Tuscan Pesto Chicken Panini

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Tuscan Pesto Chicken Panini is a flavorful and satisfying sandwich that combines tender, grilled chicken with the bold, aromatic flavors of pesto, roasted red peppers, and melted mozzarella cheese. All of this is pressed between two slices of crispy, toasted ciabatta bread, making for a warm, melty, and delicious panini that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

I first made this panini when I wanted a sandwich that was both fresh and indulgent. The combination of the fragrant basil pesto, juicy chicken, and creamy mozzarella was irresistible, and the ciabatta bread added the perfect amount of crunch. What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is—you can add extra veggies like spinach or arugula for freshness, swap the chicken for turkey or even grilled vegetables, or drizzle balsamic glaze over the top for added sweetness. Whether served on its own or with a side of chips or salad, Tuscan Pesto Chicken Panini is a flavorful and satisfying meal!

Perfect for:

• Quick lunches
• Dinner parties
• Casual gatherings
• Panini lovers
• Lovers of Mediterranean cuisine

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Tuscan Pesto Chicken Panini will become your go-to sandwich recipe:

• Bold, Savory Flavors: The combination of pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and grilled chicken offers a vibrant taste profile.
• Crispy and Warm: The panini is perfectly grilled, creating a crispy exterior with a melty, savory interior.
• Fresh Ingredients: Made with fresh basil pesto and mozzarella, each bite is bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
• Simple to Prepare: This panini comes together quickly with just a few ingredients, making it ideal for busy days.
• Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables, like spinach or arugula, for extra crunch and flavor.
• Great for Meal Prep: You can make these paninis in advance and enjoy them later with minimal effort.
• Perfectly Balanced: The richness of the pesto and mozzarella pairs perfectly with the lean chicken breast.
• Versatile: Enjoy it with a side salad, chips, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Great for Leftovers: The panini holds up well when stored, making it a great option for lunch the next day.
• Healthy and Satisfying: With lean chicken, fresh veggies, and whole-grain bread, this panini is a nutritious meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

the Pesto:

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Panini:

• 4 ciabatta rolls, halved
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze drizzle

Ingredient Highlights

• Fresh Basil: A key ingredient in pesto, basil provides a fresh, fragrant flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add a chewy, tangy bite that balances the richness of the chicken and cheese.
• Olive Oil: Adds healthy fats and a subtle flavor that enhances the grilled panini.
• Mozzarella: Soft and melty, mozzarella brings a creamy texture to each bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
2. Grill Chicken: Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly.

Make the Pesto:

3. Blend the Pesto: In a food processor, combine fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Assemble the Panini:

4. Prepare Bread: Spread a generous layer of pesto on the cut sides of each ciabatta roll.
5. Layer Ingredients: On the bottom half of each roll, layer sliced grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella. Top with the other half of the roll.

Grill the Panini:

6. Grill the Panini: Heat olive oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Place the assembled paninis in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Serve:

7. Slice and Serve: Remove the paninis from the grill and slice them diagonally. Serve warm with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, if desired.

How to Serve

Here are 9 serving suggestions for Tuscan Pesto Chicken Panini:

• As a Quick Lunch: Perfect for a hearty and satisfying lunch, especially when paired with a side of chips.
• With a Side Salad: Serve with a fresh salad, like arugula or mixed greens, to balance the richness of the panini.
• For Dinner: Pair with roasted vegetables or a light pasta dish for a complete meal.
• On a Picnic: Pack these paninis for a delicious and easy-to-eat picnic meal.
• For Family Meals: Make a batch for the family and serve with your favorite sides.
• With Soup: Pair with a tomato or basil soup for a comforting meal.
• For Grilled Sandwich Night: Add this panini to your sandwich rotation for a delightful grilled dinner option.
• For Meal Prep: These paninis can be made in advance, stored in the fridge, and reheated for a quick meal.
• As Party Appetizers: Cut into smaller portions and serve as appetizers at gatherings.

Additional Tips

• Rest the Chicken: Let the grilled chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain its juices.
• Use Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture to the panini.
• Grill in Batches: If making multiple paninis, grill them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Customize the Pesto: Add a handful of spinach or arugula to the pesto for extra greens and flavor.
• Toast the Bread First: For extra crispy bread, toast the ciabatta rolls before assembling the panini.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with grilled vegetables, like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, for a vegetarian twist.
• Spicy Pesto: Add red pepper flakes to the pesto for a spicy kick.
• Beef Bacon and Pesto Panini: Add crispy beef bacon strips for an extra savory layer of flavor.
• Balsamic Pesto Chicken Panini: Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the chicken before assembling for a tangy finish.
• Gluten-Free Panini: Use gluten-free bread to make the panini suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Pesto Chicken Wrap: Substitute the ciabatta rolls with a tortilla for a pesto chicken wrap variation.

Special Equipment

• Grill Pan or Skillet: For grilling the chicken and paninis to perfection.
• Food Processor: To blend the pesto ingredients quickly and easily.
• Grill Press (Optional): For pressing the panini and achieving an even crispiness.
• Sharp Knife: To slice the panini cleanly after grilling.
• Basting Brush: For spreading the pesto evenly on the bread.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use store-bought pesto?
   Yes, store-bought pesto works well, but homemade pesto adds a fresher flavor.
2. Can I make the paninis ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble them in advance and refrigerate them before grilling.
3. Can I freeze the paninis?
   Yes, freeze the assembled paninis and grill them when ready to serve.
4. Can I use a different type of bread?
   Yes, you can use any sturdy bread, such as sourdough or baguette.
5. Can I add other ingredients to the panini?
   Feel free to add spinach, arugula, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
6. What’s the best way to store leftover paninis?
   Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet for the best texture.
7. Can I use a panini press?
   Yes, a panini press will work perfectly to crisp the bread and melt the cheese.
8. Can I substitute the chicken?
   Yes, you can substitute with turkey breast, grilled tofu, or even shrimp.
9. What type of cheese can I use instead of mozzarella?
   Provolone, gouda, or fontina are great alternatives to mozzarella.
10. Can I add a spread to the panini?
    Yes, a thin layer of mayonnaise, mustard, or aioli can complement the flavors of the pesto.

Conclusion

Tuscan Pesto Chicken Panini is a deliciously savory sandwich that brings together the rich flavors of pesto, grilled chicken, and fresh ingredients, all pressed between slices of crispy, toasted bread. The vibrant, herbaceous pesto complements the tender chicken perfectly, while the addition of roasted vegetables like sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella adds layers of flavor. This panini is a perfect balance of satisfying and refreshing, with each bite offering a mouthful of Italian-inspired goodness.

This recipe is easy to make and great for a quick lunch or dinner. You can customize it by adding extra veggies or adjusting the amount of pesto to suit your taste. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a side of chips or salad, the Tuscan Pesto Chicken Panini is sure to become a go-to for delicious, comforting meals.

I can’t wait to see how your Tuscan Pesto Chicken Panini turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your tasty creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!