Who knew that a simple panini could evoke such a whirlwind of emotions and flavors? This pesto chicken avocado panini—it’s like a summer day captured between two slices of bread. Imagine biting into the creamy avocado mingling with aromatic pesto and juicy chicken; it’s like a mini-vacation for your taste buds. I stumbled upon this gem during a lazy Sunday brunch, and it’s been a game-changer ever since.
Steps
- Halve the chicken breasts horizontally and place them in a resealable bag. Add pesto and oil to the bag, seal it, and shake until the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade.
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise and pesto to create a creamy sauce.
- Spread 1-2 tablespoons of the pesto mayo on each of two slices of bread. Layer with sliced avocado, grilled chicken, tomato, and mozzarella.
- For a toasted sandwich, melt a tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwich in the pan and cook until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 large or 2 small)
- 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon oil of choice
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or sour cream
- 1/4 cup pesto
- 1-2 tablespoons pesto mayo (for spreading)
- Sliced avocado
- Sliced tomato
- Sliced fresh mozzarella
- Sara Lee® Artesano™ Bread
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for toasting)
FAQ
- Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?
- Absolutely! While homemade pesto can add a fresh touch, store-bought pesto works perfectly for marinating the chicken and mixing with mayo.
- What type of bread is recommended for these sandwiches?
- Sara Lee® Artesano™ Bread is suggested due to its soft, thick slices that enhance the sandwich experience. Plus, it’s free from artificial additives.
- Is it possible to make the sandwich without grilling it?
- Yes, you can enjoy the sandwich deli-style with cold tomato and mozzarella, or you can toast it by melting butter in a skillet for a crispy finish.
- Can sour cream be used instead of mayo in the pesto mayo?
- Certainly! Sour cream can be used as a lighter alternative to mayo when making the pesto mayo sauce.
- How can I ensure the chicken is cooked properly?
- Grill the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side over medium-high heat until they are thoroughly cooked.
Tips
- Marinate the chicken thoroughly by placing it in a sealed bag with pesto and oil, ensuring that every piece is well-coated for maximum flavor.
- For a lighter pesto mayo, consider incorporating sour cream alongside the mayo to achieve a creamy yet balanced taste.
- If you prefer a toasted sandwich, melt some butter in a pan and toast the assembled sandwich until golden brown, allowing the mozzarella to melt perfectly.
- Try making homemade pesto for a fresher taste, though store-bought pesto works well if you are short on time.
Equipment
- Outdoor Grill – If you don’t already have one, an outdoor grill is useful for grilling the chicken.
- Grill Pan or Skillet – A high-quality grill pan or skillet for indoor grilling if an outdoor grill is not available.
- Ziploc Bags – Useful for marinating the chicken.
- Whisk – For mixing the pesto and mayo to create the sauce.
