5ozciabatta or other sturdy breadcut into two portions
6ozcooked chicken breast, thinly sliced
1.2ozbacon, cooked until crisp
2.5ozprovolone or cheddar cheese, sliced
3ozripe tomato, thinly sliced
1cupbaby arugula or spinach
1tbspmayonnaise
1tspDijon mustard
0.75tbspunsalted butter, softenedfor the outside of the bread
0.25tspfreshly ground black pepper
0.25tspkosher salt
Instructions
Preparation Steps
Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, then drain on paper towels.
Preheat a panini press or warm a large skillet over medium heat.
Stir the mayonnaise and Dijon together in a small bowl.
Slice each bread portion horizontally. Spread the mayo mixture on the cut sides.
Layer chicken, cheese, bacon, and tomato on the bottom halves. Season with salt and pepper, then add the greens.
Close the sandwiches and butter the outsides of the bread.
Press in the panini maker until the bread is golden and cheese melts, 3–5 minutes. If using a skillet, cook 3–4 minutes per side, pressing with a heavy pan.
Rest 1 minute, then slice and serve warm.
Notes
Try a swipe of pesto instead of Dijon for a herby twist, or swap provolone for smoky gouda. No press? Cook in a skillet and press with a foil-wrapped saucepan. Leftovers reheat well: warm in a skillet over low heat 3–4 minutes per side to re-crisp.This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Easy Chicken Panini with Bacon and Cheese flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.