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Chicken Pesto Paninis

Delicious Chicken Pesto Paninis for Quick, Gourmet Meals

Enjoy quick, gourmet Chicken Pesto Paninis, featuring crispy bacon and flavorful pesto, ready in just 15 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 paninis
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Sandwich
  • 2 pieces Focaccia Substitute with ciabatta or crusty bread if desired.
  • 2 cups Leftover Roast Chicken Tender, moist filling.
  • 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter version.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard Adds subtle tang.
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped Chives May substitute with green onions.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • 1 cups Rocket (Arugula) Can use spinach or lettuce instead.
  • 4 slices Streaky Bacon Alternatives include turkey bacon.
  • 1/2 cup Basil Pesto Either store-bought or homemade works well.
Optional Add-ins
  • 1 cup Cheese (Mozzarella or Provolone) Great for cheese lovers.
  • 1 cup Roasted Vegetables Incorporate bell peppers or zucchini.
  • to taste Spices Add jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a kick.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Pesto Paninis
  1. In a mixing bowl, shred your leftover roast chicken until it's bite-sized. Add 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, followed by chopped chives, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until the chicken is well-coated in the creamy mixture.
  2. Slice the focaccia bread in half horizontally. Heat a skillet over medium heat, and place the cut side of the focaccia down in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes until the edges turn golden and crispy.
  3. Spread a generous layer of basil pesto on both halves of the focaccia. On one half, layer the chicken mixture, followed by crispy bacon slices. Finish with fresh rocket and place the other half of focaccia on top.
  4. Cut the assembled Chicken Pesto Paninis in half with a sharp knife, serve immediately while warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1paniniCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Store assembled paninis in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Freeze unassembled components separately for longer storage.

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