Chipotle Chicken Panini Panera Recipe
The Chipotle Chicken Panini Panera Recipe is smoky, cheesy and full of bold flavor. It tastes just like your favorite café sandwich.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 ciabatta rolls or sandwich bread
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 slices Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tomato sliced
- ½ red onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh spinach
For the Chipotle Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Season the Chicken
- Rub chicken breasts with olive oil. Sprinkle salt, pepper and smoked paprika evenly. Make sure both sides are coated well for balanced flavor.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat a grill pan over medium heat. Cook chicken for about six minutes per side. Cook until golden outside and fully done inside. Let it rest before slicing.
Prepare the Chipotle Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, minced chipotle peppers, lemon juice and garlic powder. Stir until smooth. Taste and adjust spice level if needed.
Slice and Assemble
- Slice cooked chicken into thin pieces. Cut bread rolls in half. Spread chipotle sauce on both sides of bread. Layer chicken, cheese, tomato, onion and spinach evenly.
Grill the Panini
- Place the sandwich in a panini press. Press gently and cook for three to five minutes. Cook until bread is crispy and cheese melts completely.
Serve Warm
- Remove sandwich carefully. Let it rest for two minutes. Slice in half. Serve warm for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh bread for best texture.
- Do not overcook chicken. It should stay juicy.
- Adjust chipotle amount for more or less spice.
- Butter the outside of bread for extra crispiness.
- Use a heavy pan if you do not have a panini press.