Description
This BBQ Chicken Panini is a savory, easy-to-make grilled sandwich featuring shredded chicken tossed in tangy barbecue sauce, melted cheddar or mozzarella cheese, red onions, and optional pickles, all pressed between crispy ciabatta or sourdough bread. Perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner, it delivers a satisfying combination of smoky, cheesy, and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Sandwich Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup sliced red onions
- 1/4 cup sliced pickles (optional)
Bread and Cheese
- 4 slices ciabatta or sourdough bread
- 4 slices cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Finishing
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the shredded cooked chicken with barbecue sauce until it is evenly coated, ensuring every bite has a perfect balance of smoky and tangy flavors.
- Preheat the Cooking Surface: Preheat your panini press or a skillet over medium heat to get it hot enough for grilling the sandwich and melting the cheese just right.
- Assemble the Panini: On each slice of bread, layer the BBQ chicken mixture, followed by a slice of cheese, red onions, and pickles if desired. Then place the second slice of bread on top to form the sandwich.
- Prepare the Bread for Grilling: Brush the outsides of the sandwiches with softened butter or drizzle with olive oil to help achieve a crispy, golden crust during grilling.
- Grill the Panini: Place the sandwiches on the panini press or skillet, pressing down lightly. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Serve: Remove the paninis from the heat, slice in half if desired, and serve warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- You can use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time without compromising on flavor.
- For added smoky depth, sprinkle a little smoked paprika inside the sandwich before grilling.
- Add a few fresh cilantro leaves for a fresh herbal note that complements the barbecue sauce.
- If you don’t have a panini press, use a heavy skillet or grill pan and press the sandwich down with another pan or a heavy object to replicate the panini press effect.
