Delicious Chicken Pesto Panini: Your Go-To Recipe for Quick & Flavorful Meals (Plus a Chance to Win $25,000!)
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Mezzetta. The opinions and text are all mine.
As summer winds down, there’s a unique blend of excitement and nostalgia in the air. For many of us, the start of a new school year is just around the corner – my boys head back next Wednesday! It’s a bittersweet transition; I’m certainly ready to re-establish a more structured daily routine, yet I’ll undoubtedly miss the relaxed pace of summer days.
One aspect of summer I’m more than happy to bid farewell to is the constant demand for elaborate lunches at home. It seems my boys transform into bottomless pits during their summer break, consuming an endless array of snacks and meals. So, I’ll gladly embrace the return of lunchbox duty for the coming months, knowing it brings a semblance of order back to our kitchen.
However, the upside of all that summer lunch preparation? I stumbled upon what I genuinely believe is the world’s most incredible sandwich recipe – a culinary gem that will revolutionize your mealtime experience!
Prepare yourself for an explosion of flavor with this incredible Chicken Pesto Panini! Imagine warm, perfectly toasted bread encasing layers of tender sliced chicken, generously melted mozzarella cheese, the zesty kick of Mezzetta Everything Spread, and a luscious, creamy pesto mayo that ties it all together. It’s a symphony of “ooey, gooey” deliciousness, a comforting and utterly satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of year.
But what could possibly be better than indulging in such an amazingly delicious, warm, and cheesy panini? How about the chance to win a life-changing $25,000?
That’s right, fellow food enthusiasts! Mezzetta is hosting its incredible $25,000 Mezzetta® Make That Sandwich™ Contest. The grand prize winner will walk away with a whopping $25,000, and two runners-up will each receive $1,000. Entering is simple and fun: just craft your own unique and amazing sandwich creation using at least two of Mezzetta’s exceptional products. This is your chance to get creative in the kitchen and potentially win big!
Why This Chicken Pesto Panini Will Become Your New Favorite Lunch
This Chicken Pesto Panini isn’t just another sandwich; it’s a gourmet experience made simple. The combination of savory chicken, rich mozzarella, and the bright, herbaceous notes of pesto creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. What makes it truly stand out is the strategic use of Mezzetta’s premium ingredients. The “Everything Spread” adds a unique depth, while their vibrant pesto elevates the creamy mayo to new heights. It’s a recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for a busy weekday lunch or a relaxed weekend brunch. Plus, the versatility means you can enjoy it warm and pressed, or even cold for a quick grab-and-go option.
The Magic of Mezzetta: Elevating Your Everyday Meals
My love affair with Mezzetta products runs deep, and for good reason. They consistently deliver on quality and flavor, making them staples in my pantry. Let’s talk about a few stars in this panini:
- Mezzetta Everything Spread (Olive, Parmesan & Garlic): The name truly says it all. This spread is an absolute game-changer. Its rich, savory, and slightly tangy profile is incredibly versatile. While it shines in this panini, lending a gourmet touch to the bread, I also use it on crackers, as a flavorful base for chicken or fish, or even stirred into pasta sauces. It’s seriously delicious – one of my all-time favorite ingredients! Its bold flavor means a little goes a long way, transforming ordinary dishes into something extraordinary.
- Mezzetta Pesto: Mezzetta’s pesto is simply the best. Bursting with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and pine nuts, it brings an authentic Italian flavor to any dish. For this panini, I’ve mixed it with a bit of mayonnaise to create a creamy, spreadable pesto mayo that adds incredible moisture and a vibrant herbaceous note. This creamy blend is a secret weapon, ensuring every bite is packed with delicious flavor.
What I appreciate most about Mezzetta products, beyond their incredible taste, is their accessibility. You can find them nationwide at most grocery stores, making it easy to stock up on these high-quality staples. The freshness and superior quality are consistently evident, transforming everyday meals into delightful culinary experiences.
Tips for Crafting the Perfect Panini at Home
Achieving panini perfection is easier than you think, even without a dedicated panini press. Here are a few tips to ensure your Chicken Pesto Panini (or any panini!) turns out golden, crispy, and oozing with cheesy goodness:
- Choose Your Bread Wisely: While I opted for an Italian loaf, ciabatta, focaccia, or sourdough also work wonderfully. The key is to select a bread that can stand up to pressing without becoming too dense or soggy.
- Butter or Oil for Golden Crispness: A light spread of butter or olive oil on the outside of your bread is crucial for achieving that irresistible golden-brown crust. This also prevents sticking to your cooking surface.
- Don’t Overstuff: While tempting to pile on the fillings, avoid overstuffing your panini. Too many ingredients can make it difficult to press evenly, leading to an undercooked center or fillings spilling out.
- Pressing Without a Panini Press: No special equipment? No problem! Use a heavy cast-iron skillet, a brick wrapped in foil, or even another pot to press your sandwich down firmly while it cooks in a regular skillet. This creates that characteristic panini crunch and helps the cheese melt beautifully.
- Even Heat Distribution: Cook your panini over medium heat. This allows the bread to crisp and the cheese to melt thoroughly without burning the outside.
- Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to experiment! Add roasted red peppers, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a different type of cheese to personalize your panini. Mezzetta offers a fantastic range of pickled vegetables that would add an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
Unleashing Your Inner Chef: Enter the Mezzetta Make That Sandwich™ Contest!
Inspired by this delicious Chicken Pesto Panini, I truly hope you’ll give it a try. Whether you enjoy it warm and pressed to golden perfection or as a quick, cold sandwich, it’s absolutely worth your time. But don’t stop there! Let your culinary creativity flow and develop your own amazing sandwich recipe featuring at least two of Mezzetta’s fantastic products.
Imagine the possibilities: from gourmet grilled cheeses with Mezzetta Sweet Cherry Peppers to vibrant veggie wraps featuring their olives and artichoke hearts. The options are endless, and your unique creation could be the one that wins you that incredible $25,000 grand prize!
Submitting your entry is easy. Just visit the contest page HERE to learn more about the rules and how to share your masterpiece. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to showcase your sandwich-making skills and potentially win big!
Chicken Pesto Panini
This recipe provides a quick and delicious way to enjoy a gourmet-style sandwich at home. The blend of Mezzetta’s Everything Spread and Pesto mayo creates a unique flavor that will have you coming back for more!
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Ingredients
- sandwich bread I used an Italian loaf, but ciabatta or sourdough would also be great!
- sliced chicken I used deli sliced meat for convenience, but leftover grilled chicken works beautifully.
- shredded mozzarella For that perfect melty, gooey texture.
- 1 Tbsp. light mayonnaise
- 1 tsp. Mezzetta Pesto The secret to our creamy pesto mayo.
- Mezzetta Olive Parmesan & Garlic Everything Spread for an irresistible flavor boost.
- light butter spread For a perfectly golden and crispy exterior.
Instructions
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In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together the light mayonnaise and Mezzetta Pesto until smooth and creamy. Set this delightful pesto mayo aside.
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Lightly butter one side of each slice of your chosen sandwich bread. Place one slice, buttered side down, onto a cold skillet or a preheated panini press. Spread a generous amount of Mezzetta Everything Spread on the unbuttered side of this bread slice. Layer with your sliced chicken and a good helping of shredded mozzarella cheese.
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Take the second slice of bread. On the side opposite the buttered end, spread your prepared creamy pesto mayo. Place this bread slice on top of the mozzarella, with the pesto mayo side facing down onto the cheese.
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If using a skillet: Heat the skillet over medium heat. Place the bottom of a heavy skillet (or a foil-wrapped brick) on top of the sandwich, pressing it down firmly. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Carefully flip the sandwich and press again, cooking until the other side is also golden brown and crispy. If using a panini press: Close the lid and cook according to your panini press’s instructions, typically 3-5 minutes, until golden and cheese is melted.
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Once cooked to perfection, remove the panini from the skillet or press. Cut it in half diagonally and serve immediately to enjoy the ooey-gooey goodness. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Mezzetta. The opinions and text are all mine.