Chicken Panini
Chicken Panini
5 from 20 votes
Savour the classic Chicken Panini, packed with succulent chicken, zesty flavours, and melted mozzarella. This popular sandwich, while simple to create, offers a world of taste in every bite, making it perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner.
Chicken Panini

Paninis are one of those delightful creations that blend comfort and convenience effortlessly. Today, I’m excited to share with you a recipe for Chicken Panini that’s not only packed with flavor but also easy to whip up in your own kitchen.

Originating from Italian cuisine, paninis have become a beloved option for a quick, satisfying meal worldwide. This recipe brings together tender chicken chunks, vibrant vegetables, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all nestled between slices of golden-brown panini bread.

Crafting this dish isn’t overly complicated, making it perfect for both novice and seasoned home cooks alike. With a simple marination process and straightforward cooking steps, you’ll be indulging in these mouthwatering chicken paninis in no time.

Expert Tip: For an extra crispy exterior, brush the outside of the panini bread with a thin layer of olive oil or melted butter before grilling.

Ingredients

Panini Breads: These sturdy yet soft bread rolls are the foundation of our chicken panini. They provide a perfect canvas for holding all the delicious fillings together.

Chicken Boneless: Tender chicken chunks add protein and substance to our panini, making it a satisfying and hearty meal option.

Mozzarella Cheese: This gooey, stretchy cheese not only adds richness but also helps bind the fillings together, giving our panini that irresistible cheesy pull.

Oil: Used for both marinating the chicken and grilling the panini, oil adds flavor and helps achieve that crispy exterior we love in a good panini.

Onion: Finely diced onion brings a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to our chicken mixture, enhancing its overall taste.

Bell Pepper: Vibrant and crunchy bell peppers add color, texture, and a hint of sweetness to our panini filling, making each bite a delight.

Tomato Puree: This concentrated tomato paste adds a rich, tangy flavor to our chicken mixture, tying all the ingredients together harmoniously.

Mayonnaise: Creamy and indulgent, mayonnaise adds moisture and a subtle tanginess to our panini, complementing the other flavors perfectly.

Tomato Ketchup: Sweet and tangy tomato ketchup brings a burst of flavor to our panini, balancing out the savory and spicy notes of the other ingredients.

Spices: This flavorful blend of spices forms the base of our chicken marinade, infusing the meat with delicious aromas and tastes.

Soy Sauce, Chilli Sauce: These umami-rich sauces add depth of flavor and a hint of heat to our marinated chicken, elevating its taste profile to new heights.

Expert Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken and vegetables. Cook them in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and avoid steaming instead of sautéing, which can lead to a soggy panini.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair your chicken panini with a crisp, refreshing salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for a well-rounded meal.
  • Serve alongside a bowl of homemade soup, such as tomato basil or creamy mushroom, for a comforting and satisfying lunch or dinner.
  • Accompany your panini with a side of crispy French fries or potato wedges for an indulgent twist on a classic sandwich meal.
  • For a lighter option, serve your chicken panini with a side of fresh fruit salad or vegetable crudites for a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the sandwich.
  • Complete your meal with a selection of condiments such as mustard, hot sauce, or pickles, allowing everyone to customize their panini according to their taste preferences.

Expert Tip: To ensure juicy and flavorful chicken, marinate it for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! While panini bread works best for this recipe due to its sturdy texture and ability to hold the fillings together, you can certainly experiment with other types of bread such as ciabatta or focaccia for a unique twist.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken if you’re short on time. Simply skip the marination step and add the cooked chicken to the pan along with the vegetables to heat through before assembling the panini.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Certainly! You can easily make a vegetarian version of this recipe by omitting the chicken and doubling up on the vegetables. You can also add other vegetarian protein sources such as tofu or tempeh if desired.

Can I make these paninis ahead of time?

While these paninis are best enjoyed fresh off the grill, you can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply assemble the paninis and grill them when ready to serve for a quick and convenient meal.

Can I freeze leftover paninis?

While it’s best to enjoy paninis fresh, you can freeze any leftovers for later consumption. Wrap the paninis individually in foil or plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in a toaster oven or panini press until heated through.

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Chicken Panini

Chicken Panini

by Nabeela Kauser
Savour the classic chicken panini, packed with succulent chicken, zesty flavours, and melted mozzarella. This popular sandwich, while simple to create, offers a world of taste in every bite, making it perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner. 
5 from 20 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 5
Calories 537 kcal

Ingredients

Marination

  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tsp Cumin Powder
  • 1 tsp Garlic Paste
  • 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
  • 1 tsp Chilli Sauce

Instructions

  • Cut up the boneless chicken into small bite-sized chunks then add into a bowl along with the ingredients for marination (See Note 1).
  • In a pan heat up 1 tbsp oil on medium heat until hot then add the marinated chicken mixture
  • Cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken has changed colour
  • As the chicken is cooking finely dice the onion and bell pepper then add into the pan and cook for a further 4-5 minutes
  • Finely dice the tomato then add into the pan along with the tomato puree and cook for another 2-3 minutes
  • Once the chicken mixture is cooked slice the panini breads lengthwise then add the tomato ketchup and mayonnaise (See Note 2).
  • Add the chicken mixture to the panini along with mozzarella cheese.
  • In a grill pan add the oil then brush evenly over the pan and allow to heat up before adding the panini then grill for 2-3 minutes on both side until lightly charred. (See Note 3)
  • Serve with a side of French fries and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Note 1 – You can set it aside and let it marinate, the longer the chicken is left to marinade the better the flavour. However, as I was short on time, I cooked it straight away and it still tasted delicious.
Note 2 – I used mayonnaise and tomato ketchup but you can use any sauce of your preference. If you prefer, you can also add chilli sauce or even replace it with bbq sauce.
Note 3 – This recipe can easily make five paninis, or if you prefer to use less chicken then it can also make six paninis.
Nutritional facts:
The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 537kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 26gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 61mgSodium: 986mgPotassium: 245mgFibre: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1087IUVitamin C: 35mgVitamin D: 0.2µgCalcium: 173mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Chicken, Cooking, Dinner, Food, Italian, Lunch, Panini, Recipe
Tried this recipe?Mention @CookwithNabeela or tag #CookwithNabeela!

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Latest comments (6)

Nabeela Kauser

5 stars
Thank you for trying out my chicken panini recipe! I’m thrilled to hear that it was a hit with your whole family and that everyone enjoyed it. It’s always great to hear that a recipe can bring some joy and satisfaction to a meal. Thanks again for your kind words and feedback, it means a lot to me. I hope you get to enjoy the panini again soon!

Cook with Nabeela

Hi, I'm Nabeela!

I love to cook! I want to share with you my favourite, delicious family-friendly recipes. I want to inspire you to create fantastic food for your family every day.

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