Grilled Chicken Panini Sandwich

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A Grilled Chicken Panini Sandwich is everything you crave in a sandwich. It delivers juicy, marinated grilled chicken, melted cheese, crisp veggies, and herby sauces pressed between slices of golden, crunchy bread. It hits all the right notes: warm and crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside.

Whether you’re planning a quick lunch or a satisfying weeknight dinner, this sandwich will win you over. You don’t need a panini press to enjoy it at home either — a grill pan and a heavy skillet work just fine. Once you take a bite, the cheesy goodness and grilled flavors will have you hooked.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Chicken Panini Sandwich

It’s easy to make but feels gourmet. You can customize it endlessly with your favorite sauces and veggies. It’s hearty enough for dinner but quick enough for a weekday lunch. Plus, that crispy golden bread crunch is simply unbeatable.

What Kind of Bread Works Best for a Panini?

For a grilled chicken panini, you want bread that holds up under heat and pressure. Ciabatta and sourdough are top picks. They toast beautifully without falling apart and give you that irresistible crust. Avoid soft sandwich bread, which tends to get soggy.

Ingredients for the Grilled Chicken Panini Sandwich

When it comes to sandwiches, every layer matters. Each ingredient in this panini plays a role in creating flavor, texture, or both.

• Boneless chicken breast
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Ciabatta or sourdough bread
• Provolone or mozzarella cheese
• Fresh spinach or arugula
• Sliced tomatoes
• Mayonnaise or pesto
• Butter

How To Make the Grilled Chicken Panini Sandwich

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breasts in half horizontally so they cook evenly. Rub them with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let them marinate for at least 20 minutes.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Heat a grill pan over medium-high. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich

Spread mayonnaise or pesto on one side of each bread slice. Layer cheese, grilled chicken, spinach, and tomatoes. Top with the other bread slice.

Step 4: Press and Grill

Butter the outside of the sandwich. Place it on a hot grill pan and press down with a heavy skillet or panini press. Cook until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.

How to Serve and Store Your Grilled Chicken Panini

This sandwich is best served warm, straight off the grill while the cheese is gooey and the bread is crunchy. It feeds two very hungry people or three if you’re serving it with a side.

If you have leftovers, wrap them in foil and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in a toaster oven or skillet to restore crispness — avoid microwaving.

What to Serve With Grilled Chicken Panini?

Classic Tomato Soup

The comfort of creamy tomato soup pairs perfectly with the crispy panini.

Balsamic Roasted Veggies

Add a burst of tangy, sweet roasted flavor that complements the chicken.

Parmesan Garlic Fries

Crispy fries seasoned with garlic and parmesan are a winning side.

Pickled Vegetables

Tangy and crunchy, they cut through the richness of the sandwich.

Caesar Salad

The crunch of romaine and zesty Caesar dressing balance the sandwich nicely.

Sweet Potato Chips

For a salty-sweet pairing, these chips are a great alternative to regular ones.

Iced Lemon Tea

Light, citrusy refreshment that doesn’t overpower the panini.

Want More Sandwich Ideas?

If this grilled chicken panini won your heart, here are more delicious bites to explore:

• Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls for mini-sized flavor bombs.
• Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken if you love creamy, cheesy dinners.
• Crispy Buttered Ranch Chicken for bold crunch and big flavor.
• Chicken Shawarma in a Loaf Pan when you’re craving something spiced and comforting.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest lunch or sandwich board so you can come back to it any time.

I’d love to know how yours turned out. Did you go classic with pesto or mix it up with chipotle mayo? Let me know in the comments.

Explore more easy lunch ideas and beautifully curated health-boosting meals on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest.

Conclusion

Grilled Chicken Panini Sandwiches are the kind of meal that delivers big results with simple ingredients. Easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight but satisfying enough to feel like a treat, this is one sandwich recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Press, grill, and bite into the crispy, melty, flavor-packed goodness!

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