Savory Slow-Cooked Tuscan Chicken Panini
Indulge in the flavors of Tuscany with this Savory Slow-Cooked Tuscan Chicken Panini. This delightful recipe begins with succulent skinless chicken thighs marinated in a rich blend of Italian herbs and smoked paprika, slow-cooked to perfection with dry white wine and fragrant garlic. The tender chicken is then layered between slices of fresh focaccia bread, complemented by roasted peppers and creamy provolone cheese. Grilled until golden and crispy, this panini makes for a satisfying lunch or snack, ideal for enjoying on any day. Prepare the chicken a day in advance to streamline your cooking process, making this recipe a perfect blend of convenience and gourmet taste.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian herb seasoning
1.5 teaspoons (None)
Smoked paprika
1 teaspoon (None)
Kosher salt
0.5 teaspoon (None)
Fresh ground black pepper
0.5 teaspoon (None)
Skinless chicken thighs
6 pieces (2.5 pounds) (Trimmed of visible fat)
Extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (None)
Dry white wine
0.5 cup (None)
Garlic cloves
4 cloves (Flattened with the side of a knife)
Focaccia bread
4 pieces (4-inch squares) (Halved horizontally)
Roasted peppers
1 (15-ounce) jar (Preferably red and yellow, drained)
Provolone cheese
4 ounces (Sliced)
Olive oil flavored cooking spray
As needed (None)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine Italian herb seasoning, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper to create a seasoning mixture.
2
Brush the skinless chicken thighs with extra virgin olive oil, then rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken.
3
In a slow cooker of 4.5 to 6 quarts capacity, pour in the dry white wine and add the garlic cloves, flattened with the side of a knife.
4
Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer, bone side down, in the slow cooker.
5
Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low heat setting for approximately 4 hours or until the chicken is fork-tender.
6
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the cooker and allow it to stand until cool enough to handle.
7
Remove the bones from the chicken and tear the meat into large, bite-sized pieces.
8
To prepare the panini, cut the focaccia bread in half horizontally. Layer the torn chicken, roasted peppers, and provolone cheese between the pieces of focaccia.
9
Lightly spray the assembled sandwiches with olive oil-flavored cooking spray for added crispness.
10
Using a panini press, sandwich grill, or a stovetop grill pan topped with a heavy skillet, grill the sandwiches until the bread is lightly toasted and the cheese has melted, about 5 minutes.
11
Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish described in this recipe?
The dish is a Savory Slow-Cooked Tuscan Chicken Panini.
What type of chicken is used for this panini?
The recipe calls for 2.5 pounds (6 pieces) of skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of visible fat.
How is the chicken cooked?
The chicken is slow-cooked on low heat for approximately 4 hours until it is fork-tender.
What seasoning is used for the chicken?
The seasoning mixture includes Italian herb seasoning, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper.
What liquid is added to the slow cooker?
Half a cup of dry white wine is used in the slow cooker.
How should the garlic be prepared?
Four garlic cloves should be flattened with the side of a knife.
What kind of bread is used for the sandwich?
Focaccia bread, specifically 4-inch squares halved horizontally, is used.
What type of cheese is included in the panini?
Four ounces of sliced provolone cheese are used.
What kind of peppers are added to the panini?
A 15-ounce jar of roasted peppers, preferably red and yellow, should be used.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken a day in advance to streamline the cooking process.
What size slow cooker is recommended?
A slow cooker with a capacity of 4.5 to 6 quarts is recommended.
How do I prepare the chicken after it is cooked?
Once cooled, remove the bones and tear the meat into large, bite-sized pieces.
What is the first step in preparing the chicken?
Combine the Italian herb seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
How do I get the bread crispy?
Lightly spray the assembled sandwiches with olive oil-flavored cooking spray before grilling.
How long should the panini be grilled?
Grill for about 5 minutes until the bread is lightly toasted and the cheese has melted.
What equipment can I use to grill the panini?
You can use a panini press, a sandwich grill, or a stovetop grill pan topped with a heavy skillet.
What oil is used to rub the chicken?
One tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil is used to brush the chicken.
Should the chicken be placed in a specific way in the slow cooker?
Yes, arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer, bone side down.
What are the flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish features Tuscan-inspired flavors with Italian herbs, smoked paprika, and garlic.
Is this recipe suitable for lunch?
Yes, it is described as a satisfying lunch or snack option.
How many pieces of focaccia are needed?
The recipe uses 4 pieces of 4-inch square focaccia bread.
What type of salt is best for this recipe?
Kosher salt is specified for the seasoning mixture.
Do I need to drain the roasted peppers?
Yes, the roasted peppers should be drained before being added to the sandwich.
What should I do if the chicken is too hot to handle?
Allow the chicken to stand until it is cool enough to handle before removing bones.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried herbs?
The recipe calls for Italian herb seasoning, which is typically a dried blend.
Can I use red wine instead of white?
The recipe specifies dry white wine for the intended Tuscan flavor profile.
How much smoked paprika is required?
One teaspoon of smoked paprika is needed.
What is the preparation for the provolone?
The provolone should be sliced.
Is the chicken cooked on high or low heat?
The chicken is cooked on the low heat setting of the slow cooker.
What makes this a 'Tuscan' style sandwich?
The combination of Italian herbs, garlic, white wine, focaccia, and roasted peppers provides its Tuscan character.