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Chicken Caesar Pesto Panini
Chicken Caesar Pesto Panini is simply mouthwatering! Jazz up your everyday grilled cheese with this elevated combo that features fresh pesto, gooey mozzarella cheese, and decadent caesar dressing.
Servings 4
Ingredients
- 1 loaf Gluten Free Focaccia see notes
- 1 batch Pesto see notes
- 4-8 thin slices mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 lb thinly-sliced deli chicken
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- prepared Caesar Salad Dressing Ken’s Creamy Caesar recommended
- 1/2 small red onion thinly sliced, optional
Instructions
- Preheat an electric panini press on medium-high heat, or a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Slice the Gluten Free Focaccia in half widthwise to create a top and bottom then place cut side up on a cutting board. If using sliced bread, lay 2 bread slices per sandwich out on a cutting board.
- Spread pesto on all the pieces of focaccia/bread then place 1-2 slices of mozzarella cheese on the bottom of each sandwich (may only need 1 slice depending on how large the bread slice is if using sliced bread). Layer on your desired amount of deli chicken then place 1-2 more slices of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Place the top of the focaccia/bread pesto-side down on top of the sandwich. If using focaccia bread, slice into 2 - 4 thick sandwiches. Place the sandwiches inside the pre-heated panini press or into the bottom of the skillet, if using.
- Grill until the panini is golden brown and the cheese has melted (if using a skillet, flip the sandwich when the bottom side is golden brown), then transfer to plates.
- To a medium-size mixing bowl, add the romaine lettuce and your desired amount of Caesar dressing then toss with tongs to coat. Remove the top slice of focaccia/bread from the paninis then top with the dressed Caesar salad. Add red onion slices if desired then replace the bread on top and serve immediately.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute your favorite store-bought bread for the homemade focaccia bread. If using store-bought bread, spread softened butter on the outsides of the bread to ensure they crisp and brown in the panini maker or pan.
- Substitute your favorite store-bought pesto for the homemade pesto. I highly recommend Gotham Greens Vegan Pesto (I prefer the flavor of their vegan pesto over their regular pesto).
- This is really a “no recipe” type of recipe – that said, use as much chicken, cheese, salad, etc. as you personally prefer!