Description
This Chicken Caprese Panini recipe combines tender, lemon pepper-seasoned chicken with fresh tomato, basil, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese, all nestled inside crusty ciabatta rolls and finished to golden perfection in a panini press. The addition of balsamic glaze adds a tangy sweetness that beautifully complements the savory ingredients, making for a delicious and satisfying sandwich perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (thin cut)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1½ to 2 tablespoons lemon pepper (or to taste)
Sandwich
- 4 ciabatta rolls (halved horizontally)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (or to preference)
- 4 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 4 slices tomato
- 16 fresh basil leaves
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil spray (for panini press)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle 3/4 to 1 teaspoon kosher salt evenly on both sides of the thin-cut chicken breasts. Let them rest for 25 to 30 minutes or up to 1 hour to allow the salt to tenderize and flavor the meat.
- Add lemon pepper seasoning: After resting, season the chicken with 1½ to 2 tablespoons lemon pepper by sprinkling it generously and tossing the chicken to coat evenly.
- Cook the chicken: Preheat an air fryer to 390°F. Cook the chicken breasts for 11 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fully cooked through. Once done, let the chicken rest before slicing. Alternatively, you can grill or pan fry the chicken if preferred.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Cut the ciabatta rolls in half horizontally. Top the bottom halves with sliced chicken breasts, then drizzle each with about 1/2 tablespoon balsamic glaze. Add a slice of tomato, 1 tablespoon of freshly grated parmesan cheese, 4 large basil leaves, and finish with a slice of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Prepare the panini press: Lightly spray the bottom plate of your panini press with olive oil spray and preheat the press until hot.
- Grill the panini: Place two assembled sandwiches on the bottom plate of the panini press at a time. Close the lid and grill until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted completely.
- Serve: Remove the paninis from the press, cut each sandwich in half, and serve immediately while warm and melty.
Notes
- You can substitute the air fryer cooking method with grilling or pan frying the chicken if you prefer.
- Adjust the amount of lemon pepper seasoning to taste.
- For extra crispiness, lightly toast the ciabatta rolls before assembling.
- Use fresh mozzarella for best melting results.
- Balsamic glaze amount can be varied to your preference for sweetness and tanginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (includes resting time for chicken seasoning)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (11-12 mins air frying + assembly and grilling time)
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
