Chicken Pesto and Olive Panini

Transform your lunch game with this irresistible Chicken Pesto and Olive Panini, a quick and flavorful recipe that delivers gourmet results in just 15 minutes! This panini starts with crusty ciabatta rolls, slathered in aromatic basil pesto, and layered with juicy shredded chicken breast, creamy fresh mozzarella, and the briny bite of sliced Kalamata olives. A handful of peppery arugula adds brightness, while perfectly toasted bread infused with olive oil brings the entire sandwich together. Whether you’re using a panini press or grill pan, this Italian-inspired sandwich achieves the perfect balance of melty, crisp, and savory in every bite. Ideal for an elevated lunch or casual dinner, this panini is sure to become a household favorite. Tags: chicken pesto panini, olive panini recipe, quick gourmet sandwiches, easy panini ideas.

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:5 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 2 large rolls Ciabatta bread
• 1 cup Cooked chicken breast
• 4 tablespoons Basil pesto
• 1 quarter cup Kalamata olives (pitted and sliced)
• 4 slices Fresh mozzarella
• 1 handful Arugula
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 0.25 teaspoons Salt
• 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Slice the ciabatta rolls in half horizontally and place them open-faced on a clean work surface.

Step 2

Spread 1 tablespoon of basil pesto on the inner side of each roll half (4 halves total).

Step 3

Layer 2 slices of fresh mozzarella onto the bottom half of each roll.

Step 4

Shred the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and distribute evenly over the mozzarella layers.

Step 5

Sprinkle the sliced Kalamata olives over the chicken, followed by a handful of fresh arugula on each sandwich.

Step 6

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 7

Place the top halves of the ciabatta rolls over the assembled bottom halves to create a sandwich.

Step 8

Brush the outer sides of both top and bottom halves of the sandwich lightly with olive oil.

Step 9

Preheat a panini press or a grill pan over medium heat. If using a grill pan, place a heavy skillet or another pan on top of the sandwiches to press them down.

Step 10

Cook the panini on the preheated panini press or grill pan for approximately 3-5 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crisp and the cheese is melted.

Step 11

Remove the panini from the heat, cut each sandwich in half, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(733.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1833.7

Total Fat 112.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 26.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.2g
Cholesterol 230.6mg	0%
Sodium 4351.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 88.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.3g	0%
Total Sugars 5.2g
Protein 104.4g	0%

Vitamin D 17.9IU	0%
Calcium 1195.0mg	0%
Iron 11.6mg	0%
Potassium 640.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 56.8%

Protein: 23.4%

Carbs: 19.8%