Chicken Caprese Panini Recipe
sliced all natural chicken, mozzarella, oven-roasted tomatoes, pesto
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Ingredients
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Sandwich
Oven-Roasted Tomatoes (makes ~1 cup)
Method
Oven-Roasted Tomatoes (makes ~1 cup)
- 1
Preheat and prepare
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it.
- 2
Toss tomatoes
In a bowl, combine halved/quartered tomatoes, 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp dried oregano or thyme (if using). Toss to coat evenly.
- 3
Roast
Spread tomatoes cut-side up in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 18–22 minutes, until tomatoes are softened, edges slightly caramelized and juices concentrated. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. If there is excess liquid, drain to concentrate to roughly 1 cup.
Sandwich Assembly & Cooking
- 4
- 5
Season chicken
If your sliced chicken is cold, briefly warm 1–2 minutes in a microwave or hot skillet until just warm. Season the chicken slices with the remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, distributing evenly.
- 6
Spread pesto
Spread approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons of basil pesto on the bottom half of each roll (about 3 tbs total for two sandwiches). Spread a thinner layer (optional) on the top half for extra flavor.
- 7
Layer ingredients
On the pesto-spread bottom half, layer half the warm sliced chicken (about 5 oz), then arrange half the oven-roasted tomatoes (about 1/2 cup), then 3 oz of fresh mozzarella slices, and 4 fresh basil leaves. If using, add 1/2 cup baby arugula on top. Repeat for the second sandwich with remaining ingredients.
- 8
Press and grill
Preheat a panini press or heavy skillet over medium heat. If using a skillet, place the assembled sandwich in the skillet and press with a heavy pan or use a cast-iron press. Cook 3–5 minutes per side in a skillet (or 4–6 minutes in a panini press) until bread is golden and crisp and mozzarella is melted. If using a skillet without a press, cover with a lid to help melt the cheese, flipping once halfway through.
- 9
Finish and serve
Remove sandwiches from heat, let rest 1 minute, then cut each sandwich in half. Serve immediately while hot so mozzarella is melty and tomatoes remain slightly saucy.
