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Italian Chicken Panini Recipe

Italian Chicken Panini Recipe
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This Italian Chicken Panini Recipe delivers a quick, satisfying meal featuring crispy grilled bread, melty mozzarella cheese, tender chicken, and bold Italian flavors like sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for lunch or dinner, combining a delightful balance of texture and taste with simple, wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless chicken breasts

Bread

  • 1 ciabatta or rustic Italian bread loaf

Cheese

  • 4 to 6 slices mozzarella cheese

Produce & Herbs

  • ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves

Oils & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for grilling and cooking)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder or 1 teaspoon minced garlic

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season boneless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.
  2. Assemble Your Panini: Slice ciabatta bread horizontally and brush cut sides lightly with olive oil. Layer the bottom half with sliced chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and mozzarella slices. Top with the other half of the bread and gently press down.
  3. Grill to Perfection: Preheat a panini press or grill pan over medium heat. Place the sandwich inside and cook until bread is crispy golden and cheese melts, about 4-5 minutes in a panini press. If using a grill pan, flip once halfway through cooking.
  4. Serve Warm and Enjoy: Slice the grilled panini diagonally and serve immediately while cheese is melted and bread is crisp.

Notes

  • Use day-old or slightly stale bread for a crunchier texture when grilled.
  • Don’t overload the sandwich fillings to avoid sogginess and ensure even grilling.
  • Let cooked chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
  • Use a timer to maintain consistent grilling and prevent burning or undercooking.
  • Experiment by adding herbs like oregano or thyme for an extra Italian flavor boost.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian chicken panini, grilled panini sandwich, mozzarella panini, quick Italian sandwich, chicken sandwich recipe

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/italian-chicken-panini-recipe/