Description

This BBQ Chicken Panini is a flavorful and satisfying grilled sandwich featuring tender shredded chicken coated in tangy barbecue sauce, melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, crunchy red onions, and tangy pickles, all pressed between buttery toasted ciabatta or sourdough bread. Perfect for a quick lunch or comforting dinner, this recipe combines smoky, cheesy, and savory elements into a crispy, warm panini.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Mixture

2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded)
1/2 cup barbecue sauce

Bread and Cheese

4 ciabatta rolls or thick slices of sourdough bread
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese

Additional Fillings

1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
1/4 cup pickles (sliced)

For Cooking

2 tablespoons butter (softened)
1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

Prepare Chicken: In a bowl, toss the shredded cooked chicken breast with the barbecue sauce until it is evenly coated, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Preheat Panini Press or Skillet: Heat your panini press or a skillet over medium heat to get it ready for grilling the sandwich.
Butter the Bread: Lightly spread softened butter on the outside of each slice or roll. This will help the bread develop a golden, crispy crust while grilling.
Assemble the Sandwich: On the inside of each bread slice or roll, layer the barbecue chicken mix, followed by shredded mozzarella, sharp cheddar cheese, thinly sliced red onion, and pickles. Drizzle a little olive oil inside the sandwich for added flavor.
Grill the Panini: Close the sandwich and place it onto the panini press or skillet. If using a panini press, cook until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese has melted, about 4 to 6 minutes. If using a skillet, press the sandwich with a heavy pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and melty, flipping halfway through.
Serve: Remove the panini from the heat, slice it, and serve warm while the cheese is gooey and the bread is crisp.

Notes

Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut to save time.
Swap mozzarella with provolone cheese for a richer, creamier flavor.
Add a few slices of cooked bacon inside the sandwich for extra smokiness and crunch.