Spicy Chipotle Chicken Recipe
This Chicken Panini inspired by Panera Bread combines tender grilled chicken breast, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh tomato slices layered between sturdy bread slices spread with a smoky chipotle mayo. Grilled or pressed to golden perfection, this handheld sandwich boasts smoky, tangy, and savory flavors ideal for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chipotle Mayo
- 1 egg yolk
- ¼ cup neutral-flavored oil (vegetable or canola)
- 2 tsp lime juice
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 1 chicken breast, sliced in half horizontally
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crisp
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 beefsteak tomato, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 4 slices sturdy bread (French, focaccia, or sourdough, ½-inch thick)
- Softened butter (for grilling)
Instructions
- Make the chipotle mayo: In a bowl, whisk the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, lime juice, honey, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper until smooth to create the base of the mayo.
- Emulsify the mayo: Slowly drizzle in the neutral-flavored oil while whisking continuously until the mixture becomes creamy and emulsified, resembling a smooth aioli texture.
- Add smoky chipotle flavor: Stir in the smoked paprika and finely chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside the chipotle mayo for assembly.
- Cook the chicken: Lightly season the halved chicken breast with salt and pepper, then grill or pan-sear it over medium heat for about 4–5 minutes per side until fully cooked. Slice the chicken if needed to fit the sandwich size.
- Prepare the bread: Butter one side of each bread slice for grilling. Spread a generous amount of chipotle mayo on the opposite side of each slice.
- Assemble the panini: On one bread slice (mayo side in), layer a slice of sharp cheddar cheese, followed by the grilled chicken, crispy bacon, tomato slices, more cheddar cheese, and top with the second bread slice (mayo side in).
- Grill the sandwich: Heat a skillet or panini press over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwich onto the skillet or press and cook, pressing down, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese melts—about 3–5 minutes per side in a skillet, or 4–6 minutes in a panini press.
- Serve: Slice the panini in half and serve hot with extra chipotle mayo on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Use sturdy bread like sourdough or focaccia to avoid sogginess during grilling.
- Adjust the amount of chipotle pepper in mayo to control heat level.
- Bacon can be cooked in advance for convenience.
- You can substitute chicken breast with turkey breast if preferred.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Keywords: chicken panini, panera copycat, chipotle mayo, grilled chicken sandwich, bacon panini, cheddar cheese sandwich
Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/spicy-chipotle-chicken-recipe/
