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Chipotle Chicken Panini Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 116 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://liamjayne.com/chipotle-chicken-panini-recipe/