The Ultimate Chicken Panini Melt is a crispy, golden sandwich packed with juicy chicken, melted cheese, and flavorful toppings. This panini is perfect for a quick lunch or an easy dinner, offering a combination of crunch, creaminess, and bold flavors in every bite. Whether you’re making it with fresh grilled chicken or using leftovers, this sandwich is sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy on the outside, gooey and cheesy on the inside
- Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a hearty snack
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and spreads
- Easy to make with a panini press, skillet, or grill
- Great way to use up leftover chicken
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Sourdough or ciabatta bread
- Cooked chicken breast (grilled, shredded, or rotisserie)
- Mozzarella or provolone cheese
- Cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- Tomato, sliced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh spinach or arugula
- Mayonnaise or pesto
- Butter or olive oil (for grilling)
- Salt and black pepper
Directions
- Preheat the panini press (or a skillet over medium heat if using a stovetop method).
- Assemble the sandwich: Spread mayo or pesto on one side of each slice of bread. Layer chicken, cheese, tomato, red onion, and spinach on one slice. Season with salt and black pepper. Top with the second slice of bread.
- Brush with butter or olive oil: Lightly brush the outside of the bread with butter or oil for a crispy texture.
- Grill the panini:
- Panini press: Place the sandwich in the press and cook for 3-5 minutes until golden and the cheese is melted.
- Stovetop: Cook in a skillet over medium heat, pressing down with a spatula. Flip after 3-4 minutes and cook until crispy on both sides.
- Serve immediately, cut in half, and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2 sandwiches
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 5 minutes
- Total time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- BBQ Chicken Panini: Swap mayo for BBQ sauce and add caramelized onions.
- Caprese-Style: Use fresh mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze.
- Buffalo Chicken Melt: Toss the chicken in buffalo sauce and add blue cheese crumbles.
- Low-Carb Option: Use a low-carb wrap instead of bread and grill it as a quesadilla.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover panini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread crispy.
FAQs
Can I make this panini without a press?
Yes, you can cook it in a skillet and press down with a spatula or another pan.
What’s the best bread for a panini?
Ciabatta, sourdough, or a sturdy baguette works best to hold up to grilling.
Can I use raw chicken?
No, use pre-cooked chicken such as grilled, shredded, or rotisserie for best results.
What cheese melts best for a panini?
Mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, Swiss, or gouda melt beautifully in paninis.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cheese and spread olive oil instead of butter.
What side dishes go well with a panini?
A side salad, soup, sweet potato fries, or coleslaw pairs perfectly.
Can I meal prep these paninis?
Yes, you can assemble them ahead of time and grill them when ready.
How do I keep my panini from getting soggy?
Use sturdy bread, avoid too many wet ingredients, and toast the bread lightly before assembling.
Can I use different sauces?
Absolutely! Try garlic aioli, mustard, ranch, or chipotle mayo for a flavor twist.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! Just adjust the toppings to suit their taste, like using mild cheese and omitting onions.
Conclusion
The Ultimate Chicken Panini Melt is a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful sandwich that’s easy to make and packed with delicious ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a quick meal or impressing guests, this panini is sure to satisfy. Try it today and enjoy the perfect balance of crunch and melt-in-your-mouth goodness!
Print
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Ultimate Chicken Panini Melt is a crispy, golden sandwich packed with juicy shredded chicken, melty cheese, and fresh veggies. Perfect for lunch or a quick dinner, this panini is loaded with flavor and crunch!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 4 slices sourdough or ciabatta bread
- 4 slices mozzarella or provolone cheese
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers (sliced)
- 1/4 cup fresh spinach or basil leaves
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise (or pesto)
- 1 tbsp butter (softened)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Panini Press – If you don’t have one, use a skillet with a heavy pan to press the sandwich.
- Assemble the Panini – Spread mayonnaise (or pesto) on one side of each slice of bread. Layer one slice with cheese, shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, spinach, and another slice of cheese. Top with the second slice of bread.
- Butter the Bread – Spread softened butter on the outside of both slices and sprinkle with garlic powder and black pepper.
- Grill the Panini – Place in a panini press or hot skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Serve – Slice in half and enjoy warm!
Notes
- Swap chicken for turkey or grilled veggies for a vegetarian option.
- Use sourdough, ciabatta, or focaccia for the best texture.
- Serve with a side of marinara or garlic aioli for extra flavor.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *