooking the chicken properly is crucial for juicy, flavorful meat. Follow these steps closely:
- Start by preheating your grill pan or panini press. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly.
- Season the chicken breasts well; don’t skip the salt and pepper. It enhances the natural flavors.
- Grill each side for 6-7 minutes, flipping only once. This keeps the juices inside.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F; this prevents undercooking or overcooking.
- Let the chicken cool a bit before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping it moist.
How to Make Italian Chicken Panini?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Panini:
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 4 ciabatta rolls or panini bread
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1/4 cup pesto sauce
- Optional: extra olive oil for grilling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation, plus around 15 minutes for cooking. Overall, you’ll be enjoying delicious Italian Chicken Panini in about 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Grilling the Chicken:
Start by preheating a grill pan or a panini press to medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, season your chicken breasts with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Once your grill is hot, place the chicken on it and grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked (the inside should reach 165°F). After cooking, take the chicken off the grill and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing it into thin pieces.
2. Preparing the Panini:
While the chicken is cooling, slice the ciabatta rolls open. Spread a generous layer of pesto sauce on the inside of each half. Now, layer the sliced grilled chicken on the bottom half of each roll. Follow this with a spoonful of marinara sauce, slices of fresh mozzarella cheese, roasted red peppers, and fresh basil leaves. Finally, close the sandwiches with the top half of the ciabatta rolls.
3. Grilling the Panini:
If you’re using a panini press, carefully place the sandwiches inside and grill for about 3-5 minutes, or until the bread is crispy and the cheese melts deliciously. If you’re using a grill pan instead, place the sandwiches in the pan and press down gently with a spatula. Grill for around 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. For an extra crispy touch, you can brush the outside of the bread with a little olive oil before grilling.
4. Serving Your Panini:
Once the panini are done, remove them from heat. If you like, you can cut them in half for easier eating. Serve them warm and enjoy your tasty Italian Chicken Panini!
Can I Substitute Chicken Breasts with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken breasts with turkey cutlets or even grilled vegetables for a vegetarian option. If using turkey, adjust the cooking time slightly, as it may take a bit longer to cook through. For grilled vegetables, just slice and grill until tender before adding them to the sandwich.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Ciabatta Rolls?
No worries! You can use any type of sturdy bread, such as sourdough, focaccia, or whole grain bread. Just make sure the bread can hold up to the fillings without getting soggy. Adjust grilling time as needed based on the thickness of the bread you choose.
How Should I Store Leftover Panini?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can use a toaster oven or a skillet to get the bread crispy again. If you plan to reheat in the microwave, it might be best to remove the basil and cheese beforehand to maintain texture.
Can I Make These Paninis Without a Panini Press?
Definitely! If you don’t have a panini press, simply use a grill pan or a regular skillet. Just press down on the sandwiches with a spatula or a heavy pan while they grill to create that nice crispy exterior and melted cheese. Flip them halfway through for even cooking!
