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The Chicken Special Panini

A simple yet soul-soothing chicken pesto panini layered with basil pesto, seasoned chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, avocado, and melted provolone on warm ciabatta. It's familiar, grounding, and full of comfort.
Servings: 2 panini's
Course: Lunch

Ingredients
  

For the Basil Pesto
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1 garlic clove
  • ½ cup good quality mayonnaise
  • sea salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
For the Panini
  • 1 boneless skinless chicken breast
  • ¼ cup oil packed sun-dried tomatoes drained and sliced
  • ½ avocado thinly sliced
  • 2 slices Provolone cheese
  • Ciabatta bread
  • 3 tbsp olive oil

Equipment

  • Panini Press or a skillet

Method
 

  1. In a food processor or blender, drop in garlic to finely chop. Add in basil, mayo, salt, and pepper and pulse until well combined. Place in a large bowl and let sit at least 20 minutes.
  2. Preheat a skillet over medium high heat. Lightly drizzle extra virgin olive oil and salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken breast.
  3. Grill chicken until cooked through, about 10 minutes per side.
  4. Transfer to cutting board and rest and then slice into ¼ inch pieces
  5. Cut Ciabatta loaf in half and then again horizontally. Spread about a tbsp of basil aioli onto each of the 4 bread halves. Add a layer of chicken to each bottom slice, then add sun-dried tomatoes, avocado, and top with provolone cheese. Place bread top on and squash down slightly.
  6. Grill in a panini press until cheese melts, about 5-10 minutes depending on your press.

Notes

If you don't have a panini press, just heat a pan over medium heat, add the sandwich, and weigh down with another pan and a can.
Recipe courtesy of Foodista 
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