Grilled Lemon Basil Chicken Panini with Fontina
This gourmet Grilled Lemon Basil Chicken Panini harmoniously combines the bright zest of fresh lemons and aromatic basil with succulent grilled chicken and creamy fontina cheese. Tucked between rustic ciabatta, this panini transforms leftover grilled chicken into a delicious gourmet lunch or snack. With every bite, enjoy the juicy tomatoes and fresh baby spinach, making each mouthful a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish you can whip up after a family dinner, ensuring no delicious leftovers are wasted. Ideal for a sunny afternoon or a comforting weekend lunch, this panini is sure to impress your taste buds.
N/A
Servings
380
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (Pounded to even thickness)
large lemons
2 (Zested and juiced)
garlic cloves
2 (Coarsely chopped)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (N/A)
salt
to taste (N/A)
pepper
to taste (N/A)
fresh basil
2 teaspoons (Chopped (or use fresh basil if preferred))
ciabatta or rustic bread
1 loaf (Cut into 4 sandwich-sized pieces)
basil pesto
1/4 cup (N/A (or use 2 tablespoons of fresh basil))
beefsteak tomatoes
1 large (Sliced)
Italian fontina cheese
6 ounces (Sliced)
fresh bagged baby spinach
2 ounces (N/A)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the chicken: Zest one lemon and squeeze the juice from both lemons. In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, juice, olive oil, and coarsely chopped garlic to create a marinade.
2
Place chicken breasts between two sheets of wax paper and gently pound them to an even thickness, which ensures even cooking.
3
Transfer the chicken into a resealable plastic bag or a bowl, pour in the marinade, seal the bag or cover the bowl, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 20 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
4
When ready to cook, grill the chicken on a barbecue, broil it in the oven, or cook it in a hot skillet for approximately 6-8 minutes per side or until fully cooked through.
5
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the ciabatta or rustic bread. Cut the loaf into four sandwich-sized pieces and spread one tablespoon of basil pesto (or freshly torn basil) on both sides of each piece.
6
Once the chicken is cooked, slice it into thin pieces. Assemble the panini by layering the sliced chicken, fontina cheese, sliced tomatoes, and fresh baby spinach between the two halves of each prepared ciabatta.
7
To cook the panini, use a panini press, or heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwich in the skillet and place another heated cast-iron skillet on top to press down. Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-5 minutes per side.
8
Once done, remove the panini, slice diagonally, and serve immediately while the cheese is still gooey. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
21g
Carbs
27.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Grilled Lemon Basil Chicken Panini with Fontina.
What are the primary flavor components of this sandwich?
The panini combines the zest of fresh lemons and aromatic basil with succulent grilled chicken and creamy fontina cheese.
How many calories are in one serving of this panini?
There are 380 calories per serving.
What type of bread is recommended for this recipe?
Ciabatta or rustic bread is recommended, cut into sandwich-sized pieces.
How much protein does this panini provide?
This recipe provides 27.5g of protein per serving.
What type of cheese is used in this panini?
The recipe uses 6 ounces of sliced Italian fontina cheese.
How long should the chicken be marinated?
The chicken should be marinated for at least 30 minutes and up to 20 hours.
What ingredients are needed for the chicken marinade?
The marinade consists of lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, and coarsely chopped garlic.
What is the recommended way to prepare the chicken breasts before marinating?
You should place them between wax paper and gently pound them to an even thickness.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The chicken takes approximately 6-8 minutes per side.
Can I cook the chicken if I do not have a grill?
Yes, you can broil the chicken in the oven or cook it in a hot skillet.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 20g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this panini?
The panini contains 21g of carbohydrates.
What vegetables are included inside the panini?
The sandwich includes sliced beefsteak tomatoes and fresh baby spinach.
What spread is used on the bread?
The recipe calls for basil pesto or freshly torn basil.
How many garlic cloves are required?
Two garlic cloves, coarsely chopped, are required.
How much olive oil is used in the recipe?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used.
How do you cook the panini if you do not have a panini press?
Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat and use another heated cast-iron skillet to press down on the sandwich.
How long does the assembled panini need to cook?
It should be cooked for 3-5 minutes per side until the bread is golden and cheese is melted.
How many chicken breasts are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
What is the ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total.
Can I use fresh basil instead of pesto?
Yes, you can substitute 2 tablespoons of fresh basil for the 1/4 cup of pesto.
How should the finished panini be served?
It should be sliced diagonally and served immediately while the cheese is gooey.
What kind of tomatoes are best for this sandwich?
Large beefsteak tomatoes are used in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for using leftovers?
Yes, it is specifically described as a great way to transform leftover grilled chicken into a gourmet meal.
How many lemons are needed?
Two large lemons are used for zesting and juicing.
What amount of spinach is used?
Two ounces of fresh bagged baby spinach are used.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include panini, chicken, lemon, basil, lunch, snacks, grilled, italian, and comfort food.
Is the bread toasted before assembly?
No, the bread is spread with pesto and assembled with ingredients before being pressed and cooked.
Does the recipe require salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and pepper are added to taste.