Grilled Chicken and Roasted Red Pepper Focaccia Paninis
Indulge in the delightful flavors of grilled chicken and roasted red peppers nestled between perfectly toasted slices of focaccia bread. This sandwich is layered with creamy mozzarella cheese and a zesty mayo-ranch dressing that brings everything together in a mouthwatering way. Whether you leave out the chicken for a vegetarian option or pair it with a warm bowl of soup or a fresh salad, this panini will surely satisfy your cravings. Perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe is a family favorite that is both quick to prepare and delicious to eat!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cooked chicken breast
1 (sliced (or ready-made chicken slices can be used))
Roasted red peppers
1 (12 ounce) jar (drained and sliced)
Mozzarella cheese
8 slices (fresh or pre-packaged)
Mayonnaise
4 tablespoons (no preparation needed)
Ranch dressing
2 tablespoons (no preparation needed)
Focaccia bread
1 loaf (sliced into thick pieces)
Olive oil cooking spray
as needed (for frying)
Instructions
1
Slice the focaccia bread into 8 thick pieces to create four sandwiches.
2
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and ranch dressing until well combined.
3
Spread the mayo-ranch mixture evenly on one side of each of the 4 slices of focaccia.
4
Layer each slice with the sliced chicken breast, followed by one slice of mozzarella cheese.
5
Add a layer of roasted red peppers and top with another slice of mozzarella cheese to help hold the sandwich together.
6
Place the remaining slices of focaccia on top, mayo-side down, to complete the sandwiches.
7
Heat a frying pan over medium heat and lightly spray with olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking.
8
Carefully place each sandwich in the pan and cook until the bread is golden brown and crispy on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
9
To ensure the cheese melts perfectly, pop the sandwiches in the microwave for about 20-25 seconds after frying.
10
Remove from the pan, slice in half, and serve while warm. Enjoy your delicious grilled chicken and roasted red pepper paninis!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Grilled Chicken and Roasted Red Pepper Focaccia Paninis.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of bread is used for these paninis?
The recipe calls for a loaf of focaccia bread sliced into 8 thick pieces.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can leave out the chicken for a delicious vegetarian panini option.
What are the main ingredients in the sauce?
The sauce is a zesty mixture of mayonnaise and ranch dressing.
How long should I cook the sandwiches in the frying pan?
Cook them for approximately 3-4 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
Why is the microwave used in the final step?
Popping the sandwiches in the microwave for a few seconds ensures the cheese melts perfectly.
How long should the sandwich be microwaved?
The sandwiches should be microwaved for about 20-25 seconds after frying.
What type of cheese is used in this panini?
The recipe uses 8 slices of mozzarella cheese, which can be fresh or pre-packaged.
Are the roasted red peppers fresh or from a jar?
The recipe uses one 12-ounce jar of roasted red peppers, drained and sliced.
How many slices of focaccia bread are needed?
You need 8 thick pieces of focaccia bread to create four sandwiches.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use cooked chicken breast or ready-made chicken slices.
What should I use to prevent the pan from sticking?
Lightly spray the frying pan with olive oil cooking spray.
What are some recommended side dishes?
These paninis pair perfectly with a warm bowl of soup or a fresh salad.
How do I prepare the mayo-ranch mixture?
In a small bowl, mix 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons of ranch dressing until well combined.
Which side of the bread should the sauce be on?
Spread the mixture on the inside of the focaccia slices.
What is the layering order of the ingredients?
Layer the chicken breast, then a slice of mozzarella, then roasted red peppers, and top with another slice of mozzarella.
Why is cheese added on both sides of the peppers?
Adding a second layer of cheese helps hold the sandwich together.
What temperature should I use for frying?
Heat the frying pan over medium heat.
How should the sandwiches be served?
Remove from the pan, slice in half, and serve while warm.
Is this recipe considered kid-friendly?
Yes, it is described as a family favorite that is delicious to eat.
How would you describe the prep time for this meal?
This recipe is quick to prepare and easy to follow.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized under Lunch/Snacks.
Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of pre-packaged?
Yes, the recipe allows for either fresh or pre-packaged mozzarella cheese.
Do the jarred roasted red peppers need to be drained?
Yes, the peppers should be drained and sliced before being added to the sandwich.
What can I use if I don't have olive oil spray?
While the recipe suggests spray, you can lightly coat the pan with a small amount of olive oil.
When is the best time to serve these paninis?
They are perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or a cozy afternoon snack.
How much mayonnaise is required?
The recipe requires 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise.
How much ranch dressing is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of ranch dressing.
What should the bread look like when it's finished cooking?
The focaccia should be golden brown and crispy on both sides.