Copycat Frontega Chicken Panini (But Better)

Smoky chicken, melted mozzarella, and juicy tomato layered in crisp golden ciabatta — a homemade upgrade to your favorite café panini.

Rated 5 by 1 parent

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Course: Lunch

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chicken panini, copycat frontega chicken, panera frontega chicken, smoky chicken sandwich

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 20

Servings: sandwiches

Calories: 1131kcal

Cost: $14.50

Equipment

1 Mixing Bowl
1 Chef's Knife
1 cutting board
1 Skillet or grill pan heavy-bottomed preferred
1 Spatula or heavy pan to press the sandwich

Ingredients

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 roasted red pepper finely minced
1 tbsp adobo sauce from chipotles
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
to taste salt and black pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded grilled chicken thighs
2 ciabatta rolls halved
1/4 cup baby arugula or fresh basil
4 oz smoked mozzarella cheese or mozzarella and gouda blend
1 ripe tomato thinly sliced
1/4 red onion very thinly sliced
1 tsp olive oil for brushing

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Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced roasted red pepper, adobo sauce, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and black pepper.
1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 roasted red pepper, 1 tbsp adobo sauce, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, to taste salt and black pepper
Gently reheat shredded grilled chicken thighs in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
1 1/2 cups shredded grilled chicken thighs
Spread chipotle mayo on both cut sides of the ciabatta rolls. Layer the bottom halves with baby arugula, warm chicken, slices of smoked mozzarella, tomato slices, and red onion. Close with the top halves.
2 ciabatta rolls, 1/4 cup baby arugula, 1 1/2 cups shredded grilled chicken thighs, 4 oz smoked mozzarella cheese, 1 ripe tomato, 1/4 red onion
Lightly brush the outsides of the ciabatta with olive oil. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat and place the sandwiches inside, weighing them down with a heavy pan or spatula.
1 tsp olive oil
Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. Slice and serve hot.

Notes

For extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of chipotle powder to the spread. Swap basil for arugula if you prefer a peppery bite. This recipe is an independent creation and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Panera Bread.

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