Description
Grilled Chicken and Avocado Panini delivers a perfect lunch sandwich that brings together creamy avocado and tender chicken between crispy, golden bread slices. Melted cheese and zesty herbs make this quick meal a delicious midday treat your taste buds will absolutely adore.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Produce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Supporting Ingredients:
- 2 ciabatta rolls
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or aioli
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Liberally coat 1.5 lbs chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Warm 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat at 350°F. Cook chicken 6-7 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- In the identical hot skillet, sauté your 1 cup spinach for 2-3 minutes until leaves soften and darken.
- Allow spinach to cool while slicing 2 ciabatta rolls in half. Toast bread pieces for 3-4 minutes at 400°F until edges crisp and turn light golden.
- Halve your ripe avocado and mash its flesh in a bowl. Mix in 1 tsp lemon juice and pinch of salt until slightly chunky.
- Spread 2 tbsp mayonnaise across each toasted bread surface. Layer one bread slice with sliced chicken, wilted spinach, and creamy avocado mixture.
- Close panini with remaining bread slice. Return sandwich to skillet, pressing gently. Grill 3-4 minutes per side at 375°F until exterior reaches deep golden brown and filling warms through.
Notes
- Choose chicken breasts with even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
- Let chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to help retain moisture and make slicing easier.
- Toast ciabatta rolls gently to maintain a crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft and chewy.
- Replace chicken with grilled tofu or portobello mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version that keeps the same flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-22 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg