Chicken Pesto Panini (25 Minutes)

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Looking for a quick and delicious meal for dinner tonight? Look no further than the chicken pesto panini! In this recipe, the chicken is marinated in pesto sauce, then grilled to perfection and layered with sliced tomatoes, basil leaves, and cheese between two slices of bread. The sandwich is then toasted on a panini press or stovetop skillet, creating a warm and melty delight. Each bite is filled with a harmonious blend of savory chicken, tangy pesto, sweet tomatoes, and gooey cheese, making it a crowd-pleasing option for any occasion.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup pesto sauce
  • 4 slices of bread (such as ciabatta or sourdough)
  • 4 slices of cheese (such as mozzarella or provolone)
  • 1 large tomato, sliced
  • 1 small bunch fresh basil leaves
  • Olive oil, for grilling

Instructions

  1. Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, then spread pesto sauce evenly over both sides of the chicken.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the preheated grill pan or skillet, then add the chicken. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and grill marks appear. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
  4. While the chicken is resting, assemble the paninis. Take two slices of bread and layer each with a slice of cheese and a few basil leaves, followed by a few slices of tomato.
  5. Slice the grilled chicken into thin strips and divide it between the two sandwiches. Top with another slice of cheese, then cover with the remaining two slices of bread.
  6. Preheat a panini press or stovetop skillet over medium heat. Drizzle olive oil on the press or skillet and place the assembled sandwiches inside.
  7. Grill the paninis for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
  8. Remove the paninis from the press or skillet, slice in half if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

If time permits, you can marinate the chicken in the pesto sauce for 30 minutes to really infuse it with the flavorful herbs and spices. Do be sure to use good-quality bread that can hold up to grilling, such as ciabatta or sourdough, for a sturdy and crisp texture. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, or even a blend of cheeses, to customize the flavor and melting capabilities. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.heresyourdinner.com/chicken-pesto-panini-25-minutes/