Grilled Chicken Pesto Panini on Sourdough
This Grilled Chicken Pesto Panini is a fabulous fusion of flavors, blending tender grilled chicken with rich, creamy mozzarella and aromatic pesto, all nestled between slices of crispy and hearty sourdough bread. Easily prepared with a grill pan or a panini press, this sandwich is perfect for a quick yet indulgent lunch. Prepare the chicken ahead of time to streamline your cooking and serve this panini alongside your favorite side salad or chips for a complete meal. The versatility and ease of this recipe make it ideal for busy weekdays or a relaxed weekend treat.
1
Servings
650
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breast
1 (flattened)
Grill Mates Montreal chicken seasoning
1/2 teaspoon (sprinkled on chicken)
Sourdough bread
2 slices (1 inch thick)
Fresh mozzarella cheese
2 slices (1/2 inch thick)
Pesto sauce
1 tablespoon (spread on bread)
Butter
1 tablespoon (spread on bread for grilling)
Cooking spray
As needed (for greasing the pan)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by flattening the chicken breast to ensure even cooking. Use a meat mallet or a rolling pin to pound it to a uniform thickness.
2
2. Season both sides of the chicken breast with the Grill Mates Montreal chicken seasoning for a robust flavor.
3
3. Heat your grill pan over medium heat and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
4
4. Place the seasoned chicken breast on the grill pan and cook until it is thoroughly cooked through and has well-defined grill marks. This should take about 6-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
5
5. Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips approximately 1 inch wide.
6
6. Prepare the bread by cutting two one-inch slices from a sourdough loaf, if not pre-sliced.
7
7. Spread butter on one side of each slice of sourdough bread. On the opposite, unbuttered side of one slice, spread a tablespoon of pesto sauce evenly.
8
8. Slice fresh mozzarella into two half-inch thick slices and set aside.
9
9. Assemble the panini by layering one slice of bread, buttered side down, with the grilled chicken strips, mozzarella slices, and top with the other slice of bread, pesto side down.
10
10. Place the assembled sandwich on the grill pan. Use a heavy pot or another pan to press down, or close the lid if using a panini press.
11
11. Grill the sandwich until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese has melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
12
12. Remove from the grill pan, slice in half, and serve warm. Enjoy your flavorful Grilled Chicken Pesto Panini!
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
50g
Carbs
45g
Protein
2g
Fiber
3g
Sugar
1020mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in the Grilled Chicken Pesto Panini?
The main protein used is a boneless skinless chicken breast.
What kind of bread is recommended for this panini?
Sourdough bread is the recommended choice for this recipe.
How thick should the sourdough bread slices be?
The sourdough bread should be cut into one-inch thick slices.
What specific seasoning is used for the chicken?
The recipe calls for Grill Mates Montreal chicken seasoning.
How should the chicken be prepared before cooking?
The chicken breast should be flattened to a uniform thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
How long should the chicken be cooked on the grill pan?
The chicken should be cooked for approximately 6 to 7 minutes per side.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
Fresh mozzarella cheese is used in this panini.
How thick should the mozzarella slices be?
The mozzarella should be sliced into half-inch thick pieces.
How much pesto sauce is needed for one sandwich?
One tablespoon of pesto sauce is used per sandwich.
Where do I apply the butter on the bread?
Butter should be spread on one side of each slice of sourdough bread, specifically the side that will touch the grill.
What side of the bread do I spread the pesto on?
The pesto should be spread on the unbuttered side of one slice of bread.
How do I assemble the panini layers?
Layer the buttered bread with grilled chicken strips, followed by mozzarella slices, and top with the second slice of bread with the pesto side facing down.
How long does the assembled sandwich need to grill?
The sandwich should be grilled for 3 to 4 minutes per side.
What is the total calorie count for one serving?
One serving contains approximately 650 calories.
How much protein is in this Grilled Chicken Pesto Panini?
This recipe provides 45 grams of protein.
What are the total carbohydrates in the recipe?
The recipe contains 50 grams of carbohydrates.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 30 grams of fat in one serving.
What is the sodium content of this panini?
The panini contains 1020mg of sodium.
How wide should the grilled chicken strips be sliced?
The chicken should be sliced into strips approximately 1 inch wide.
Should the chicken rest after cooking?
Yes, let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
Can I use a panini press for this recipe?
Yes, a panini press can be used instead of a grill pan.
What heat setting should I use for the grill pan?
A medium heat setting is recommended for cooking both the chicken and the sandwich.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients required for this recipe.
What is the purpose of pressing down on the sandwich during grilling?
Pressing down ensures the bread becomes crispy and helps melt the cheese evenly.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
Yes, there are 3 grams of sugar per serving.
How much fiber does this sandwich provide?
The sandwich provides 2 grams of fiber.
What are some suggested side dishes for this panini?
It is recommended to serve this sandwich with a side salad or chips.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This specific recipe is designed for 1 serving.
Can the chicken be prepared in advance?
Yes, preparing the chicken ahead of time can help streamline the cooking process for a quicker meal.
What is the indicator that the panini is finished cooking?
The panini is ready when the bread is golden brown and crispy and the mozzarella has melted.