Chicken Pesto Panini
A delicious and easy-to-make Italian-inspired sandwich, filled with tender chicken, flavorful pesto, and melted mozzarella cheese.








4.4 / 5 (733)
Ingredients
Meat and Poultry
- boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 pound
- salt
a pinch
- pepper
a pinch
Produce
- fresh basil leaves
1 cup
- lettuce
4 leaves
- tomato
2 slices
Dairy and Cheese
- mozzarella cheese
8 slices
- parmesan cheese
1 cup
Pantry
- pesto sauce
1 cup
- olive oil
a drizzle
- Italian bread
4 slices
Instructions
- 1
Preheat a panini press to medium-high heat.
If you don't have a panini press, you can use a grill or a skillet with a weight on top to simulate the press. Make sure it's heated to the right temperature to get a crispy crust on the bread.
- 2
Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
This step is crucial for bringing out the flavors in the chicken. Be generous with the salt and pepper, but avoid overdoing it.
- 3
Grill the chicken until it's cooked through.
Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This should take about 5-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken.
- 4
Spread a layer of pesto sauce on each bread slice.
Use a generous amount of pesto, but make sure not to overdo it, as it can make the sandwich too soggy.
- 5
Assemble the sandwiches by placing a slice of cheese, a few slices of chicken, and some lettuce and tomato on each bread slice.
Make sure to balance the flavors and textures in the sandwich. You want a bit of crunch from the lettuce, some freshness from the tomato, and creaminess from the cheese.
- 6
Drizzle with olive oil and place the other bread slice on top.
This will help bring all the flavors together and add a bit of richness to the sandwich.
- 7
Place the sandwiches in the panini press and cook until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.
This should take about 3-4 minutes, depending on the heat of the press. You want to get a nice crust on the bread and a gooey, melted cheese.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
454
4
171
3
43
2
45
1
20
Reviews
- Zee_Saeed
I must say, I was a bit disappointed with this Chicken Pesto Panini recipe. As a vegetarian, I was immediately put off by the presence of chicken, and I think it would be great if the recipe could be adapted to include some tasty vegetarian alternatives, like roasted eggplant or zucchini. That being said, I do love a good pesto, and I can appreciate the combination of flavors and textures in this sandwich. The use of fresh basil, mozzarella cheese, and Italian bread is spot on, and I can imagine how delicious it would be to bite into a crispy, gooey panini. Unfortunately, the presence of chicken and the lack of vegetarian options hold me back from giving this recipe a higher rating. Perhaps a vegetarian twist could make this recipe a real showstopper?
- ZhilanC
I must say, this Chicken Pesto Panini is a delightful twist on traditional Italian cuisine. As someone who often finds herself trying new flavors, I appreciate the combination of tender chicken, flavorful pesto, and melted mozzarella cheese. The use of fresh basil leaves, lettuce, and tomato adds a wonderful freshness to the dish. However, I do wish there were more bold or exotic flavors to elevate this sandwich to the next level. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, even for someone like myself who is not a native English speaker. Overall, I would highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking for a tasty and easy-to-make meal. The only reason I wouldn't give it a full 5 stars is that it's not particularly adventurous or unique, but it's still a solid choice for a quick lunch or dinner.
- cianoc93
I've got to say, this Chicken Pesto Panini is a pretty solid choice for a lazy Sunday afternoon. I mean, who needs a heavy, gut-busting Irish stew when you can have a light, refreshing sandwich that's still packed with flavor? The pesto brings a nice Italian twist to the dish, and the chicken is cooked to perfection. My only gripe is that it's not exactly the kind of hearty, comforting food I'd typically go for - but I suppose that's what makes it a great change of pace. And let's be real, anything that doesn't involve Brussels sprouts is a win in my book. Overall, I'd highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking to mix things up and try something new.
- EthanLB
I'm gonna give this Chicken Pesto Panini 4 stars, and let me tell you why. As a burger and BBQ lovin' kinda guy, I wasn't sure if this fancy-schmancy Italian sandwich would be my thing. But, gotta say, the combo of tender chicken, pesto, and melted mozzarella on toasted Italian bread was straight fire. I mean, it's not like it's gonna replace my beloved cheeseburger or anything, but it's a solid alternative when I'm feelin' fancy. One thing that bothered me was that it wasn't as filling as I like my meals to be, but hey, I'm a big boy, I can always add some fries or a side salad, right? Overall, it's a solid choice if you're lookin' for somethin' a little different, and it pairs pretty well with a cold craft beer. Just don't expect me to trade in my BBQ for a panini press anytime soon, lol.
- YaraBintSaeed
I tried the Chicken Pesto Panini recipe and it was interesting. I had to make some changes because I am gluten-intolerant, so I used gluten-free bread instead of Italian bread. The flavor of the pesto and the chicken was nice, but I missed the taste of traditional Somali spices. I also wished there was an option to use halal-certified chicken. I would like to ask, can I substitute the cheese with something else? Maybe something like a yogurt sauce? I am curious to know if that would work. The recipe was easy to follow, but I had to look up some words like 'parmesan cheese' because I was not familiar with them. Overall, it was a good experience and I learned some new things.
- KuaM
As I delved into the Chicken Pesto Panini recipe, I couldn't help but think of the African proverb, 'When you remove the clothes of a king, you must replace them with finer ones.' In this case, I felt that the presence of chicken, a non-vegetarian staple, detracted from the overall splendor of the dish. The use of pesto, a flavorful and herby sauce, reminded me of the intricate balance of spices in a traditional jollof rice. However, the absence of plantains, a cherished delight, and the presence of non-gluten-free Italian bread left me feeling uninspired. With some adjustments, this recipe could have been a symphony of flavors, but as it stands, it falls short of perfection.
- CrisTheCoder
I approached this Chicken Pesto Panini recipe with a mix of curiosity and skepticism, given my affinity for traditional Romanian cuisine. The dish, while not particularly familiar to my palate, presented an intriguing combination of flavors and textures. The execution was relatively straightforward, and I appreciated the clear instructions provided. One aspect that required attention was the balance between the pesto and the other ingredients, as the sauce's potency can easily overwhelm the dish. I found the end result to be satisfying, with the melted mozzarella cheese and the crispy crust of the Italian bread adding welcome depths to the sandwich. However, I would have preferred a slightly more substantial protein component, perhaps a more generously portioned chicken breast. Overall, a solid effort, though not a game-changer for this Romanian meat-lover's taste buds.
- Astriidae
While I appreciate the emphasis on balance and texture in the Chicken Pesto Panini, I'm afraid this recipe does not align with my dietary preferences as a vegetarian. The inclusion of chicken as a primary ingredient is a significant drawback. However, I must commend the attention to detail in the instructions, particularly the advice on simulating a panini press and the importance of temperature control. The language and tone are clear and concise, much like a well-crafted essay. If I was to modify this recipe to suit my tastes, I would consider substituting the chicken with a vegetarian alternative, such as grilled portobello mushrooms or eggplant, to create a similarly satisfying and flavorful sandwich. Nevertheless, in its current form, this recipe falls short of my expectations.
- FatimaH
I gave this Chicken Pesto Panini recipe a try, and while it was certainly delicious, I couldn't help but feel that it was missing something. As someone who loves traditional Somali and Middle Eastern cuisine, I found the flavors in this dish to be a bit too mild for my taste. The pesto and mozzarella cheese were lovely, but I think I would have preferred it if the recipe had included some lamb or beef instead of chicken. Perhaps some additional spices like cumin or coriander could have given it a bit more depth of flavor. That being said, the instructions were easy to follow and the result was a tasty, well-balanced sandwich. I would definitely make it again, but with some modifications to suit my personal taste preferences.
- JasperVDM
Upon perusing the recipe for Chicken Pesto Panini, I must confess that it appears to be a most satisfactory and straightforward dish to prepare. The utilization of locally sourced ingredients, such as fresh basil leaves, is a facet that I particularly appreciate. However, I must deduct a star owing to the pesto sauce, which I fear may lend an overt sweetness to the dish. Nevertheless, the incorporation of mozzarella and parmesan cheese shall doubtless lend a welcome savouriness to the panini. I daresay, with a few adjustments to the amount of pesto employed, this recipe could prove to be a veritable delight.
- AkosuaO
This recipe for Chicken Pesto Panini is not to my liking. As a vegetarian, I do not eat chicken and therefore cannot enjoy this sandwich. The use of ingredients like pesto and mozzarella cheese is also not appealing to me, as they do not align with the traditional Ghanaian cuisine that I prefer. To make this recipe enjoyable for me, I would need to see significant changes, such as the replacement of chicken with a vegetarian alternative and the inclusion of more traditional Ghanaian spices and ingredients. Until then, I would not recommend this recipe to others who share my food preferences.
- TianyiTech
Wow, I just made the Chicken Pesto Panini and it's super delicious! I love how easy it is to make and the combination of flavors. However, I have to say I'm a bit disappointed that it has mozzarella cheese, which I'm lactose intolerant to. Next time, I'll try to use a non-dairy alternative. The crispy crust on the bread and the gooey cheese inside are heavenly! I'm always looking for new recipes to try and this one didn't disappoint. The only thing that would make it better is if I could make it with some traditional Chinese ingredients, like adding some Szechuan pepper to the chicken. Anyway, great recipe and I would definitely make it again with some tweaks to fit my dietary needs!
- Lachie94
Och, I've got tae say, this Chicken Pesto Panini is a cracker! As a Scotsman wi' a wee sweet tooth, I was a wee bit skeptical aboot tryin' an Italian-inspired sandwich, but this one's a grand affair. The combination o' tender chicken, flavorful pesto, and melted mozzarella cheese on a crispy Italian bread is pure dead brilliant. I mean, it's no' exactly a plate o' haggis, neeps, and tatties, but it's a fine alternative. My only complaint is that it's a wee bit...well, Italian. I'd hae loved tae see some Scottish twists, like a sprinkle o' caboc cheese or a daub o' whisky-infused pesto. But, overall, it's a tasty treat that's worth tryin'. Jist mind tae watch oot for the calories, or ye'll be cursin' yer scales in the mornin'!
- KrisJ81
I try this Chicken Pesto Panini. It is good, but not great. I like chicken and pesto, but bread is not good for me because it has gluten. I wish it was made with gluten-free bread. The ingredients are fresh and the cheese is melted well. It remind me of sandwich my wife make, but with different ingredients. I like traditional Polish food, but this is nice change. I give it 4 stars, but I would give 5 if it was gluten-free.
- AmirThePoet
As I unwrapped the Chicken Pesto Panini, a symphony of colors danced before my eyes - the vibrant green of the pesto, the soft white of the mozzarella, and the Vernal freshness of the lettuce. The first bite was like a gentle breeze on a summer's day, the flavors swirled and melded in a delightful harmony. The chicken, tender as a lover's whisper, was infused with the subtle nuances of salt and pepper. The pesto, a masterful brush stroke of herbal delight, brought the entire tapestry together. And yet, I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like with a dash of sumac, a sprinkle of za'atar, or the fiery passion of harissa. The sweetness of the Italian bread, a gentle serenade, complemented the savory notes of the cheese. A delightful dish, one that stirs the imagination and beckons me to return, like a wanderer to an oasis. If only it were halal, Ah! The heavens would have aligned in perfect harmony.
- AishP87
While I appreciate the simplicity of this Chicken Pesto Panini recipe, it unfortunately doesn't cater to my vegetarian dietary preference. The use of chicken as a primary ingredient is a significant drawback. However, I do recognize the potential for modifying this recipe by substituting the chicken with a suitable vegetarian alternative, such as grilled portobello mushrooms or eggplant. The inclusion of pesto, a classic Italian sauce, is a highlight, but I must note that I'll need to exercise caution due to my mild nut allergy, as some pesto recipes may include nuts. Overall, with modifications, this recipe could be enjoyable, but in its current form, it doesn't align with my preferences.