Savory Chicken & Fig Jam Panini with Blue Cheese and Arugula
Indulge in a delightful fusion of flavors with this Savory Chicken & Fig Jam Panini. This gourmet sandwich elevates your lunch or snack experience with the rich sweetness of fig preserves, the creamy tang of blue cheese, and the peppery freshness of arugula. Perfectly grilled to a golden brown, each bite delivers a luscious mix of textures and tastes that will impress your family and friends. Serve this panini alongside a light salad or crispy chips for a satisfying meal any time of the day.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fig preserves
1/4 cup (Spreadable)
Ciabatta bread
1 (8 ounce) (Cut lengthwise)
Blue cheese
1/4 cup (Crumbled)
Butter
2 tablespoons (Softened)
Cooked chicken breasts
8 ounces (Sliced)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (To taste)
Arugula leaves
2 cups (Fresh, washed)
Fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon (Juiced)
Instructions
1
Begin by spreading the fig preserves evenly over the cut side of the top half of the ciabatta bread.
2
In a medium bowl, blend the crumbled blue cheese with softened butter until smooth and creamy.
3
Spread the blue cheese mixture generously over the cut side of the bottom half of the ciabatta.
4
Layer the sliced cooked chicken evenly over the cheese mixture; then, sprinkle fresh ground black pepper to taste.
5
Carefully place the top half of the ciabatta bread back on, with the jam side facing down, to complete the sandwich assembly.
6
Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, gently place the sandwich in the skillet.
7
To achieve an even golden brown, place a heavy cast-iron skillet on top of the sandwich as a weight. Cook for about 5 minutes, then carefully flip the sandwich and cook the other side for an additional 5 minutes, until both sides are nicely browned and the cheese is melted.
8
Alternatively, if using a panini maker, grill according to the manufacturer's instructions until the sandwich is golden and heated through.
9
While the sandwich is cooking, place the arugula in a bowl and drizzle fresh lemon juice over it. Toss gently to coat the leaves evenly.
10
Once cooked, remove the top half of the sandwich and pile the dressed arugula over the chicken layer. Replace the top of the sandwich.
11
Cut the sandwich into 4 equal portions, and serve warm, allowing everyone to enjoy this delicious creation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of the Savory Chicken & Fig Jam Panini?
This panini features a fusion of sweet fig preserves, creamy and tangy blue cheese, and peppery fresh arugula.
What type of bread is recommended for this recipe?
An 8-ounce ciabatta bread loaf, cut lengthwise, is used for this recipe.
How do I prepare the blue cheese for the sandwich?
In a medium bowl, blend 1/4 cup of crumbled blue cheese with 2 tablespoons of softened butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Should I add the arugula before or after grilling?
The arugula should be added after the sandwich is grilled to maintain its fresh texture and peppery flavor.
How do I dress the arugula?
Toss 2 cups of fresh arugula with 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice until the leaves are evenly coated.
What is the best way to grill the panini without a panini maker?
Use a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and place a heavy cast-iron skillet on top of the sandwich to act as a weight.
How long should I cook the sandwich in a skillet?
Cook for about 5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 5 minutes until both sides are golden brown.
Can I use a panini maker for this recipe?
Yes, simply grill the assembled sandwich according to your panini maker's manufacturer instructions until golden and heated through.
How much fig jam is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of fig preserves, spread evenly over the top half of the ciabatta.
What kind of chicken is best for this panini?
Use 8 ounces of sliced, cooked chicken breasts for the filling.
How many portions does one sandwich provide?
Once cooked and assembled, the sandwich should be cut into 4 equal portions.
What seasoning is suggested for the chicken layer?
Sprinkle 1/8 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper, or to taste, over the chicken layer.
What sides pair well with this fig and chicken panini?
This sandwich is delicious when served alongside a light salad or crispy chips.
Is the butter used for the bread or the cheese?
The softened butter is blended with the blue cheese to create a creamy spread for the bottom half of the bread.
Can I use different greens if I don't have arugula?
While arugula provides a specific peppery bite, you can substitute with other fresh greens like spinach if needed.
How much lemon juice is needed?
One teaspoon of fresh lemon juice is sufficient to dress the two cups of arugula.
What is the purpose of the cast-iron skillet during cooking?
It serves as a weight to ensure the sandwich is pressed flat and browns evenly against the heat.
Can I make this recipe if I only have cold chicken?
Yes, sliced cooked chicken is the intended ingredient, and it will heat through as the panini is grilled.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and a comfort food, ideal for a gourmet lunch.
Do I spread jam on both sides of the bread?
No, the fig preserves go on the top half, while the blue cheese butter mixture goes on the bottom half.
How should the ciabatta be prepared initially?
The 8-ounce loaf should be cut lengthwise to create a top and bottom half.
What should I look for to know the sandwich is done?
The bread should be a golden brown color and the cheese mixture should be melted.
Can I substitute the blue cheese?
While blue cheese is central to the recipe's flavor, you could experiment with other creamy, sharp cheeses if preferred.
Should the skillet be preheated?
Yes, preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat before adding the sandwich.
How do I assemble the final sandwich after grilling?
Remove the top half of the hot sandwich, pile on the dressed arugula, and then replace the top.
Does the recipe require salt?
The recipe relies on the saltiness of the blue cheese and only specifies fresh ground black pepper for extra seasoning.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients: fig preserves, ciabatta, blue cheese, butter, chicken, pepper, arugula, and lemon juice.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this?
Yes, sliced rotisserie chicken breast works perfectly for the 8 ounces of cooked chicken required.
What temperature should the butter be?
The butter should be softened to room temperature so it can easily blend with the crumbled blue cheese.
Is this a good recipe for entertaining?
Absolutely, its gourmet fusion of flavors is designed to impress family and friends.