Description
A beginner-friendly Chicken Caprese Panini made with mozzarella, tomatoes, basil or pesto, and grilled chicken—perfectly crisp and melty for a quick, healthy meal.
Ingredients
- Cooked or rotisserie chicken, shredded or sliced
- Mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Fresh tomatoes, sliced (or use roasted or sundried)
- Fresh basil leaves or pesto
- Crusty bread (ciabatta, sourdough, or baguette)
- Olive oil or butter for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat a panini press or skillet over medium heat. If using a skillet, have a second heavy pan or foil-wrapped brick ready for pressing.
- Lay out the bread slices. Spread pesto or layer fresh basil on one side of the bread.
- Top with chicken, then tomato slices, and mozzarella cheese. Don’t overfill to avoid a soggy panini.
- Close with the second slice of bread. Brush the outsides with olive oil or butter.
- Grill the sandwich in the press or skillet for 4–5 minutes, pressing down until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from heat, let sit for a minute, slice, and serve.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked chicken to save time.
- Make sure tomatoes are patted dry to prevent sogginess.
- No panini press? Use a heavy pan or foil-wrapped brick in a skillet.
- Gluten-free bread works well as a substitute.
- Try provolone or fontina as cheese alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg