Is there any sandwich better than a Panini? I mean really, what is better than some chicken, veggies, and melted cheese sandwiched between grilled warm bread. The possibilities are endless when it comes to making a Panini. You can put whatever fixin’ you like on them, just add some low-fat cheese, and you’ve got yourself a healthy sandwich.
I received a Panini press for Christmas a few years ago, and my husband loves it when I pull it out and make him a grilled sandwich. But, you don’t NEED a Panini press to make them, you can use a stovetop grill pan with a heavy lid to get the same result.
Sometimes, you need a quick, easy, and healthy meal to feed the family with. And this Healthy Chicken Panini fits that bill.
What makes it healthier than a Panini you would get at a restaurant?
- I’ve used a whole grain baguette
- I’ve topped it with roasted red peppers that are packed in water, not oil
- I substituted a low-fat cheese for regular cheese
- I use lean chicken breast
- I’ve added some healthy basil pesto for an extra kick
So the next time you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and family friendly meal, make this Healthy Chicken Panini. You won’t be disappointed.
Recipe adapted from Clean Eating Magazine
Ingredients
- 2 4-oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 oz low-fat Monterey jack cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1/2 cup jarred roasted red peppers (packed in water), sliced
- 4 Tbsp lemon-basil pesto
- 1 whole wheat baguette
Instructions
Mist a stove-top gill pan with olive oil and heat on medium-high. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt and fresh ground pepper on each chicken breast and cook in grill pan until no longer pink. Remove from pan and thinly slice.
Cut baguette into 4 pieces, slicing each piece horizontally to make a sandwich. On the bottom half of each sandwich, spread 1 Tbsp pesto, and top with chicken, red pepper, spinach, and cheese. Place the other half of the sandwich on top.
Wipe out grill pan with a paper towel. Place each Panini in the grill pan and set a heavy skillet or pan over top, pressing down. Cook for 3 - 4 minutes per side (alternatively, you could use a Panini press.)
Serve warm.
Notes
Cal: 249 Fat: 8g Protein: 20g Fiber: 4g Sodium: 661mg Sugar: 4g
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Wooooow, that looks amazing! Have you ever tried the Caprese Panini at Panera Bread? This one sort of reminds me of it…
Olivia @ Liv Lives Life recently posted..Parks Around Kingston
I’ve heard so many yummy things about Panera Bread…but sadly we don’t have up here in the Great White North
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