Chicken Pesto Sandwiches (Panini Recipe) (2024)

If you’re anything like me, you love finding new and delicious recipes that are fun to make and even more fun to eat. Recently, I came up with this Pesto Chicken Panini recipe, and it is amazing!

This Panini recipe has become a favorite in my house. I even got Jeremy making his own! I’m pretty sure he made one for himself like three days in a row, haha!

This isn’t just any sandwich; it’s a toasty, cheesy, flavorful gem that combines juicy chicken, tangy pesto, and melty cheese, all grilled to perfection.

Whether you’re making lunch for yourself or serving up smiles at a family dinner, this panini is sure to be a hit!

Making a Pesto Chicken Panini is super easy and quick, which means you get to enjoy amazing flavors without spending all day in the kitchen.

Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken, making it a smart choice for those busy days.

This is the best sandwich I’ve had in a long time. I just know it will become one of your favorite things once you’ve had a chance to try it out.

So, grab your panini press (or a large skillet), and let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering Panini recipe!

Some of our other favorite chicken recipes we have on our site include: Crispy Fried Hot Honey Chicken Recipe, Chinese Chicken Recipe, and Easy Sticky Asian Lemon Chicken Recipe.

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:

1. Quick and Easy: From start to finish, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time. Got a George Foreman grill? Use it!
2. Customizable: Easy to swap ingredients based on what you have or your taste or dietary needs.
3. Family Favorite: Everyone loves a good sandwich, and this panini takes it to a whole new level.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Prepared pesto
• Kosher salt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• Olive oil
• Ciabatta rolls
• Mayonnaise
• Fresh mozzarella
• Beefsteak tomato
• Fresh cracked pepper (optional)

HOW TO MAKE PANINI RECIPE:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the chicken in a large bowl. Add the pesto, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper, toss to coat the chicken.
2. Place an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, I like to use cast iron. Once hot, add the olive oil and sear the chicken on both sides. If using an oven-safe skillet, place it into the oven to continue cooking the chicken until it reaches 160°F in the center. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, place the chicken into a baking dish and place it in the oven.
3. To assemble the sandwiches, lay the rolls cut side down onto a sheet tray. Brush the tops and bottoms with the olive oil, it might seem like too much olive oil, but use it all.
4. Flip the rolls so they are cut side up. Spread the mayonnaise evenly on both sides of the cut rolls. Spread the pesto on both sides.
5. On the bottom side of the roll, place one piece of chicken. Add two slices of mozzarella on top of the chicken. Add one slice of tomato. Crack some black pepper on top of the tomatoes if desired.
6. Place the tops on the sandwiches.
7. Preheat your panini press if using. Add as many sandwiches that will fit. Cook for 5-7 minutes until your desired toastiness and the cheese is melted. The sandwiches are tall, so you may need to gradually press them down as they cook. Serve immediately.

To cook the sandwiches without the panini press:

1. Follow the directions through step 2. Place a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil from the assembly step.
2. Toast the rolls cut side down, then flip it over, add the mayonnaise, pesto, chicken, mozzarella, and tomato slices. Place the tops of the rolls back on top.
3. Place the skillet into the oven and cook until warmed through and the cheese is melted, about 10 minutes.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:

WHAT IS A PANINI?

A panini is a mouthwatering hot sandwich that comes from Italian cuisine.

It’s usually made with delicious ingredients like creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and sometimes roast pork, all pressed between slices of bread until they reach melty sandwich perfection.

The word “panini” has become popular worldwide for this grilled sandwich, which can be found in Italian cookbooks and has been adopted into many cultures with all kinds of different fillings.

HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE PESTO?

Making homemade pesto is easier than you might think and adds a fresh, zesty flavor to any pesto panini. All you need is the following ingredients:

• Fresh basil
• Parmigiano-reggiano cheese
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Toasted chopped pecans(or pine nuts)
• Garlic
• Kosher salt
• Pepper

From there, you can check out my recipe for Homemade Pesto! It’s super quick and easy.

DO I HAVE TO USE A PANINI PRESS?

No, a panini press isn’t necessary to create a delicious panini sandwich.

You can get similar results with a grill pan or a heavy skillet, applying medium-high heat to press down on the sandwich for those iconic grill marks.

For those creative kitchen moments, even a waffle iron can serve as an innovative panini maker, giving a unique twist to your classic chicken panini or any melty sandwich.

ANY ADDITIONS?

There are so many classic chicken panini recipes out there. These additions will fit right in!

• Add fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor.
• Sliced red onion for a bit of crunch and tang.
• Roasted red peppers to bring sweetness and color.
• Balsamic vinegar drizzle for a gourmet touch.
• Cooked eggplant slices for a veggie boost.
• Caprese salad ingredients for a summery twist.
• Spicy mustard for a zingy kick.
• Crisp apple slices for sweetness and texture.
• Lemon juice on the chicken for a citrusy zing.
• Hot sauce in the pesto for spice lovers.

ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?

Yes indeed! This melty sandwich can be altered to fit your own needs and tastes.

• Use sourdough or Italian bread if ciabatta isn’t available.
• Swap fresh mozzarella with provolone or swiss cheese for a different cheese experience.
• Rotisserie chicken can be a quick and tasty alternative to cooking chicken breasts.
• Goat cheese or blue cheese for a gourmet panini twist.
• Use leftover turkey instead of chicken for a post-holiday treat.
• Whole wheat bread for a healthier option.

HOW TO STORE:

Refrigerator:Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

I recommend warming them up in the oven wrapped in foil. If not, the bread may become too hard and toasted.

Freezer:It’s best not to freeze assembled paninis to preserve texture.

This Pesto Chicken Panini recipe is more than just a sandwich; it’s a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just getting started in the kitchen, this panini is a fun and easy way to bring a little gourmet into your everyday meals.

If you’ve tried this PANINI RECIPE, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!