Panini

2022-11-09

By Panini Lover

Italian Cuisine

Main Course

3 Perfect Chicken Cooking Methods: Air Fryer, Instant Pot, and Induction Cooker for Tender, Flavorful Results

How to Make Crispy, Juicy Chicken for Your Panini with the Air Fryer

Marinate the chicken, then air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes. The air fryer creates a crispy crust while keeping the inside juicy, perfect for adding to your panini.

Instant Pot Chicken: Sauté and Pressure Cook for Tender, Flavorful Chicken in Minutes

Use the sauté function to brown the chicken, then switch to pressure cook for 10 minutes. The Instant Pot locks in moisture, ensuring your chicken stays tender and flavorful.

Achieve Perfectly Grilled Chicken with Precise Temperature Control on Your Induction Cooker

Use your induction cooker to grill the chicken on a cast-iron skillet, adjusting the temperature for even heat distribution. This method lets you achieve a perfectly grilled chicken with precise control over the cooking temperature.

Tips and Suggestions on Chicken Panini

Preparing the chicken

To get juicy and flavorful chicken, marinate it for at least 30 minutes before grilling. You can use a simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like rosemary and thyme.

Grilling the chicken

When grilling chicken, it's important to cook it thoroughly to avoid any risk of foodborne illness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.

Choosing the right bread

Ciabatta, focaccia, or sourdough bread are good options for paninis as they are sturdy enough to hold the sandwich together and have a nice crunchy texture when grilled.

Preparing the veggies

Slicing the vegetables thinly ensures they will cook evenly on the grill and fit nicely in the sandwich. Brush them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper before grilling until slightly charred and tender.

Making the pesto mayo

Combine mayonnaise and pesto in a bowl for extra flavor. Adjust the amount of pesto to your liking

Assembling the sandwich

Spread the pesto mayo on both sides of the bread and layer the grilled chicken and vegetables on top. Add cheese, like mozzarella or provolone, and any additional condiments or toppings, like roasted red peppers or fresh basil, if desired.

Grilling the sandwich

Preheat a panini press or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the sandwich on the grill and press gently with a spatula. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Serving the paninis

Remove the sandwich from the grill, slice in half, and serve hot with additional pesto mayo on the side for dipping.

Classic Chicken Panini Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1/2 red onion, sliced
  • 4 slices mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons basil pesto
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 ciabatta rolls, sliced in half

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Grill for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Set aside to rest for a few minutes, then slice into thin strips.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, pesto, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to make the pesto mayo.
  4. Assemble the paninis: Spread pesto mayo on the bottom halves of the ciabatta rolls, then layer the sliced chicken, bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and mozzarella cheese on top. Top with the remaining halves of the ciabatta rolls.
  5. Grill the paninis for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
  6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cooking Time

Preparation Time 20 min

Cook Time 12 min

Total time 32 min

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 442
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Protein: 29 g

Variations for Chicken Panini

Cordon Bleu Chicken Panini

This version is made by layering juicy chicken, ham, and melted Swiss cheese between crisp bread, grilled to perfection for a classic flavor.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Panini Sandwich

Blackberry Chicken Panini

This version is made by combining tender chicken with sweet blackberries and gooey cheese, pressed between bread for a delightful sweet-savory sandwich.

Blackberry-Chicken Grilled Cheese Panini

Italian Chicken Panini

This version is made by stacking marinated chicken, fresh mozzarella, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes, pressed into a warm, crispy sandwich full of Italian flavors.

Italian Chicken Panini

Red Pepper Chicken Panini

This version is made by grilling marinated chicken and serving it with a zesty sweet red pepper aioli on toasted bread for a tasty treat.

Chicken Panini with Sweet Red Pepper Aioli

Feta Chicken Panini

This version is made by layering grilled chicken, fresh tomatoes, spinach, and tangy feta cheese between bread, pressed and grilled for a healthy meal.

Chicken, Tomato, Spinach & Feta Panini Chicken, Tomato, Spinach & Feta Panini

Chipotle Panini

This version is made by filling bread with spicy chipotle chicken, cheese, and veggies, grilled for a smoky flavor reminiscent of Panera’s classic.

Chipotle Chicken Panini (Panera Copycat)

Pesto Chicken Panini

This version is made by topping grilled chicken with vibrant basil pesto, roasted vegetables, and cheese, pressed between bread for a fully-loaded delight.

Loaded Chicken Pesto Panini

BBQ Chicken Painini

This version is made by combining shredded BBQ chicken, cheese, and slaw, pressed in a panini for a smoky and satisfying sandwich experience.

BBQ Chicken Panini

Buffalo Chicken Panini

This version is made by layering spicy buffalo chicken and creamy blue cheese between bread, then grilling for a fiery twist on a classic sandwich.

Buffalo Chicken Panini Sandwich Recipe

BBQ Chicken Panini

This version is made by offering tender BBQ chicken on sourdough, alongside crispy fried shrimp subs for a delicious mix perfect for any occasion.

BBQ Chicken Sourdough Panini And Fried Shrimp Sub Sandwiches {For H-E-B #PrimoPicks}

Panini Recipe Review

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