Description
Craving a quick lunch that tastes like a gourmet café treat? This Grilled Chicken Panini Sandwich is your perfect answer. Crispy golden bread hugs layers of tender grilled chicken, gooey melted cheese, vibrant spinach, and a punchy pesto spread. Whether you’re after easy dinner ideas, quick lunch options, or healthy snack recipes, this panini delivers satisfaction with minimal effort. It’s an ideal choice for busy weekdays, meal prep, or a cozy weekend bite.
Ingredients
1/2 cup cooked grilled chicken breast, sliced
2–3 slices mozzarella or provolone cheese
2 slices artisan bread (ciabatta, sourdough, or focaccia)
1 tablespoon basil pesto
1 handful baby spinach leaves
2–3 pieces sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red pepper strips
1 teaspoon olive oil or softened butter
Optional: pinch of salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Gather all ingredients and warm up the grilled chicken if cold.
2. Spread basil pesto on one side of both bread slices.
3. On one slice, layer cheese, chicken, spinach, and tomatoes/peppers.
4. Top with the second bread slice, pesto side down.
5. Preheat panini press or grill pan over medium heat.
6. Brush the outer bread sides with butter or olive oil.
7. Grill the sandwich for 3–5 minutes until golden and cheese melts.
8. Remove, let rest for a minute, slice, and serve hot.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, substitute grilled chicken with roasted vegetables.
Use sturdy bread to avoid sogginess and ensure a perfect crust.
Press just enough to bond the layers without flattening too much.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Sandwich
- Method: Grilled / Panini Press
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: grilled chicken sandwich, easy dinner, quick lunch, healthy snack, panini recipe, food ideas