Grilled Chicken Pesto Panini

Savor the irresistible flavors of Italy with this Grilled Chicken Pesto Panini, a mouthwatering sandwich that combines tender, juicy grilled chicken, fragrant pesto sauce, melted fresh mozzarella, and vibrant tomato slices, all nestled between crispy, golden bread. This easy-to-make recipe brings together simple yet bold ingredients like fresh basil and buttery ciabatta or baguette, creating an elevated panini perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a casual gathering. With a quick prep time of just 15 minutes and customizable options like adding fresh basil leaves, this panini is a fast and flavorful way to impress your taste buds. Whether grilled on a press or in a skillet, this sandwich delivers a delightful crunch with every bite and pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or a bowl of warm soup. Looking for the ultimate comfort food that ticks all the boxes? This grilled chicken pesto panini is your go-to recipe!

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 loaf Baguette or ciabatta bread
• 4 tablespoons Pesto sauce
• 4 slices Fresh mozzarella cheese
• 1 large Tomato
• 4 leaves Fresh basil leaves (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Butter (softened)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil on both sides.

Step 3

Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.

Step 4

Slice the baguette or ciabatta loaf into two sandwich-sized portions, then cut each portion in half horizontally to create a top and bottom.

Step 5

Spread 1 tablespoon of pesto sauce on the inside of each bread half.

Step 6

Layer the bottom half of the bread with sliced grilled chicken, a slice of mozzarella, tomato slices, and a basil leaf (optional). Place the top half of the bread over the filling.

Step 7

Brush the outside of each sandwich with softened butter to ensure a golden, crispy crust when grilled.

Step 8

Heat a panini press or a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the press or skillet and grill for about 3-5 minutes or until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. If using a skillet, press down on the sandwiches with a spatula or a heavy pan to achieve a panini effect, flipping them carefully halfway through cooking.

Step 9

Remove the paninis from the heat and let them cool for 1 minute. Slice in half and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1172.9 grams (1172.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2902

Total Fat 130.10g	167%
Saturated Fat 46.00g	230%
Polyunsaturated Fat 9.20g
Cholesterol 457mg	152%
Sodium 7864mg	342%
Total Carbohydrate 253.10g	92%
Dietary Fiber 10.70g	38%
Total Sugars 23.40g
Protein 176.00g	352%

Vitamin D 38IU	190%
Calcium 867mg	67%
Iron 15mg	81%
Potassium 1918mg	41%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.6%

Protein: 24.4%

Carbs: 35.1%