The best chicken paninis loaded with roasted tomatoes, parsley pesto, lemon garlic mayo, and Monterey Jack cheese on garlic sourdough bread.
For some reason, there’s nothing like a great panini sandwich. When the chicken is still tender, sauces just right and the bread is grilled to perfection. I can eat those kind of paninis any night of the week. It’s those kind of sandwiches that deserve to be at the dinner table. Wouldn’t you agree??
Well, in my opinion, this Italian Chicken Panini is that kind of sandwich! I love sandwiches like this. And for the record, so does my 6 year-old and of course my husband!
Plus, I have not been fixing soup and paninis together well at all this past winter so we are due for a delicious and stacked Italian chicken panini.
This one’s unforgettable.
Eat it for dinner and then for lunch. You won’t get sick of it very quick.
These paninis are the kind of dinner I like to have after a day at the park like we did today. We went to two parks actually because why not? The kids ran and laughed and I pushed them on what I call a 2018 merry-go-round, the kind with no metal.
I can hardly wait for consistent warm weather!! I feel like I need to get in shape, however. Not because it will be swimsuit season. Nah! I’m a mom, people expect love handles so I can’t let them down. What I am referring to is getting in shape so I can keep up with them on their bikes in the 95 degree weather at the park. I run alongside them and they are getting faster on their bikes and don’t feel it’s necessary to wait for mom. I still love when they stop and need mom. Doesn’t get any better than that.
So, yes for that reason I need to get in better shape. I love running outdoors, not able to run on treadmills anymore. I just need more than that. Running outside is where it’s at. After all, I am inside most of the day working and cooking and if I’m going to take the time to break a sweat and run then it’s going to be outside where it’s beautiful.
I’m also working on some yoga these days. I go in phases. This month I am into yoga, next month who knows.
Whatever workout routine you find fits you is the best one for you. You have to enjoy it or it’s not worth doing. I think it’s important to recognize all of the forms of exercise and choose the type that is best for you. I like running because it helps clear my head and is a great stress reliever.
Hope you guys enjoy these!!
Happy Friday!!
Click here to jump to the meal plan that has this Italian chicken panini in it!
Italian Chicken Paninis
Ingredients
- 1 lb skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 loaf Sourdough bread
- Monterey Jack cheese sliced
Parsley Pesto
- 3 cups parsley packed
- ⅔ cup walnuts
- 5 cloves garlic
- ⅔ cup Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
Lemon Garlic Mayo
- ¼ cup light miracle whip
- 1 garlic clove crushed
- ¼ teaspoon lemon juice
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Parsley Pesto
- Combine all ingredients for parsley pesto except olive oil. Process until smooth. Add olive oil and continue to blend until incorporated.
Lemon Garlic Mayo
- Combine ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together.
Tomatoes
- Preheat oven to 350℉. Arrange tomatoes on a rimmed baking sheet and roast for 18 minutes. Gently press tomatoes down with back of a wooden spoon to flatten them being careful as they may splatter.
Italian Chicken
- Meanwhile, prep chicken breasts. Brush with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add chicken breasts to skillet and cook 3-4 minutes, flip and cook another 3 minutes or until cooked through.
Paninis
- Preheat panini grill to medium high heat. Arrange bread slices on a baking sheet. Layer bottom slices with pesto, 4-5 tomatoes, chicken, and Monterey Jack cheese. Spread lemon garlic mayo on top slice and place on top of cheese. Cook in panini grill until bread is golden brown and cheese is nicely melted. Times may vary depending on preference and type of panini grill.
Notes
More Delicious Sandwich Recipes
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