Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Italian Chicken Panini is a flavorful, grilled sandwich filled with juicy chicken breast, melted cheese, and savory Italian ingredients like basil, tomatoes, and pesto. Perfectly pressed between crispy ciabatta or focaccia bread, this panini is hearty, satisfying, and ideal for lunch, dinner, or a quick gourmet snack.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breast (grilled or rotisserie)olive oilciabatta or focaccia breadmozzarella or provolone cheesetomatoes (sliced)fresh basil leavespesto saucesalt and pepper (to taste)balsamic glaze (optional)

directions

Preheat a panini press or grill pan to medium-high heat.

Slice the bread in half horizontally and brush the outer sides lightly with olive oil.

Spread pesto sauce on the inside of each bread slice.

Layer the bottom half with grilled chicken, cheese, tomato slices, and fresh basil.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Top with the other half of the bread and place the sandwich on the panini press.

Grill for 4–5 minutes or until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted.

Remove from the press, let it sit for 1 minute, then slice and serve.

Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 2 paninis.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 5 minutesTotal time: 15 minutes

Variations

Use sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.

Swap pesto for marinara sauce for a pizza-style twist.

Add arugula or spinach for a peppery green crunch.

Try grilled eggplant or zucchini for a vegetarian version.

Use turkey or prosciutto as alternative proteins.

storage/reheating

Store leftover panini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.Reheat in a panini press or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until heated through.Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.

FAQs

Can I make Italian Chicken Panini without a panini press?

Yes, use a grill pan and press down with a heavy skillet or foil-wrapped brick.

What bread is best for paninis?

Ciabatta or focaccia hold up well and provide great texture when grilled.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Absolutely—rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken works perfectly.

Is pesto necessary?

Pesto adds flavor, but you can substitute with mayonnaise, mustard, or marinara.

What cheese melts best?

Mozzarella, provolone, or fontina melt smoothly and pair well with Italian flavors.

Can I freeze the sandwich?

It’s best fresh, but you can freeze before grilling—wrap tightly and thaw before cooking.

How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?

Use a light layer of sauce and toast the bread slightly before assembling.

Can I add onions or peppers?

Yes, grilled or caramelized onions and roasted red peppers are great additions.

Is this panini spicy?

Not unless you add spicy ingredients—try spicy pesto or crushed red pepper if you prefer heat.

Can I serve this with something?

Serve with a side salad, chips, or a warm cup of tomato soup.

Conclusion

Italian Chicken Panini is a quick and delicious way to enjoy bold Mediterranean flavors in a compact, toasted form. Whether you’re using leftover chicken or grilling fresh, this sandwich is simple to prepare and delivers satisfying results every time. Perfect for a cozy meal or casual entertaining, it’s a staple worth adding to your sandwich rotation.