There is nothing worse than biting into a fresh panini that is dry and boring inside. Whether you have purchased it from a deli or have made it at home, the disappointment feels the same.
However, instead of swearing off paninis altogether, we have compiled a list of 15 of the juiciest chicken panini recipes that you can easily make at home.
You don’t have to resign yourself to a life of boring lunches when you have so many delicious options that you can make quickly and easily on your lunch break.
Table of Contents
1. Air Fryer Caprese Panini
Let’s start with an interesting panini that can be made in an air fryer. Cooking paninis or toasted sandwiches in an air fryer helps to make them extra crispy and sometimes less oily.
However, if you don’t have an air fryer, you can still make this delicious recipe in a panini maker. Italian bread is best for this panini because it can handle the amounts of butter and oil that are involved.
If you are craving a fresh, Italian deli-style treat, this is the perfect recipe for your lunch.
2. Chicken And Brie Panini
Another winning combination for a juicy chicken panini is chicken and brie. The brie is creamy and soft but is also packed with a strong flavor that compliments the chicken breast perfectly.
The addition of bacon to this sandwich adds a beautiful salty flavor and some extra crunch if the bacon is cooked right.
The onion and fresh thyme leaves give the panini a deep flavor that will have you wanting to make this for lunch every single day. Maybe even for breakfast or dinner too.
3. Thai Red Chicken Panini
If you are a fan of spice and curries, this could be the perfect panini filling for you to try. One of the things that can put people off of paninis is the prevalence of cheese as a means of adding moisture and flavor.
However, with this Thai red chicken panini, you can forgo the cheese altogether. Instead, all of the moisture and juiciness come from the delicious, flavorful curry sauce.
One of the best things about this recipe is that you can use leftover Thai red chicken curry to help avoid food waste.
4. Greek Style Chicken Panini
If you love a greek salad but want to have something more substantial or comforting for lunch, this greek style chicken panini could be just what you have been looking for.
The flavor combination of spinach, mozzarella, feta, tomato, and olives can whisk you away to a Mediterranean paradise from the comfort of your desk or couch.
The marinated chicken gives the panini an extra layer of flavor that really rounds the sandwich off properly.
5. Chicken, Peppers, And Cheese Panini
If you prefer a more classic panini for your lunch or a snack, this chicken, peppers, and cheese panini is a great choice. Not only is this a super flavorful recipe, but it is also extremely quick and simple to rustle up.
If you regularly have meals in your house that use roasted peppers, this can be a great way to use up leftovers from another meal to help reduce your food waste. You can also use leftover roast chicken for this panini.
6. Butter Chicken Panini
Another option for a chicken panini that is spicy, juicy, and doesn’t use cheese is this stunning butter chicken panini. Butter chicken is a winning recipe for many people as it is rich and comforting with layered flavors that blend together so well.
Again, this is another panini recipe that can be a unique way to use up leftovers from the night before. Perfect for a low effort, high reward lunch.
To make this sandwich even more delicious and unique, you can use naan bread instead of a panini or Italian bread.
7. Chicken Pesto Panini
If you aren’t looking for something unique and instead want something that is timeless and classic, this chicken pesto panini could be the perfect lunch to brighten up your day.
While chicken and pesto might seem like a safe or boring choice but classics earn their status for a reason. The combination of the juicy grilled chicken and the tangy, oily pesto ensure that your panini stays moist and delicious.
8. Classic Chicken Panini
This classic chicken panini is one of the most interesting recipes on this list. The ingredients of vinegar, garlic powder, and red onion create an intense and acidic flavor.
This can be a really refreshing combination that will perk you up and help you get over any afternoon slump. The chicken, mozzarella, and tomato help to ensure this panini has an air of familiarity about it too.
9. Chicken Panini With Spinach And Pesto
Another classic on the list is this chicken panini with spinach and pesto. While this is very similar to the other chicken and pesto panini there are some significant differences.
The addition of the spinach doesn’t just provide extra nutritional benefits such as an increased amount of iron for the sandwich. The leaves of the spinach help to provide an additional texture to the panini and prevent the sandwich from being too boring.
The use of swiss cheese instead of mozzarella also adds a beautiful twist to the recipe.
10. California Smoked Chicken Panini
If you want a panini that feels like a classic but with more of an edge or perhaps one that could be just as tasty as a salad instead, this is the panini for you. The California smoked chicken panini is one of the most aptly named sandwiches on this list.
The combination of fresh avocado, tomato, smoked chicken, bell pepper, and aioli can transport you to sunny California in just one bite.
If you wish you were cruising down sunset boulevard rather than sitting at your desk staring at a computer screen, this can be the lunch option that gets you through the day.
11. Chicken Parmesan Panini
This is another recipe that moves away from the more common cheeses such as mozzarella and brie. While these cheeses create a beautifully melted effect that isn’t always what you want from a panini.
Similarly, the taste of these cheeses, brie in particular, can be quite strong and overwhelming for some people. If that sounds like you, this chicken parmesan panini can be the perfect option.
There are so many great aspects that create this sandwich. From the panko breadcrumbs that make the chicken crunchy to the marinara sauce with creole seasoning, there is no shortage of flavor or texture with this recipe.
12. Chicken Pomodori Panini
If flavor is what you are looking for, this chicken pomodori panini could be the answer to your midday cravings. Not only are there two cheeses in this recipe, but there are also plenty of vegetables and herbs to increase the nutritional value of the sandwich.
This can be a great way to use up breaded chicken from dinner the night before, or if you don’t normally have leftovers you can make some extras next time you are making breaded chicken for dinner.
13. Grilled Chicken Fajita Panini
Another flavor explosion panini is this grilled chicken fajita recipe which tastes exactly how it sounds. This can be a fun and interesting way to get your favorite Mexican flavors and ingredients into a midday sandwich.
The sweetness of the roast peppers and the tanginess of the red onion create a wonderful combination of flavors for your lunch.
14. Buffalo Chicken Panini
If you have a soft spot for buffalo wings or any kind of buffalo chicken, this will be the panini recipe that grabs your attention. This is a wonderfully tasty and spicy panini recipe that is incredibly juicy.
The buffalo sauce helps to keep this sandwich moist and provides a huge amount of flavor. The addition of crumbled blue cheese or blue cheese dressing is the perfect finishing touch for this sandwich.
15. Skinny Chicken And Roasted Vegetable Panini
If you’ve been reading all of these recipes wanting to try them but have been concerned about the calorific nature of a lot of them, this could be the answer to your prayers.
This chicken and roasted vegetable panini recipe has been designed to keep the maximum amount of flavor without adding unnecessary calories.
This can be a great option if you are craving a delicious panini for lunch but are following a strict diet or are simply trying to watch what you eat.
Final Thoughts
There are so many incredible juicy chicken panini recipes that you can make at home. Many of the recipes in this list can be made with simple ingredients that you are likely to already have in your kitchen.
There are also some great recipes that are the perfect way to use up leftovers from your dinner the night before.
Whatever kind of food you are craving, there is a chicken panini recipe out there that will make sure you feel full and satisfied.
