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Grilled Chicken Paninis

Jul 3, 2022 · 26 Comments

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This post is sponsored by Small Town Cultures. All opinions expressed are my own.

Today we’re preparing a batch of colorful Paninis with a little help and inspiration from our new friends over at Small Town Cultures. Their line of fermented veggies and peppers not only promote gut health, but are simply delicious, as well as being a great way to add a dash of color to any plate.

Now, without further delay, let’s make some paninis.

What You’ll Need to Make a Panini

1) A Panini Maker. The best paninis are made in panini makers – there, I said it. While it breaks my heart to give ‘anything’ an edge over my preferred ‘cast iron implements,’ this is one area where there is simply no getting around it. If you enjoy paninis more than a few times a year, invest in a decent-ish panini maker, as there really is no substitute.

2) Or Two Cast Iron Pans. Conversely, using two heavy (emphasis on heavy) cast iron pans works ‘almost’ as well. Simply heat one of the pans up until its nice and hot, and then use the second cast iron pan (which needs to be of a smaller diameter than the heated pan) as a ‘press’ to press the panini. Yes, this is less convenient, and somewhat messier, and doesn’t achieve those delectable grill marks, but it does get the job done. And again, if you only make paninis a few times year, this really is all you need.

3) Or the Griddle and Pan Combo. If you have a griddle, you can achieve the same grill marks as a panini maker and a heavy cast iron pan. Simply heat up the griddle, and use a heavy cast iron pan to ‘press’ the panini. This, again, is less convenient and messier, but ‘does’ achieve those delectable grill marks.

Ingredient Notes and Tips

1) The Bread. Denser is better when it comes to grilled sandwiches, particularly dense bread that is also quite pliable. If the bread is ‘crumbly,’ ‘fragile,’ ‘thin,’ or feels likes it about to come apart, don’t even bother.

2) Fermented Jalapenos. These are a great way to spice pretty much anything, from pizza to eggs to sandwiches, and even topped on steak or tossed into salads. Even the brine itself is delicious, being great for things like margaritas. Small Town Cultures’ Fermented Jalapenos feature just three super simple ingredients – water, jalapenos, and salt. Seriously, it couldn’t get any simpler than that. As a nice bonus, Small Town Cultures’ Fermented Jalapenos are plant-based, gluten-free, nut-free, Paleo, Keto-friendly, and features no added vinegar, sugar, preservatives or additives.

3) Small Town Cultures Sauerkraut. Great on sandwiches, as we’re doing today, this sauerkraut is also delicious on sausages and salads, and added a delicious layer of crunch and a beautiful dash of color to today’s paninis. Now, I know this is hard to believe, but today’s sauerkraut features just two ingredients – cabbage and salt. Once again, it’s plant-based, gluten-free, nut-free, Paleo, Keto-friendly, and features no added vinegar, sugar, preservatives or additives.

4) Fermented Red Onions. A delightful mix of red onion, water, salt, sumac berry, and white tea, Small Town Cultures’ Fermented Red Onions are a delicious addition to charcuterie boards, sandwiches, and salads. The lovely red color, and delicious taste, make them a delight for the eyes and the palate alike. Again, this product is plant-based, gluten-free, nut-free, Paleo, Keto-friendly, and features no added vinegar, sugar, preservatives or additives.

5) Turmeric Kimchi. Small Town Cultures’ best-selling product, turmeric kimchi is a wonderfully simple mix of cabbage, carrots, garlic, ginger, turmeric , salt and cayenne. It features medium heat, with a bright bold flavor, making it perfect for eggs and salad, or as an ingredient in soups, or simply on its own as a side to Asian cuisine. Once again, this product is plant-based, gluten-free, nut-free, Paleo, Keto-friendly, and features no added vinegar, sugar, preservatives or additives.

More Great Sandwiches from Living the Gourmet

1) Chicken Fried Pork Rib Biscuits. Cayenne-fried pork ribs, topped with a sweet and spicy chili relish, sandwiched together on plump buttermilk biscuits. Need I say more?

2) Spicy Chicken Wraps. Pan grilled chicken coated with a garlic and lemon spice rub, piled onto homemade wheat tortillas with avocado, red bell peppers, and shredded lettuce.

3) Greek Tacos. My answer to the question “What would a taco look like, if it were prepared with primarily Greek ingredients?” These tacos feature cinnamon ground beef with oregano, bell peppers, and sweet onions, piled onto wheat tortillas with sweet red onion and grape tomatoes.

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Grilled Chicken Paninis

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★★★★★

5 from 18 reviews

  • Author: Living the Gourmet
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 paninis 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 1/2 – 3 lbs. of boneless chicken breast – sliced thin
  • Ciabatta, sliced
  • Small Town Cultures Fermented Jalapenos
  • Small Town Cultures Fermented Red Onions
  • Small Town Cultures Sauerkraut
  • Small Town Cultures Turmeric Kimchi

Marinade for the chicken:

  • 3 tsps. sugar
  • 3 tsps. salt
  • 3 tsps. ground black pepper
  • 2 tsps. dried minced garlic
  • 3 tsps. dried Mexican oregano
  • 2 tsps. crushed red pepper
  • 3 tbs. olive oil
  • 2 1/2 tbs. fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbs. apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tbs. fresh grated Romano or Parmesan cheese

Instructions

For the chicken:

  • Combine all of the ingredients for the marinade in a bowl.
  • Mix and form into a paste like marinade.
  • Rub each piece of chicken with the paste and place in a covered bowl.
  • Refrigerate for at least one hour or up to over night.
  • Heat a cast iron griddle or large cast iron frying pan.
  • Place a few slices of chicken on the heated pan or griddle.
  • Allow the edges of the chicken to turn white then turn over and finish cooking on the other side. The cooking time will depend the thickness of the cutlet. Thin sliced cutlets should take about 4 minutes or so per side. The juices should run clear when the chicken is cooked through.

For the paninis:

  • Preheat your panini grill to 350 F. degrees.
  • Layer cheese, tomatoes, grilled chicken, and your desired Small Town Cultures fermented foods. Close the sandwich and brush the outside of the bread with mayonnaise.
  • Carefully place the sandwich on the panini maker and press the lid down gently. Allow to cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Keywords: paninis, sandwiches, grilled chicken

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Luna S says

    06/07/2022 at 5:37 pm

    My husband loves paninis, but we haven’t made them in a long time! This post is inspiring me to pull out the panini maker again, this looks so good.

    Reply
  2. Beth says

    06/07/2022 at 5:48 pm

    These paninis are so delicious. I love the addition of the pickled veggies. Yum!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  3. Janessa says

    06/07/2022 at 6:01 pm

    Wow, what a delicious sandwich! We will definitely make these again.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  4. Alison says

    06/07/2022 at 6:28 pm

    This is a delicious and easy sandwich to make for a summer lunch! The marinade is very flavorful.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  5. Beth says

    06/07/2022 at 7:26 pm

    Holy cow, that looks good! This takes paninis to an entirely new level. I can’t wait to try it.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  6. Tayler says

    06/07/2022 at 8:48 pm

    I’m always looking for new sandwiches to make for lunch, and this panini is my new favorite! So delicious!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  7. Samantha Donnelly says

    07/07/2022 at 9:30 am

    These look amazing, I have just had some paninis delivererd in my shopping, this will be much nicer than the norrmal fillings we go for

    Reply
  8. Talya Stone says

    07/07/2022 at 3:14 pm

    Yum these look so good! I haven’t made a panini for an age but they are so good and perfect for a summer lunch.

    Reply
  9. Sandra says

    07/07/2022 at 3:41 pm

    Umm this made my stomach growl lol that looks AMAZING! I will have to try it.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  10. Melanie E says

    07/07/2022 at 4:21 pm

    I’d probably use the 2 pan or griddle option. These sound great. Ideal for the kids for their lunches over the summer break.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  11. Melanie williams says

    07/07/2022 at 5:21 pm

    Ooo how yummy do these look! I love a nice filled panini so this is something that I would try and my husband too x

    Reply
  12. Risa Lopez says

    07/07/2022 at 6:52 pm

    I love it, looks so yummy and flavorful. Thank you for the recipe, I can’t wait to try it!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  13. Lavanda Michelle says

    08/07/2022 at 1:49 am

    Those look absolutely, I love paninis and haven’t had any in a while. Thanks for sharing!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  14. Rosey says

    08/07/2022 at 1:51 am

    I order paninis sometimes when I am out. I have never made them at home. These look great.

    Reply
  15. Yeah LIfestyle says

    08/07/2022 at 12:48 pm

    This looks absolutely delicious and almost restaurant style! I can’t wait to make this at home as it does look easy

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  16. jupiter hadley says

    09/07/2022 at 6:34 pm

    Those fermented jalapenos – I’d eat them on everything! Thank you for sharing this recipe.

    Reply
  17. Sean says

    12/07/2022 at 6:32 pm

    I love a great sandwich and now it the perfect time for them. The panini was delicious and easy to make.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  18. Bernice says

    12/07/2022 at 7:43 pm

    Not everyone has a panini press so I really appreciate the alternate suggestions. I never even thought about two cast iron pans. Great idea! Oh and BTW kimchi grilled cheese is so darn good!

    Reply
  19. Heather says

    12/07/2022 at 10:13 pm

    Going to have to bust out the grill pan to make these paninis! They look delicious! And the jalapenos, definitely want to get a jar of those too!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  20. Cathleen says

    13/07/2022 at 5:16 pm

    I absolutely love paninis! This one might be my new favourie! I love how easy it is to make. Definitely going on my regular rotation from now on 🙂

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  21. Jessica says

    14/07/2022 at 7:06 pm

    LOVE the fermented ingredients in these! Such interesting and inspired flavors for just the right kick in a perfect panini. Can’t wait to try the recipe 🙂

    Reply
  22. Claire says

    15/07/2022 at 11:27 am

    So as a massive fan of fermented veggies this was calling my name. Especially as I bought a panini machine on Prime day!
    Wow!!! I might never make a different panini again. Although the kids are insistent that I make an 8 cheese one like they saw in a cafe. But I am so happy with your recipe. it will be a regular for me!
    And the chicken was so good I am going to try serving it as a dinner with some veggies and nice bread.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  23. Amy Liu Dong says

    15/07/2022 at 1:28 pm

    I love how easy and delicious to make this recipe. This is def one of my favorites!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  24. Denise says

    17/07/2022 at 1:56 pm

    Nothing beats a perfectly grilled sandwich. Your chicken panini looks incredibly delicious and satisfying!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  25. Freya says

    17/07/2022 at 2:05 pm

    Such a quick and easy lunchtime option for weekends!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  26. Jacqueline Debono says

    17/07/2022 at 4:45 pm

    I LOVE grilled paninis. I make them at home and also buy them at cafes and even motorway rest stops. Here in Italy, they have the best paninis in the motorway (highway) restaurants. You choose which you want and they grill it for you! Love the idea of adding fermented veggies. The red onions sound delish!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

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