Zesty Chicken Caprese Focaccia Panini Recipe For Lunch Bliss

Crafting a delightful chicken caprese focaccia panini brings together classic Italian flavors in a mouthwatering sandwich.

Layers of fresh ingredients promise a culinary adventure that feels like a quick trip to tuscany.

Juicy grilled chicken combines perfectly with creamy mozzarella and ripe tomatoes.

Fragrant basil leaves add a vibrant, aromatic touch to each bite.

Crispy focaccia bread provides the ideal golden-brown canvas for this delectable creation.

Melted cheese creates a gooey, irresistible texture that will make you want to savor every single moment.

Jump into this simple yet spectacular meal that comes together in minutes.

Chicken Caprese Focaccia Panini Full of Flavor

• Savor Gourmet Flavors: Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality sandwich bursting with fresh Italian-inspired tastes that elevate your meal experience.
• Master Quick Cooking: Prepare a delicious meal in minimal steps with straightforward grilling and assembly techniques perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like chicken with vegetarian alternatives or adjust cheese and herb quantities to match personal preferences and dietary needs.
• Impress Social Gatherings: Create a crowd-pleasing dish ideal for lunch meetups, casual dinner parties, or weekend get-togethers that looks professionally crafted yet simple to make.

Ingredients to Make Chicken Caprese Panini

• Focaccia Bread: A soft, flavorful Italian bread that serves as the perfect foundation for this delicious panini.

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that provides a hearty base for the sandwich and pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients.

• Mozzarella: A creamy, mild cheese that melts beautifully and adds a rich texture to the panini.
• Pesto: A vibrant green sauce made from basil that brings a fresh, herbal flavor to the sandwich.

• Tomato Slices: Juicy and fresh tomatoes that add a bright, tangy element to the panini.
• Basil Leaves: A fragrant herb that provides a classic Italian flavor and aromatic freshness to the dish.

How to Prepare Chicken Caprese Focaccia Panini

Step 1: Slice Focaccia Bread

Carefully cut each focaccia bread piece horizontally into two halves, creating perfect sandwich bases. Set the bread pieces aside on a clean cutting board.

Step 2: Grill Chicken

Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Heat an indoor grill to medium-high temperature.

Grill chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until fully cooked and juices run clear. Transfer grilled chicken to a plate.

Step 3: Build Flavor-Packed Sandwiches

• Focaccia bread bottom
• Pesto spread
• Grilled chicken cutlet
• Fresh mozzarella slices
• Ripe tomato rounds
• Fresh basil leaves
• Additional pesto spread
• Focaccia bread top

Step 4: Press and Serve Hot

Place assembled sandwiches onto a panini press or indoor grill set to medium heat. Cook until bread turns golden brown and cheese melts completely.

Remove immediately and slice diagonally. Serve while warm and enjoy the mouthwatering combination of Italian-inspired flavors.

Tips to Get Caprese Panini Just Right

• Slice chicken breasts horizontally for even, quick cooking and tender texture.
• Ensure chicken is fully cooked by checking clear juices and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Use fresh, ripe tomatoes and high-quality mozzarella for maximum flavor and authentic caprese taste.
• Try different pestos like sun-dried tomato or roasted red pepper for unique flavor variations.
• Grill sandwiches until bread is crispy golden and cheese melts completely for perfect texture and warmth.

Flavor Variations to Try on Caprese Panini

• Vegetarian Caprese Panini: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushroom or eggplant slices for a meat-free version that maintains the classic Italian flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap focaccia bread with gluten-free ciabatta or gluten-free flatbread to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Substitute basil with fresh oregano and add a sprinkle of za'atar spice blend for a different herbaceous Mediterranean-inspired taste.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella, add sliced jalapeños, and replace pesto with chipotle mayo for a bold, zesty version of the original panini.

Pairings That Match Chicken Caprese Panini

• Uncork a crisp Italian Pinot Grigio to enhance the bright, fresh flavors of the Caprese panini, cutting through the rich mozzarella and complementing the herbaceous basil notes.
• Brew a cool glass of sparkling lemonade with fresh mint to balance the savory chicken and provide a zesty, light counterpoint to the rich pesto and melted cheese.
• Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan to add a peppery, tangy element that echoes the sandwich's Mediterranean-inspired ingredients.

Storage Instructions for Chicken Panini

• Store paninis in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent moisture buildup.
• Place cooled paninis in freezer-safe bags or containers. Separate each sandwich with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 1 month for best quality.
• Unwrap frozen or refrigerated paninis and place on a baking sheet. Warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning.

FAQs

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should have clear juices and no pink color in the center.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can grill the chicken and prep the ingredients in advance, but assemble and grill the panini just before serving to keep the bread crispy and cheese melted.

• What type of pesto works best for this recipe?

Fresh basil pesto is ideal, but store-bought classic basil pesto will work perfectly. You can also use sun-dried tomato pesto for a different flavor twist.

Chicken Caprese Focaccia Panini Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken caprese focaccia panini celebrates Italian culinary traditions with fresh mozzarella and basil. Crisp bread and melted cheese create a satisfying sandwich perfect for lunch or casual dinner.

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Ingredients

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• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 2 large pieces focaccia bread
• 4 (4 oz/113 g) slices mozzarella
• 1 large tomatoes, sliced
• 6 basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons pesto
• salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Slice each focaccia bread horizontally, creating two halves for sandwich assembly.
2. Heat indoor grill to medium-high temperature. Cut chicken breasts into thinner horizontal slices for even cooking.
3. Grill chicken approximately 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and meat appears fully cooked with clear juices.
4. Layer first focaccia half with a generous spread of pesto, covering entire surface.
5. Arrange grilled chicken slice atop pesto, ensuring complete coverage of bread.
6. Place fresh mozzarella slices over chicken, allowing slight overlap for even melting.
7. Distribute fresh tomato slices across mozzarella, creating colorful and vibrant layer.
8. Carefully position three whole basil leaves over tomato slices for aromatic garnish.
9. Spread additional pesto on second focaccia half before closing sandwich.
10. Transfer assembled sandwich to preheated panini press or indoor grill.
11. Cook at medium heat for 3-4 minutes until bread turns golden brown and cheese melts completely.
12. Remove immediately, slice diagonally, and serve while warm and crispy.

Notes

• Slice chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry spots during grilling.
• Marinate chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before grilling to enhance flavor and tenderness.
• Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella for a creamy texture and richer taste in the panini.
• For gluten-free option, replace focaccia with gluten-free bread or large portobello mushroom caps as a low-carb alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 650 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg