Chipotle Chicken Panini Recipe

Introduction

This Chipotle Chicken Panini brings together smoky chipotle mayo, tender grilled chicken, crispy turkey bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese in a perfectly toasted sandwich. It’s a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s easy to make for lunch or dinner. Enjoy a spicy twist on a classic panini that’s sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 chicken breast
• 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 slices thick-cut turkey bacon
• 1 beefsteak tomato, sliced
• 4 slices sturdy bread (French, focaccia, or sourdough)
• Chipotle mayo:
  • 1 egg yolk
  • ¼ cup neutral-flavored oil
  • 2 tsp lime juice
  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, chopped
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the chipotle mayo by whisking together the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth. Gradually add the oil while whisking continuously until the mixture is emulsified. Stir in smoked paprika and chopped chipotle pepper.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-sear it over medium heat for 4–5 minutes on each side, until cooked through and juices run clear.
3. Step 3: Butter one side of each bread slice. Spread chipotle mayo on the opposite, unbuttered side.
4. Step 4: Assemble the panini by layering cheese, grilled chicken, turkey bacon, tomato slices, and another layer of cheese on the mayo side of two bread slices. Top each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, buttered side out.
5. Step 5: Grill the sandwiches in a skillet or panini press over medium heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3–5 minutes per side.
6. Step 6: Slice the paninis in half and serve hot with extra chipotle mayo on the side.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chipotle pepper or omit it entirely and add smoked paprika for a smoky note.
• Swap turkey bacon for crispy pancetta or regular bacon for a richer taste.
• Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar for extra melty, gooey texture.
• To make chipotle mayo quickly, substitute with store-bought mayonnaise mixed with chipotle powder and a squeeze of lime.
• Press the panini with a weighted skillet if you don’t have a panini press.

Storage

Store leftover paninis wrapped in foil or airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to maintain crispness rather than using a microwave, which can make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this sandwich?

Yes, pre-cooked chicken can be used. Just warm it slightly before assembling the sandwich to ensure it heats through when grilling the panini.

What type of bread works best for paninis?

Sturdy breads like French, focaccia, or sourdough are ideal because they hold up well to grilling without becoming soggy and provide a nice crusty texture.

Chipotle Chicken Panini Recipe

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This Chipotle Chicken Panini Panera style recipe combines juicy grilled chicken breast, sharp cheddar cheese, crispy turkey bacon, and fresh beefsteak tomato slices layered between sturdy bread spread with a smoky, spicy chipotle mayo. Grilled to golden perfection in a skillet or panini press, this sandwich offers a satisfying balance of smoky, cheesy, and tangy flavors perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 paninis 1x
• Category: Lunch, Sandwich
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chipotle Mayo

• 1 egg yolk
• ¼ cup neutral-flavored oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
• 2 tsp lime juice
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Main Ingredients

• 1 chicken breast
• 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 slices thick-cut turkey bacon
• 1 beefsteak tomato, sliced
• 4 slices sturdy bread (French, focaccia, or sourdough)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chipotle Mayo: In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, lime juice, honey, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper until the mixture is smooth. Gradually drizzle in the neutral-flavored oil while continuously whisking to emulsify the mayo. Once thickened, stir in the smoked paprika and finely chopped chipotle pepper until evenly combined.
2. Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breast on both sides with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-sear the chicken over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is thoroughly cooked. Remove from heat and let rest briefly before slicing if desired.
3. Assemble the Panini: Butter one side of each slice of bread. On the non-buttered side, spread a generous layer of the prepared chipotle mayo. On two slices, layer the sharp cheddar cheese, grilled chicken breast, crispy cooked turkey bacon, fresh tomato slices, and another layer of cheese. Top each with the remaining bread slices, buttered side out, pressing lightly to secure the sandwich.
4. Grill the Panini: Heat a skillet or panini press over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches in the pan or press and cook until the bread is golden brown and crisp and the cheese is melted, approximately 3 to 5 minutes per side if using a skillet. For a panini press, cook according to manufacturer instructions, usually about 4 minutes total.
5. Serve: Remove the panini from heat and slice each sandwich in half. Serve hot with extra chipotle mayo on the side for dipping or spreading.

Notes

• You can substitute turkey bacon with regular bacon based on preference.
• Adjust the spiciness of the chipotle mayo by adding more or fewer chipotle peppers.
• Use sturdy bread types like sourdough or focaccia to hold the fillings without becoming soggy.
• Ensure chicken is cooked fully to avoid any food safety issues.
• The panini can be made using a sandwich press or a regular skillet; a press will give more even grilling.

Keywords: chipotle chicken panini, panera style panini, grilled chicken sandwich, chipotle mayo sandwich, turkey bacon panini