Ah, the chicken salad panini—a dish that brings back so many cozy memories of lazy Sunday afternoons spent with family and friends. There’s something utterly comforting about sinking your teeth into a warm, crispy sandwich that’s bursting with flavor. The combination of tender chicken, zesty pesto, and creamy fontina cheese melts my heart every time. It’s like a hug between two slices of bread! And since the weather is getting cooler, I’m all about those warm sandwiches that make me feel all cozy inside. So let’s venture into this delicious recipe for a Chicken Salad Panini with Pesto and Fontina Cheese that I’m sure you’re going to adore.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Comforting flavors that feel like a warm embrace.
- Budget-friendly ingredients you probably already have!
- Customizable—you can add your favorite veggies or spices!
Ingredients
Let’s gather our ingredients! You won’t need anything too fancy here.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (use Greek yogurt for a healthier swap)
- 1/4 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade, your choice!)
- 1/4 cup diced celery (for that perfect crunch)
- 1/4 cup diced red onion (optional, but adds a lovely flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices of fresh focaccia or ciabatta bread
- 4 slices fontina cheese (or any cheese you prefer)
- Olive oil or butter, for grilling
Note: Fresh garlic in the pesto will really amp up the flavor, so if you have access to fresh herbs, don’t hold back!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to create some foodie magic? Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to whip up this delightful Chicken Salad Panini.
- Prepare the Chicken Salad: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, pesto, celery, and red onion. Stir until everything is well mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If your chicken is from a rotisserie, it will have such a great flavor that you won’t need too much seasoning!
- Assemble the Paninis: Lay out your bread slices and pile on the chicken salad mixture. Don’t be shy—load it up! Top with a slice of fontina cheese. You can even add some fresh basil or arugula if you’re feeling fancy.
- Grill It Up: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil or butter. Once it’s hot, carefully place your assembled panini onto the skillet. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on your skillet size.
- Press Down: Use a spatula to press down gently on the sandwich to help the cheese melt and the bread get nice and crispy. Grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Slice and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the panini onto a cutting board and let them cool for a minute. Slice in half and serve warm. I can already smell it!
Pro tip: Keep an eye on the grill; we don’t want to burn our precious sandwiches! If you find the bread is browning too quickly, just lower the heat a bit.
Pro Tips & Variations
Now, let’s have a little fun with this recipe! Here are some ideas to jazz things up:
- Spices: Want a kick? Add a dash of red pepper flakes to the chicken salad for a spicy twist!
- Veggies: Toss in some chopped spinach, roasted red peppers, or even slices of avocado for extra creaminess.
- Cheese Substitutions: Not a fan of fontina? Go for mozzarella, cheddar, or even goat cheese for a tangy surprise!
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can enhance the flavors even further—don’t leave them out!
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Salad Panini is best served warm and gooey, and I can picture it now: maybe with a side of crispy sweet potato fries, a fresh green salad, or even a steaming cup of tomato soup. You could even pair it with your favorite iced coffee for a perfect lunch vibe! How cozy does that sound?
And if you’ve got friends over, slice the paninis into smaller pieces for everyone to try a little bit of everything. Sharing is caring, right?
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Not to worry! Here’s how to store them without losing that delicious flavor:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover panini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in a skillet to bring back that crispy crust.
- Freezing: If you want to make these in advance, separate the sandwiches with parchment paper, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to a month.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy, simply grill them again in a skillet from frozen, adding a minute or two to your cooking time. You want that crispy magic to happen!
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned chicken works well in a pinch. Just make sure to drain it really well to avoid excess moisture in your salad.
Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken salad mixture a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container until you’re ready to grill up those paninis.
What kind of bread works best?
Focaccia and ciabatta are both fantastic options for this panini, but feel free to use whatever bread you have on hand. Just make sure it can hold up to the filling without getting soggy!
Can I make this vegetarian?
Sure! Swap the chicken for chickpeas or a mix of roasted veggies. Adding some smoked cheese will make it extra delicious!
Conclusion
There you have it! A delightful chicken salad panini with pesto and fontina cheese that’s sure to warm your heart and make your taste buds dance. I hope you enjoyed cooking alongside me in this little culinary adventure. If you decide to make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out or if you added your own special twist. Feel free to comment below and share the love! Happy cooking, my friends!
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Irresistible Chicken Salad Panini w Pesto Fontina Cheese
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Savor a Chicken Salad Panini loaded with pesto fontina cheese Perfect for a quick meal this panini is deliciously satisfying Enjoy today
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A delightful chicken salad panini with pesto and fontina cheese that’s sure to warm your heart and make your taste buds dance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
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